Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce

Introduction

Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce is a comfort food classic that combines tender seasoned ground beef, soft corn tortillas, melty cheese, and a luscious, tangy green sauce. The creamy green sauce, typically made with tomatillos, green chilies, and sour cream or cream cheese, takes these enchiladas to the next level by adding both richness and freshness.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving authentic Mexican-inspired flavors at home. It’s hearty, satisfying, and layered with textures—from the soft tortillas to the gooey cheese and the smooth sauce that ties everything together.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. The beef is savory and seasoned to perfection, the sauce adds a tangy creaminess, and the melted cheese makes it feel indulgent. Every bite is comforting, yet has a burst of brightness from the green sauce.

It’s also a versatile recipe—you can make it ahead, feed a crowd, or easily adjust spice levels to suit everyone at the table. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce isn’t just another Tex-Mex dinner—it’s a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and elegance all in one bite. The savory beef filling brings heartiness, while the tangy, slightly zesty green sauce balances it with freshness. The addition of sour cream or cream cheese in the sauce creates a velvety, rich texture that makes these enchiladas stand out from the classic red-sauce version.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance, refrigerate or freeze, and simply bake when ready.

Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, with customizable spice levels.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: You’ll get the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant right in your kitchen.

Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings (about 2 enchiladas per serving)
• Calories: ~420 per serving (varies by cheese and sauce used)

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Green Sauce:

• 1 cup tomatillo salsa (or salsa verde)
• ½ cup sour cream (or cream cheese for extra richness)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• ½ cup chicken broth (adjust for consistency)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• Juice of 1 lime

For Assembly:

• 12 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the beef with onion, garlic, and spices.
2. Blend together the salsa verde, sour cream, green chilies, cilantro, lime juice, and broth for the sauce.
3. Lightly fry or warm tortillas to make them pliable.
4. Fill tortillas with beef and cheese, roll them up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Pour green sauce over enchiladas, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Green Sauce

1. In a blender, combine salsa verde, sour cream, diced green chilies, cilantro, lime juice, and chicken broth.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Prep the Tortillas

1. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan.
2. Lightly fry each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side (just enough to make pliable). Pat dry.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread ½ cup green sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
3. Place 2–3 tbsp beef filling and some cheese inside each tortilla. Roll tightly.
4. Arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Pour the remaining green sauce evenly over enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, topped with cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad.
• A cold drink like horchata, margaritas, or agua fresca makes a perfect pairing.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Lightly frying tortillas keeps them from cracking during rolling.
• For extra richness, sprinkle some cheese inside the tortillas before rolling.
• If sauce seems too thick, thin it with extra broth.

Variations

• Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute shredded chicken for beef.
• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Use black beans, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables instead of meat.
• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the green sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble enchiladas (without baking), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet (for beef)
• Blender or food processor (for sauce)
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Foil (for covering enchiladas)

Conclusion

Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce is a must-have recipe for anyone who loves bold, comforting, and satisfying Mexican flavors. The creamy green sauce makes it stand out from traditional enchiladas, giving you a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or special occasions, these enchiladas are guaranteed to bring warmth and flavor to your table.

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Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce

Author: admin Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 420 per serving

Description

Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce is a comfort food classic that combines tender seasoned ground beef, soft corn tortillas, melty cheese, and a luscious, tangy green sauce. The creamy green sauce, typically made with tomatillos, green chilies, and sour cream or cream cheese, takes these enchiladas to the next level by adding both richness and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Green Sauce:

• 1 cup tomatillo salsa (or salsa verde)
• ½ cup sour cream (or cream cheese for extra richness)
• 1 can (4 oz)
• ½ cup chicken broth (adjust for consistency)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 of Juice lime

For Assembly:

• 12 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling : Heat a skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Make the Creamy Green Sauce : In a blender, combine salsa verde, sour cream, diced green chilies, cilantro, lime juice, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Step 3: Prep the Tortillas : Heat a small amount of oil in a pan. Lightly fry each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side (just enough to make pliable). Pat dry.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread ½ cup green sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Place 2–3 tbsp beef filling and some cheese inside each tortilla. Roll tightly. Arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese : Pour the remaining green sauce evenly over enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake : Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Keywords: Beef Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce