If your family loves highly seasoned food, they'll love this Spicy Beef Enchiladas Recipe. Our version of Mexican enchilada gets its peppy flavor from the jalapeño bean dip, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce mixed in with the ground beef. The scrumptious cheesy beef enchilada casserole uses tender cornmeal crepes to wrap around the tasty filling. We love the crepes because they're softer and thinner than a corn tortilla. The melted cheese sauce on top bathes the beef-bean-filled crepe with creamy goodness. You can make this Tex-Mex beef enchilada casserole several days, wrap in plastic wrap, then bake it before you're ready to serve. This easy dinner recipe is a family favorite. Instead of birthday gifts we get requests to make our beef enchiladas recipe.
For this recipe you will need: ground beef, onion, green pepper, jalapeño bean dip, salt, pepper, all-purpose flour, chili powder, paprika, milk, hot pepper sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, ripe olives, cornmeal, eggs, vegetable oil, shortening.
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Beef Enchiladas Recipe Background
Many years ago I had a soft back cookbook called Crepes Cook Book. It was there we discovered our inspiration recipe for Beef Enchilada Crepes. Every time we'd make it, everyone would go nuts over it!
So, when Honey asked his mom what she wanted for her birthday she said without hesitation, "Beef enchiladas."
Then, the same thing happened with Honey's sister Phyllis. It seemed like we were destined to gift food as birthday presents - just like our Herb Parmesan Bread!
Then, one day, we were preparing to make another batch of Mexican enchiladas when I couldn't find my cookbook. I looked in every nook and cranny I could think of ! That book was nowhere to be found.
I went to the local bookstore to see if they had it. Nope! They didn't have it! My last hope was to try Amazon. They were fairly new at the time and I didn't really think they'd have it. But, surprise, surprise! They did.
Throughout the years, we've made countless beef enchiladas using that recipe!
A three stage Tex-Mex main dish
Make this crowd pleasing casserole in three stages
- Yellow Cornmeal Crepes
- Beef Enchilada Filling
- Spicy Cheesy Sauce
The steps are not complicated. We mix the lean ground beef and black bean bean filling in a large skillet and let it cool. Next we make the crepes, lining them up on the counter on top of paper towels. These crepes are better than soft flour tortillas.
Next comes to fill the cornmeal crepes with the delicious Mexican enchiladas filling. Spread some filling down the middle of the unbrowned side of the crepe.
Roll up and place seam side down in an oil-sprayed large rectangular baking dish.
The final touch is to pour the sauce over the enchiladas. Here you can either cover and bake in the oven, or cover and store in the refrigerator for later.
We've had the beef enchilada casserole in the fridge for several days before baking.
FAQs about Mexican Enchiladas
An enchilada is a tortilla either corn or flour rolled around a filling and covered with a chili pepper sauce. There are many enchilada fillings:
meats
cheese
beans
potatoes
vegetables
combination of the above
Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas but flour tortillas will do. It's really a personal preference. The 6 inch and 8 inch size works the best for fitting into a casserole dish.
They use a cheese that melts easily such as:
Queso Blanco
Manchego
Queso Fresco
Cotija
Enchiladas are an authentic Mexican dish but it's made differently than the Tex-Mex version. Mexican enchiladas are typically tortillas that are first fired, dipped in a spicy enchilada sauce and then rolled up with a small amount of filling.
The enchilada originated in Mexico dating back to at least the Mayan time.
You should pre-cook the corn tortillas in a little bit of fat in order to develop the flavor and also to make them easier to fill and roll up. With the cornmeal crepes you don't have to worry about it. They are very pliable and easy to roll.
What to serve with Beef Enchilada Casserole
One bite and the authentic flavor of this spicy beef enchilada recipe with crepes and I swear you'll hear the heavenly choir sing. I'm not exaggerating! This recipe is THAT good.
A combination salad such as Italian Summer Salad is all you'll need. As far as drinks go, drink what you like but again you should make it something light and fresh.
Honey and I don't eat a lot of desserts. We're usually very satisfied with our dinner, salad, veggie and wine. But for you dessert lovers, here are some Mexican-inspired desserts you might like.
More spicy recipes we know you'll enjoy
Hearty Venison Chili Hunter J's Award Winning Recipe
Chicken Cacciatore Pollo Alla Cacciatora
Hot and Sour Soup Spicy Comfort Food
These are terrific recipes that will warm you up!!
We hope that you make this great recipe, we know you won't be disappointed!
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
YOU MAY NEED...
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What's new? Check out my All Our Way store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
A 8-inch non-stick skillet like this one is what we use. It's important to have a skillet that heats evenly. A 6-inch skillet will also work although your crepes will naturally be smaller. One thing we don't do is put our skillets in the dishwasher even if the directions say you can. We believe the non-stick finish lasts longer with a little care.
Spicy Beef Enchiladas Recipe With Cornmeal Crepes
This is a terrific Mexican enchiladas casserole that you can double and triple. We've made it for gatherings, birthdays, and just because we craved something spicy and tasty. It's easy to make with ground beef and a bean dip. Don't fret though, if you can't find the dip we'll tell you how you can spice up the enchiladas with just some refried beans.
Once you taste this dish made with cornmeal crepes, you'll never want to go back to the cornmeal tortillas. See if your family doesn't beg you to make this often.
If you want to try an enchilada with seafood, you must try our Best Creamy Shrimp Enchilada Recipe. It tastes amazing and you'll be getting calls from the family to make it often. And if you are a chicken enchilada fan, our simply amazing Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas will knock your socks off!
For your next Southwest celebration, try serving our Creamy Guacamole Salsa. It's two dips in one and, believe me, it goes FAST!
If you like this recipe, please consider giving it a 5-star rating. This helps others to decide whether to try the recipe.
Spicy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
📖 Recipe
Spicy Beef Enchiladas Recipe With Cornmeal Crepes
Ingredients
Yellow Cornmeal Crepes
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup milk
- ⅔ cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- solid shortening like crisco for wiping crepe pan
Beef Enchilada Crepes Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup onion chopped
- ½ cup green pepper chopped
- 10 ½ oz. jalapeño bean dip (or refried beans) **Check out NOTES
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder more if you like
- ¼ teaspoon paprika more if you like( we used smoked)
- 1 ½ cup milk
- hot sauce your preference
- ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded (I've always added more)
- ¼ cup pitted ripe olives sliced
Instructions
Cornmeal Crepes
- In bowl combine flour, milk, cornmeal, eggs, oil, and salt; beat with mixer til blended.
- Heat a lightly greased skillet (this is where we use shortening and a paper towel to lightly coat the bottom. Do this in-between each crepe. Remove from heat. Spoon in about 2- 3 tablespoons batter; lift and tilt skillet to spread the batter evenly. (see note on bottom) ***
- Return to the heat; brown one side only. Invert pan over paper toweling; remove crepe. Slightly bang the pan against the counter and the crepe should fall out. Stir the batter frequently to keep the cornmeal from settling.
- Again wipe the inside of the pan with a little of the shortening on the paper towel. Repeat to make about 16 crepes. If you make less, that's okay, you'll need 12 for the enchiladas.
Beef Enchiladas Filling
- Cook the ground beef with the onion and the green pepper over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
- Blend in the jalapeño bean dip with a wooden spoon( if you can't find the dip, following the instructions in the notes below) Add the salt and pepper.
Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, mix the flour, salt, chili powder, and paprika together. Add the milk and several dashes of the bottled hot pepper sauce.
- Stir and cook until bubbly. Stir in the shredded cheese and the ripe olives.
Assembling the enchiladas
- Using 12 yellow cornmeal crepes spread about ¼ cup filling down the center of the unbrowned side of the crepe. Roll up as for a jelly roll.
- Place the enchilada seam side down in a vegetable oil sprayed 13X9X2 inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining crepes. Pour sauce over the enchiladas. Heat oven to 375℉. Cover; bake until heated through, 25-30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
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We'll never share your email or send you spam. PromiseFirst Published February 12, 2019. Last updated April 15, 2021 for better readability and user experience.
Ellen
Looks good! Can’t wait to make this. Is it possible to freeze a tray? I normally make trays of chicken enchiladas and freeze them for those days when there isn’t time to think of dinner.
Marisa Franca
Hi Ellen!! YES!! They freeze beautifully. We've been making the beef enchiladas for years and we've had no problems freezing them and then heating them up. Happy cooking and eating.xoxo
Theresa Picoriello
I love the crepe idea! with the cornmeal you get more mexican flavor. which I love. and enchiladas as well. It's just quite a chore for me to make homemade tortillas! It's too much for me. with arthritis, degenerative joint disease. I really suffer. so this crepe idea might just work for me NO kneading and rolling or pressing each piece of dough. gona give it a try. and the recipe sounds and looks sooo good! Thanks, for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Hello Theresa! Yes, the cornmeal crepe is really easy to make. You're done in no time. Much like making pancakes. The filling is delicious and the best part - everything is basically cooked so make it ahead and enjoy with friends and family. Take care and hopefully with warm weather those joints will not be so achy. xoxo
Sysan
Can I use mozzarella instead of cheddar?
Marisa Franca
Hello, Sysan! The mozzarella would probably be gooey and stretchy when you take out the enchiladas out and they may tear. Also, it will add a different flavor to it. You may try Monterey Jack or Colby. They would have the same melting consistency of the cheddar. Let us know how it turns out and what you used.
Marisa Franca
Sorry, Sysan. I just noticed that I hadn't answered your question. Yes you may use mozzarella if you prefer.
Trish Bozeman
I love the jalapeno bean dip that you used to flavor these enchiladas! Such a great idea to use crepes too. My enchiladas always break, so this lit a little lightbulb in my head. Thank you!
Kirsten
I still have my crepe book that you mentioned but mine is a hard back. I was going to post the recipe because everyone should try these crepes. I'm glad to see you did because they are hands-down the best.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kirsten. Mine is hardback too. The first one I had was soft back. I lost it somehow and I got the other one. It has been lovingly used throughout the years and you're right. Those enchiladas are the best made with crepes.
Tracy
Amazon to the rescue!! Phew! What a fantastic recipe - I love the addition of that spicy jalapeno bean dip. My family loves highly seasoned, flavorful food too. They're going to LOVE this dinner!! Thank you!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
God Bless Amazon for sourcing odd books that we can't find anywhere else. I'm glad you found the book again because this recipe looks fantastic. I can not WAIT to try this recipe! I often make savory and filled crepes, but never with cornmeal. Using cornmeal crepes in place of corn tortillas is something that I must try very, very soon. Thank you!
Dana
I love the use of crepes with this recipe! With their pliability, it totally makes sense. I've been wanting to make enchiladas at home for ages now, but haven't gotten around to it. This recipe has given me the kick in the butt that I needed 🙂
Traci
Ok, you had me at beef enchiladas, but you sealed the deal with the cornmeal crepes. Just wow! How have I never thought of doing this? You nailed this one...thank you for sharing! 🙂
Veena Azmanov
We love enchiladas but I must admit I have never made cornmeal crepes. I'm so intrigued. I must try this out very soon. My kids would feast over this.. So yum.
Gloria
This looks like a fun meal for the weekend. Great for a themed dinner party. Fun for a family dinner. Just a fun and delicious meal for many things. We love Mexican food here.
Debra
I have always loved enchiladas. This recipe really appeals to me because it's so easily customizable. We like a lot of spice :-). I would have never thought to use homemade corn crepes, but I so much prefer homemade to processed, so I'm totally going for it!!
Lois Christensen
I like the idea of cornmeal crepes! Sounds like a delicious meal.
Denise
I love the idea of corn meal crepes. Crepes as a whole are so delicate and delicious so anything you fill them with would taste delicious. However the cornmeal would really give it a distinctive taste for Mexican food. Can't wait to give them a try! I like that you can make big batches and freeze too.
Jovina Coughlin
This dish looks fabulous. I like the idea of making crepes for the filling. Looking forward to making this dish.
Jolina
Love that you use crepes for these enchiladas. I think we'd prefer them! And that cheese sauce looks amazing. PS: Happy to hear you found of a copy of the book! We have lots of cookbooks but really only use a few over and over.
Susie
Happy Valentines’s Day to you, Honey and family❤️ My family is going to love this spicy casserole. Also, enjoyed step by step video....We look forward to seeing you back on camera????. Stay warm.....Spring will soon be here????. Answer to your question....I’ve been busy baking heart cupcakes for grandsons❤️❤️❤️
Gloria
We love Mexican food. These look so good. I love making homemade tortillas. They would be perfect with these. Next time we have a themed dinner...this just might be on the menu.
wilhelmina
This is such a creative and delicious recipe! Delicious!
Taryn
This is a great change from our typical taco Tuesday fare! Thanks for a great recipe.
Colleen
I love enchiladas and I could eat the whole pan! I've never tried it with crepes, but these look really delicious!
Emily
I love enchiladas and these cornmeal crepes are such a unique twist! Can't wait to try these!
Kelly Anthony
I've had a lot of mexican food but never an enchilada crepe. This sounds delicious and full of spicy flavors. I can't wait to make this twist on enchiladas.
Sabrina
Wow, this is such a great idea! I love spicy beef and these look fully loaded.
Sharon
Savory crepes with a spicy beef filling, this dish is just what I've been looking for! I can't wait to try it ASAP.