Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef Recipe Introduction
Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef brings together the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines in one satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. This creative fusion recipe transforms traditional enchiladas by incorporating beloved pizza flavors, resulting in a unique meal that’s both familiar and exciting. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese wrapped in soft tortillas creates a comfort food experience that satisfies all your cravings. Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is not only delicious but also practical, offering an easy way to feed a crowd while using simple, accessible ingredients that most home cooks already have in their pantry.
Storage Options
Store leftover Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, covered with foil.
Summary
Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is a creative fusion dish that combines the comfort of enchiladas with beloved pizza flavors. This recipe features seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this dish offers the familiar taste of pizza in an exciting new format that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pepperoni, diced (optional)
For Assembly:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Additional pepperoni slices for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the ground beef filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate pizza elements: Stir in 1/2 cup of marinara sauce and diced pepperoni (if using). Mix well and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare the assembly station: Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Place about 1/3 cup of the ground beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add toppings: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Add additional pepperoni slices on top if desired.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease in the final dish
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to prevent the enchiladas from becoming soggy
- Room temperature tortillas are easier to roll without cracking
- The dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking
Tips for Success
Choose the right tortillas: Use large, fresh flour tortillas for the best results. Warm them slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
Don’t overfill: Use approximately 1/3 cup of filling per tortilla to ensure they roll properly and don’t burst during baking.
Layer strategically: Place enchiladas seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling during baking, and make sure they fit snugly in the dish.
Cheese distribution: Reserve some cheese for the top to create that irresistible golden, bubbly finish that makes Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef so appealing.
Temperature control: Let the ground beef mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent the cheese from melting prematurely and the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Additional Tips and Variations
Vegetable additions: Enhance your Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef by adding mushrooms, black olives, or diced tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations such as adding sharp cheddar, provolone, or Italian blend cheese alongside the mozzarella.
Sauce alternatives: While marinara is traditional, you can substitute with pizza sauce, arrabbiata sauce, or even a white sauce for different flavor profiles.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking from cold.
Portion control: Cut into individual servings and freeze in meal-prep containers for quick weeknight dinners that reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well as substitutes. Adjust seasoning accordingly and ensure the meat is fully cooked before assembling.
Q: How do I prevent my Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef from getting soggy? A: Make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly, don’t oversauce the filling, and allow the meat mixture to cool slightly before assembling to prevent excess moisture.
Q: Can Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef be made gluten-free? A: Yes, simply substitute corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas for regular flour tortillas. Corn tortillas may require a light coating of oil and brief warming to prevent cracking.
Q: What sides pair well with Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef? A: Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or traditional Mexican sides like Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
Q: How long do leftovers of Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef last? A: Properly stored leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Conclusion
Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef represents the perfect marriage of comfort food classics, bringing together the hearty satisfaction of enchiladas with the universally loved flavors of pizza. This innovative recipe proves that fusion cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious, using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to create something truly special. The versatility of Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef makes it an invaluable addition to any home cook’s repertoire, whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests with something unique and memorable.
The beauty of this Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef recipe lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its practical benefits. It’s budget-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and easily customizable to suit different dietary preferences and taste preferences. From the first bite, you’ll understand why this fusion dish has the potential to become a regular rotation meal that everyone in the family will request again and again.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll master the art of creating Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef that rivals any restaurant version while enjoying the satisfaction of homemade comfort food that brings people together around the dinner table.