If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you're probably familiar with enchiladas. These delicious rolls of tortillas stuffed with various fillings come with a variety of sauces and toppings. But have you tried the beef enchilada? One serving of this savory dish contains 225 calories, making it a delicious and filling option for lunch or dinner.

In addition to its calorie count, beef enchilada is a great source of protein, which helps in repairing and building muscles. The dish also contains essential nutrients like iron, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, instructions, nutritional information, variations, history, cultural significance, and different recipes of beef enchilada to help you make a delicious and healthy version of this classic Mexican dish at home.

Ingredients of Beef Enchilada

To make one serving of beef enchilada, you'll need:

• 1 flour tortilla
• 1/4 cup cooked ground beef
• 2 tbsp enchilada sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped onion
• 1 tbsp diced green chilies

Feel free to add or remove ingredients as per your preference. Note that the nutritional information may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Instructions for Making a Beef Enchilada

Here are the steps to follow to make a beef enchilada:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Warm the tortilla in a microwave or oven to make it pliable.
3. Spread the enchilada sauce on the tortilla.
4. Add the cooked ground beef, cheese, onion, and green chilies on the tortilla.
5. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is slightly golden.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.

Nutritional Information of Beef Enchilada

Here's the nutritional information for one serving of beef enchilada (based on the ingredients listed above):

• calories: 225
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 16.3g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugar: 1.1g
• Fat: 12.3g
• Saturated Fat: 5.6g
• Cholesterol: 41mg
• Sodium: 578mg

Note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used in the recipe.

Variations of Beef Enchilada

While the classic beef enchilada recipe is delicious on its own, you can also try these variations to mix things up:

• Chicken enchilada: Substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
• Vegetarian enchilada: Skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.
• Green enchilada: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red sauce to give the dish a tangy and fresh flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and sauces to find your favorite combination.

History of Beef Enchilada

The origins of enchiladas can be traced back to Mexico, where they were consumed by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. The dish was traditionally made by rolling meat or beans in tortillas and covering them with chili pepper sauce. When Spanish settlers arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they brought along ingredients like cheese, beef, and wheat. These ingredients were soon incorporated into the traditional enchilada recipe, giving birth to the beef enchilada we know today.

Cultural Significance of Beef Enchilada

In Mexican culture, enchiladas are a staple food that's enjoyed on special occasions like Dia de los Muertos, Independence Day, and Christmas. The dish is also a popular street food and can be found in many taquerias and restaurants across Mexico and the United States. In addition to its cultural significance, beef enchilada is also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with veggies, there's a beef enchilada recipe out there for you.

Different Beef Enchilada Recipes

Here are some different beef enchilada recipes you can try at home:

• Slow cooker beef enchilada: Cook the beef and sauce in a slow cooker for several hours to give the dish a rich and tender flavor.
• Keto beef enchilada: Replace the tortilla with a low-carb wrap or lettuce leaves to make the dish keto-friendly.
• One pan beef enchilada: Cook the beef, tortilla, and sauce in a single pan for a quick and easy dinner.

Whichever recipe you choose, don't forget to garnish with your favorite toppings to add extra flavor and texture.

Tips and Tricks for Making a Delicious Beef Enchilada

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when making beef enchilada:

• Use high-quality ingredients like fresh tortillas, lean beef, and flavorful sauce to enhance the taste of the dish.
• Warm the tortilla before rolling it to prevent it from cracking or tearing.
• Don't overstuff the tortilla as it will be difficult to roll and may spill out during baking.
• Use a toothpick to secure the tortilla in place, especially if you're using a lot of filling.
• Bake the enchilada uncovered for a crispy texture, or cover it with foil for a softer texture.

Preparation Time for a Single Serving of Beef Enchilada

The preparation time for making one serving of beef enchilada is around 30 minutes, including the time to cook the ground beef and bake the enchilada in the oven. However, if you want to save time, you can prepare the ground beef and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to make the enchilada, all you have to do is warm the ingredients, roll them in a tortilla and bake it in the oven.

Health Benefits of Beef Enchilada

Beef enchilada is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy one when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the health benefits of beef enchilada:

• Protein: Beef enchilada is a great source of protein, which helps in building and repairing muscles.
• Nutrients: The dish contains essential nutrients like iron, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium, which are important for overall health and well-being.
• Fiber: The tortilla and veggies in the enchilada contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
• Low-carb: If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, you can make the enchilada with a low-carb wrap or lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.

However, it's important to note that beef enchilada can be high in calories and fat, depending on the ingredients used. To make a healthier version of the dish, opt for lean protein, fresh veggies, and low-fat cheese.