Freezer-Friendly Beef Enchiladas

Step 1

If baking fresh, preheat the oven to 375.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil.

Step 3

Once hot, add the onions and beef, breaking up the meat with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook, undisturbed for five minutes or until the beef has browned on one side. Stir and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 3-5 more minutes.

Step 4

If needed, drain off any excess grease or liquid. Add the salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and cumin. Stir to combine to evenly coat the meat in the spices. Allow the spices to toast, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add in the chiles and beef broth. Stir to combine and cook, uncovered, until most of the liquid in the pan reduces and becomes thickened, about 4 more minutes.

Step 6

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before assembling.

Step 7

In a medium pot, add the ghee and heat over medium.

Step 8

Once hot, add the onions. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add in the chili powder and salt. Stir to combine and lightly toast the chili powder, about 1 minute.

Step 9

Add in refried beans. Using a spoon, mix vigorously to totally combine. Once smooth, start to add the broth in 1/4 cup increments. Stir between each addition and continue to add broth until the beans are creamy and smooth. Once you’ve added the appropriate amount of broth, cook for about 3 minutes on low.

Step 10

Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temp before assembling.

Step 11

Pour half of the enchilada sauce into a shallow bowl.

Step 12

Heat a medium, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Working one tortilla at a time, add the tortilla to the dry pan and heat for 15 seconds per side or until the tortilla is pliable.

Step 13

Once warmed, dip in the enchilada sauce and flip. Allow the excess to drip off before placing it into a 9x13 pan. Fill with two tablespoons of the beans and two of the beef. Roll tightly and arrange in the pan, seam side down.

Step 14

Once all tortillas are filled, pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are evenly coated. Top with the shredded cheese.

Step 15

*To Bake Fresh: Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).Prepare the Dish: Wrap the dish tightly with foil and transfer to the middle rack. Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. For extra crisp, broil on high for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully!).Serve: Garnish with cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Step 16

*To Freeze then Bake:Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).Prepare the Dish: Remove the enchiladas from the freezer. If they're stored in a freezer-safe baking dish, you can place them directly in the oven. If not, transfer them to an oven-safe dish.Cover with Foil: To prevent the enchiladas from drying out, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. This allows the enchiladas to heat through evenly.Uncover and Continue Baking: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps the cheese melt thoroughly and gives the tortillas a slight crispness.Check for Doneness: Ensure the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is bubbling. If needed, bake for a few more minutes.Serve: Once fully reheated, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.Additional Tips--Thawing Option: If you prefer, you can thaw the enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Thawed enchiladas will reheat faster; in this case, bake them covered for about 20-25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.Preventing Sogginess: To maintain the best texture, ensure the enchiladas are tightly wrapped during freezing to prevent ice crystals. When reheating, keeping them covered initially helps retain moisture, and uncovering them later allows any excess moisture to evaporate, preventing sogginess.