Ground Beef and Cheese Enchiladas

Cook's Illustrated (January 2018)

Prep
  • Oven to 400°, middle rack.
Sauce
  • Heat chilis in 12 inch nonstick skillet over med-high heat, stirring frequently
  • Combine in bowl and microwave, covered, until steaming, ~2 min.
  • Let stand until softened, ~5 min.
1 1/2 oz (3 to 4) dried ancho chiles, gutted and torn to 1-inch
2 c beef broth
until fragrant, 2-3 min.
Soften, ~5 min.
2 onions, chopped fine
Until fragrant, ~1 min.
6 cloves garlic, minced
  • Transfer half of onion mixture to large bowl.
Add to remaining onions until tomato paste starts to darken, 3-5 min.
1/4 c tomato paste
1 t ground cumin
  • Combine ancho broth, chipotle, and remaining onions in blender
  • Process until smooth, ~1 min.
  • Season with salt.
1 T canned chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, minced
Filling
  • Cook 2 min, breaking up meat.
  • Add reserved onion.
  • Until no longer pink, 3-4 min.
  • Remove to onion bowl.
1 lbs 90% lean ground beef
1 t ground cumin
1 t ground coriander
1 T oil
  • Add 6 oz cheese to meat.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Season with salt.
8 oz Monterey Jack, shredded, divided
Soften Tortillas
  • Brush with 2 T oil.
  • Arrange, overlapping, on baking sheet and bake until warm and pliable, ~5 min.
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Assemble
  • Spread 1/4 c sauce over bottom of 9x13 baking dish.
  • Spread 1/4 c meat filling down middle of each tortilla.
  • Roll and place in baking dish, seam side down.
Top and Bake
  • Spread remaining sauce over top of enchiladas.
  • Sprinkle with remaining 2 oz cheese.
  • Bake at 400° until cheese is lightly browned and sauce is bubbling at edges, ~15 min.
  • Cool 10 min.
Garnish
Sprinkle over top.
2 scallions, sliced thin on bias
2 T cilantro, minced
Serve
Sour Cream
Lime wedges