When it comes to comfort food, ground beef enchiladas always rank high on my list. They are flavorful, warm, cheesy, toasty and most importantly very satisfying.
Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Chipotle-Coffee Ground Beef Enchiladas with Smoked Gouda.
This dish takes the classic enchilada and adds a unique twist with the depth of coffee and the smoky richness of Gouda.
Believe me, this is a flavor bomb you won’t want to pass up!
Recipe: Chipotle-Coffee Beef Enchiladas with Smoked Gouda
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients required to make Chipotle-Coffee Beef Enchiladas with Smoked Gouda
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp of chipotle chiles, finely chopped swimming in adobo sauce
- 1/2 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 12 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions to make ground beef enchiladas with smoked gouda
Preheat the Oven
To start with, let’s warm up that oven (Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)).
Think of it as sending your oven to the gym for a quick warm-up session before the real workout begins.
This temperature is the perfect cozy spot for baking those enchiladas evenly.
You don’t want them to be burnt on the outside and frozen on the inside – nobody wants a beef popsicle!
So set that temperature and let the oven know it’s about to work its magic!
Cook the Beef Mixture
Next, grab your trusty large skillet and place it over medium heat.
Toss in diced onion, let it cook for 30 seconds and then add 2 lbs of ground beef.
As the beef starts to sizzle and brown, add in 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Now, let me tell you, the aromas wafting from your skillet will make you feel like a top chef on a cooking show – minus the fancy camera crew, of course.
Just don’t let yourself get too distracted by the heavenly smell, you need to keep an eye on that beef!
Cook it until it’s brown and crumbly, like the contents of my kids’ toy box after a playdate.
Add the Flavors
Once your beef mixture is looking gloriously browned and ready for action, it’s time to spice things up!
Stir in 2 tbsp of finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Yes, this is where the magic happens! Next, add less than half tbsp of instant coffee granules.
I know, I know – coffee in enchiladas? Trust me, it adds a rich depth that will have you wondering why you hadn’t tried this sooner.
Next, sprinkle in a teaspoon of cumin and a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Your kitchen will start smelling like a cozy café meets a Tex-Mex diner!
Cook this flavor party for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing those ingredients to mingle and become best friends.
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking – this is your dish, after all!
Prepare the Baking Dish
Now, let’s get ready to prepare the true star of the meal i.e. your baking dish!
I would say, choose a generous-sized tortilla and brush a delicate layer of enchilada sauce across the base.
This isn’t just for flavor, it’s a sneaky little trick to keep those enchiladas from sticking to the bottom like a stubborn guest who just won’t leave the party.
We want gooey goodness, not an enchilada disaster!
Fill the Tortillas
Time to assemble our delicious little bundles of joy! So take a flour tortilla and a flour tortilla and spread it out like a canvas, ready for your culinary masterpiece.
Place a hearty scoop of your delicious beef blend right in the center
Don’t skimp here, this is the heart of your enchilada! Next, sprinkle a glorious amount of smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese over the top.
Now, roll that tortilla up tightly like you’re wrapping a present for someone you actually like (not that old sweater from Aunt Gertrude).
Nestle the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish, tucking it snugly next to its fellow wraps.
Continue this ritual until every tortilla is stuffed and settled comfortably in its cozy spot.
Top with Sauce and Cheese
Now for the grand finale, it’s time to drown those rolled tortillas in the remaining enchilada sauce.
Don’t be shy – pour it on! Ensure each one is well-coated like they’re getting a luxurious spa treatment.
Top off your dish by adding the remaining shredded cheese on top (It’s like giving your dish a shiny crown – it deserves it!).
Baking it
Next up, place your prepared baking dish inside the oven.
Now, sit back and relax for 25-30 minutes, but don’t wander off too far – your kitchen is about to smell like heaven!
You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, almost like it’s doing a little happy dance.
Garnish and Serve
Once your enchiladas are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute while you grab some fresh cilantro.
This vibrant green garnish isn’t just for show, it adds a pop of freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the dish (Just sprinkle it on top and voilà – you’re ready to serve!)
Note: I am not an expert chef but this is something which went so smoothly for me and everyone liked the taste (Hope you too like it).
Here’s how it adds a unique flavor profile
The addition of coffee might seem unconventional, but it really elevates the dish.
The coffee enhances the beef’s richness and adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky chipotle peppers.
The smoked Gouda adds a rich creaminess and a delicious twist to the enchiladas, setting it apart from classic cheese blends.
For an extra layer of freshness, serve your enchiladas with a side of lime-infused sour cream or a roasted corn and black bean salsa
It not only complements the dish but adds a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
Storing your Chipotle-Coffee Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Let your ground beef enchiladas cool down completely before putting them away.
- Place them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- In my experience, I can say that they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezer for longer storage:
- If you are looking to extend the storage period, feel free to freeze the enchiladas.
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag.
Reheating your ground beef enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If the enchiladas are frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and once thawed, arrange them in a baking dish and cover with foil to keep them from drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes if refrigerated, or 30-40 minutes if frozen, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s not an expert chef but loves experimenting in the kitchen, I can confidently say these Chipotle-Coffee Beef Enchiladas worked extremely well.
The unconventional addition of coffee and smoked Gouda elevates this comfort food classic to new heights.
I highly recommend trying this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering with friends.
The depth of flavor from the coffee, the smoky heat from the chipotle, and the richness of the Gouda create a truly memorable dish.
Lastly, I would say don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings or sides.
For example a lime-infused sour cream or roasted corn salsa would complement these enchiladas beautifully.
Remember, cooking is like a party for your taste buds – so grab your spatula, throw on a chef’s hat, and get ready to dance with new flavors.
