Enchiladas with Refried Black Beans

A Delicious, Easy, and Inexpensive Homemade Mexican Dinner

© Holly Beth Anderle

Oct 15, 2009

Enchiladas and refried black beans are an economical way to stretch your family's food budget and still enjoy great-tasting specialties. While this recipe may sound complicated, it is actually very easy because the beans simmer while you make the enchiladas, and the enchiladas bake while you mash and fry the beans. A wonderful make-ahead meal, all parts of the dish can be frozen. thawed, and reheated later. But make plenty - this recipe will keep your family and friends coming back for more.

Ground Beef Enchilada Filling

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 or 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp beef soup base
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups hot water

Directions:

1. In a skillet cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Do not drain.
2. Add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, beef soup base, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt and pepper and stir until combined.
3. Sprinkle flour over beef mixture and stir to coat.
4. Add hot water and stir.
5. Bring mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer until the beef is tender and the water has cooked off.
6. Working in batches, drain beef over a small bowl, reserving the drippings for the enchilada sauce. (This will replace the lard or shortening

Red Chili Enchilada Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp beef drippings from enchilada filling above
• 4 tbsp flour
• 5 tbsp red chili powder
• 2 tsp beef soup base
• 2 c hot water
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Directions:

1. Heat beef drippings over low heat in a saucepan.
2. Add flour and stir until well blended and slightly golden.
3. Remove pan from heat.
4. Stir in soup base. Add hot water, and whisk to blend.
5. Add salt, garlic powder, oregano, and cumin.
6. Cook on high heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Assemble the enchiladas this way:

1. Dip each wheat tortilla in sauce, add beef filling, and roll tortillas up.
2. Place rolled tortillas in a greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas.
4. Top with shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese.

Refried Beans

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of dry black beans
• 4 quarts of water
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, cut into several pieces
• 2 tbsp bacon fat
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Rinse the beans and pick through them for any pebbles.
2. Place the beans in a stock pot. Add enough water so that the beans are completely submerged. Keep adding water until the beans are covered with at least 4 inches of water.
3. Add 1 large or 2 small cloves of garlic cut up into several pieces. And 3 tablespoons olive oil. Let the beans come to a boil on medium heat.
4. Cover the beans, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the skins are broken open and the beans are soft.
5. Drain the beans and place back in the pot to hold them.
6. Add 1-2 tbsp bacon grease and 2 tbsp olive oil to a large heavy skillet. Heat fats until the drippings are melted and but not smoking.
7. Turn heat to low and add.beans to skillet.
8. Mash them with a potato masher, adding ¼ cup water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp olive oil while mashing. If beans get dry and stiff, add more water ¼ cup at a time.
9. Taste the beans and add more spices to suit your own taste.

Serve enchiladas hot with refried beans on the side. Top with sour cream and salsa, if you like. Or, if you like, spread the refried beans on the bottom of the tortillas before you add the beef for a different twist on the basic enchilada.

Try this dish tonight and bring home a taste of Mexico!

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