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Beef Picadillo Enchiladas

Juicy ground meat cooked with aromatics, tomatoes, olives and raisins creates an irresistible filling for these crispy, cheesy enchiladas. A celebrated dish throughout Latin America, picadillo will win you over with its delicate balance of sweet and savory. Enjoy as a filling or on its own with rice and beans.
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 5046.4 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Small skillet
  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Spatula For stirring and breaking up meat
  • 1 Tongs For handling hot tortillas

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 pound 80-percent lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup green olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • Twelve 6-inch corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar about 8 ounces

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, the onion and pepper and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, five-spice, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, olives and raisins. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, heat the tortillas, one at a time, in the hot oil until they bubble and darken slightly, about 10 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels. Spread about 1/2 cup ground beef picadillo mixture on the bottom of a 9 -by-13-inch baking dish. Put about 1/4 cup picadillo and 1 tablespoon Cheddar down the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and lay them in the baking dish, seam side down. Spoon the rest of the picadillo over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake the enchiladas until the tortillas are slightly crisp and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

Notes

The picadillo's unique sweet and savory balance from the golden raisins and green olives is central to this dish's appeal; ensure they are evenly distributed. The Chinese five-spice powder adds an aromatic depth that is distinct—do not substitute lightly. When heating the corn tortillas, the brief frying step in oil is crucial for making them pliable for rolling without cracking; avoid over-frying them until crispy, as they will be too brittle. Drain them thoroughly on paper towels to prevent greasy enchiladas. For an enhanced finish, consider a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of crema or a mild salsa verde just before serving.