Firehouse Enchiladas

This is a classic Mexican dish made by rolling tortillas around a savory filling. Firehouse Enchiladas are flour tortillas filled with with ground beef and beans, then smothered in flavorful enchilada sauce.

My husband was a second-generation fire fighter when we got married. You may or may not know that fire fighters work 24 or 48 hour shifts, which means the men cook and do life together during those days. This recipe is one that my mother-in-law shared with me when Dan and I first got married. It quickly became a go-to recipe because it was simple to make, packed with flavor and easy to make, all the things a new wife needs!

Served with homemade Mexican rice and some fresh crunchy greens, this is my favorite! Or if I am short on time and energy, I simply add some chopped carrots and frozen peas in with the rice while it cooks and call it good…I’m sure other moms can relate.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: The main protein, but not the only one in this dish! Ground beef is one of the easiest and fastest proteins that can be used to make a from scratch meal for your family. My family is blessed to get a half a beef from my parents’ farm each year, so I know right where our ground beef came and how it was raised.

• Taco Seasoning: I typically use store bought because it is faster, but if you do not have any on hand, here is how you can easily make your own!
  • • https://www.budgetbytes.com/taco-seasoning/

• Tortillas: Flour tortillas are what is typically used in this recipe and the kind my kids prefer. I love love love homemade tortillas! The taste is unmatched. However, to keep it easy, I typically buy medium sized flour ones from the store to make this recipe easier to whip out.

• Cheese: A mix of cheeses like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend is best to use. You can make this as cheesy as you like it! Adding a little cheese to the filling is delicious, but not necessary.

• Enchilada Sauce: This sauce is a rich, often red chili-based sauce made from dried chilies, tomato paste, garlic, onion, and spices like cumin and oregano, is the star of the show. Based on how saucy you like it, use a 16 or 28oz can of enchilada sauce.

• Refried Beans: This adds protein and fiber to this dish, which is great to help fill up those growing tummies!

• Beans (refried or black beans) for extra texture.

• Optional toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, avocado, lettuce, jalapenos.

How to Make Firehouse Enchiladas 

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.

Add taco seasoning and water and cook for 2–3 minutes until meat is well seasoned.

Stir in refried beans (or whole beans), mixing until everything is heated through and creamy.

Remove from heat.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Warm tortillas (microwave for 30 seconds in a damp towel to make them pliable), could use them room temperature as well.

Place about 1/2 cup of filling on each tortilla and roll tightly.

Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the dish.

Once all are in the dish, pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top, spreading to cover evenly.

Top with the shredded cheese.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Serve

Let enchiladas rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro, lettuce, avocado, or onions.

Serve with sour cream, tortilla chips, or rice if desired.