These easy Low Carb Beef Enchiladas will satisfy your Mexican food cravings without compromising your healthy eating journey. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking to reduce your carb intake, these flavorful enchiladas are a must-try.
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I don't know about you, but I love Mexican food. Taco Tuesday should be every day of the week. There is just something about the flavors of beef, cheese, and chili powder stuffed in a flour tortilla that I love.
The problem is that Mexican food tends to be on the unhealthier side of the food spectrum. It is generally loaded with high carbs and chips that do not work well for a low-carb diet.
Since Mexican food is a family favorite, I set out to find a way to make it work for a keto and low-carb diet. Salsa verde chicken enchiladas and cilantro lime rice are tasty ways to enjoy Mexican food without the extra carbs.
Why Make Low Carb Beef Enchiladas
These cheesy beef enchiladas are a game-changer for anyone who loves Mexican food but wants to keep their carb count low. The best part is you won't even miss the flour tortillas.
- Low Carb - By swapping out traditional tortillas for low carb tortillas, you can still enjoy the comforting and satisfying flavors of enchiladas without breaking your dietary goals.
- Mexican Flavor - The rich combination of spices, taco meat, cheese, and sauce is everything you love about enchiladas without the unwanted ingredients and calories.
- Lean and Green - If you follow the Optavia program, these enchiladas make a delicious lean and green meal. This recipe also works for any low carb or keto lifestyle.
Regular Enchiladas vs Low Carb Enchiladas
There are a few things that can make all the difference in comparing low carb enchiladas to regular enchiladas.
- The Wrap - Traditional enchiladas are typically made with flour or corn tortillas, both of which can contribute a significant amount of carbohydrates to your meal. On the other hand, keto enchiladas use easy alternatives like low carb, high fiber tortillas, lettuce wraps, or even thin omelets to wrap. This switch dramatically reduces the net carbs in the dish, making it more compatible with this lifestyle.
- The Filling - Some enchiladas are loaded with black beans as a filler. These are filled with a ground beef mixture and some cauliflower rice, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Main Ingredients
For these tasty low carb beef enchiladas, you'll need the following ingredients.
- Lean Ground Beef - This recipe uses 1 pound of ground beef. Make sure you drain the fat if you use a higher fat meat. You could also use shredded or ground chicken if you prefer.
- Seasonings - Chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin make a tasty seasoning blend without taco seasoning.
- Enchilada Sauce - Canned or homemade enchilada sauce with no added sugars.
- Tortillas - 1 package of 8-inch low carb tortillas. I used the Extreme Wellness brand.
- Shredded Cheese - This calls for cheddar cheese, but you could use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or any other variety you like.
- Cream Cheese - A lite version adds a little creaminess to the filling.
- Riced Cauliflower and Baby Spinach - These go in the filling for some additional vegetable power.
How to Make Keto Beef Enchiladas
Making homemade enchiladas can be very simple. This easy meal will soon become one of your favorite recipes the whole family will love.
- Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet. Drain and add enchilada sauce, seasonings, and cream cheese. Stir until creamy.
- Add spinach and cauliflower rice and stir until the leaves are wilted.
- Spread enchilada sauce in a 9x13 baking pan. Fill the tortillas, roll tightly, then place seam side down. Repeat until the pan is full.
- Top with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese. Bake until heated and the cheese is melted.
Storage Recommendations
Any leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave until they are hot enough to enjoy.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Opt for lean ground beef and authentic spices for maximum flavor.
- Add your favorite toppings. You can use plain Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeno, sour cream, cilantro, and tomatoes. Just remember any additional toppings will change the nutritional content, so choose your toppings wisely.
- Change up your cheese. Instead of cheddar, try pepper jack cheese or a habanero cheese for more flavor. You could even shred your own
- Spice it up. Stir in green chilis, black pepper, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Avoid overstuffing the rolls. Distribute the meat mixture evenly among the tortillas so that rolling is not difficult and messy.
- Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down. This will prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Let it rest. Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the enchiladas easier to serve without falling apart.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken for the beef in this recipe.
Yes, indeed! Low carb tortillas have come a long way in terms of flavor and texture. They work great for all your favorite enchilada fillings.
It's important to check the nutrition label of store-bought enchilada sauces, as some might contain added sugars or higher carb counts. If you're following a strict keto diet, consider making your own enchilada sauce at home using healthy ingredients.
You sure can! Turning this recipe into a casserole is a fantastic idea. Layer the tortillas, meat mixture, cheese, and enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Repeat the layers and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Value
One serving of cheesy beef enchiladas is perfect if you follow Keto, Low-carb, or the Optavia 5&1 program. It is loaded with excellent protein, veggies, and fat.
Optavia
- Lean - 1
- Green - 3
- Healthy Fat - 1
Macros
- Protein - 46 grams
- Carbs - 11 net grams
- Fats - 20 grams
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Recipe
Low Carb Beef Enchiladas
This Easy Low Carb Beef Enchilada Recipe contains protein, cheese, and a tasty sauce. It is low-carb and keto-friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 hamburger
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 - 19 ounce can red enchilada sauce, divided
- 4 ounces lite cream cheese
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- 1 - 12 ounce bag frozen riced cauliflower, cooked
- ½ cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 - 8 count package low carb tortillas, 8 inch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Spread ¾ cup enchilada sauce in a 9x13 pan.
- In a skillet, cook the hamburger and onion. Drain.
- Add the spices, ½ cup of enchilada sauce, garlic, and cream cheese.
- Add the spinach and cooked cauliflower. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spread ¾ cup enchilada sauce in a 9x13 pan.
- Evenly fill 8 tortillas with the mixture. Roll and place them in the pan seam side down
- Spread ½ cup sauce on top and cover with the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes. Drizzle with any remaining sauce. Serve with jalapenos, cilantro, avocados, and Greek yogurt as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Opt for lean ground beef or your choice of protein and authentic spices for maximum flavor.
- Add your favorite toppings. You can use plain Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeno, sour cream, cilantro, and tomato. Just remember any additional toppings will change the nutritional content, so choose your toppings wisely.
- Change up your cheese. Instead of cheddar, try pepper jack cheese or a habanero cheese for more flavor. You could even shred your own
- Spice it up. Stir in green chilis, black pepper, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Avoid overstuffing the rolls. Distribute the meat mixture evenly among the tortillas so that rolling is not difficult and messy.
- Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down. This will prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Let it rest. Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the enchiladas easier to serve without falling apart.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 2Amount Per Serving Calories 488Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 94mgSodium 1446mgCarbohydrates 22gNet Carbohydrates 11gFiber 11gSugar 4gProtein 46g
Angie W says
Just made this for supper and it’s amazing! Very flavorful and healthy. Definitely a keeper 😋