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Low Carb and Keto Beef Enchiladas

Easy and delicious low-carb beef enchiladas. These are as authentic as Mexican restaurant-style enchiladas without the carbs!

Low Carb Beef Enchiladas

Who loves Mexican food?? I do, I do! Also, my husband loves it. Anytime I ask him what he wants me to make for the week, he always mentions something Mexican.

The easiest thing to do is to make ground beef with spices, make some guacamole and pico de gallo and use bibb lettuce to make taco wraps. However, that is always my default, and although it’s delicious, I wanted to do something more authentic that would last longer. (I thought these would last a while)

Low Carb Beef Enchiladas

I’ve wanted to make low-carb beef Enchiladas for a while now, but I didn’t want to go through the hassle of making my own Keto tortillas and risk them tasting like crap.

I’ve seen some recipes for tortillas that use coconut flour which I am not a fan of. I’ve also seen some methods that use psyllium husk, which I use for the Keto burger buns I make, but I think they taste too “fibery.” That is not a real word, by the way, I know.

I remember seeing Mama Lupe’s Low-Carb Tortillas somewhere, probably on Amazon, when I was searching for low-carb products a while ago.

Anyway, I thought, why not make homemade enchilada sauce and use those flour tortillas? They have great macros with 7 grams of carbs with 5 grams of fiber per tortilla. That’s a great option if you are counting net carbs or just trying to lower your carb intake.

what can I use instead of tortillas to make enchiladas keto-friendly?

Tortillas are a staple in many cuisines around the world, but traditional flour or corn tortillas can be high in carbohydrates, making them a less-than-ideal choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Fortunately, there are several low-carb tortilla replacement options available that allow you to enjoy your favorite tortilla-based dishes without compromising your diet. Here are some of the best options:

  • Almond Flour Tortillas Almond flour tortillas are a popular low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas. They are made with a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, and psyllium husk, and are usually gluten-free. Almond flour tortillas are a great option for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-fiber tortilla that’s easy to make and delicious.
  • Coconut Flour TortillasCoconut flour tortillas are another great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. They are made with coconut flour, eggs, and water, and are also gluten-free. Coconut flour tortillas are a good choice for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-fiber tortilla that’s easy to make and has a slightly sweet taste.

  • Lettuce Wraps – Lettuce wraps are a low-carb, low-calorie alternative to tortillas that are perfect for anyone looking to cut carbs and calories. They are made by using a large piece of lettuce (such as romaine or butter lettuce) as a wrap and then filling it with your favorite protein and vegetables. Lettuce wraps are a great option for anyone looking for a light and refreshing alternative to traditional tortillas.

  • Zucchini Tortillas – Zucchini tortillas are a creative low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas that are perfect for anyone looking to get more vegetables in their diet. They are made by slicing zucchini into thin rounds and then grilling or baking them until they are pliable. Zucchini tortillas are a great option for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-fiber tortilla that’s packed with nutrients.

  • Egg Wraps – Egg wraps are a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas that are perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. They are made by whisking together eggs and then cooking them like a pancake. Once cooked, you can fill them with your favorite ingredients to create a delicious wrap. Egg wraps are a great option for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-protein tortilla replacement.

Some people may argue that these aren’t Keto because the ingredients do contain whole wheat, but I say, do what is best for you. Keto isn’t about what you can or can’t eat. It’s about getting your body into Ketosis, which switches from burning sugar to burning fat. You can accomplish that by eating anything, as long as it’s under your specific carb tolerance, which you have to figure out by experimenting.

Some people can get into Ketosis by eating 50 grams of carbs a day, and some people can only eat 20 grams of carbs or less per day. It’s very individualized.

Regardless, I am getting off-topic here, so let’s get back to the beef enchilada sauce recipe. I used Mama Lupe’s Low Carb Tortillas, and they were terrific. The consistency and texture are just like a regular tortilla, and it worked perfectly for this recipe.

enchiladas ingredients

The only mistake I would say I made was not making a double batch. This recipe makes about ten enchilada sauces, and they don’t last 24 hours. If you have Mexican food lovers in your household, do yourself a favor and double the recipe. You won’t regret it, I promise.

Mexican Food

can beef enchiladas be keto?

Beef enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish that’s loved by many. Unfortunately, the traditional recipe is not very keto-friendly, as it usually contains flour tortillas, rice, and beans.

Low Carb Enchiladas

However, with a few simple substitutions, you can make a keto version of beef enchiladas that’s just as delicious.

The first step to making keto beef enchiladas is to replace the flour tortillas with a low-carb alternative.

There are several options available, including almond flour tortillas, coconut flour tortillas, or even thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.

Next, you’ll need to replace the rice and beans with keto-friendly alternatives.

One option is to use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

For the beans, you can substitute with sliced bell peppers, onions, or sliced mushrooms.

What can I top these low-carb beef enchiladas with that are keto-friendly?

  1. Sour Cream – Sour cream is a classic topping for enchiladas that adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture. It’s also a great source of fat, which makes it a perfect addition to any keto meal.
  2. Guacamole – Guacamole is another classic topping for enchiladas that are packed with healthy fats and nutrients. It adds a creamy, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
  3. Salsa – Salsa is a great topping for enchiladas that adds a fresh, bright flavor. You can use your favorite store-bought salsa or make your own by combining diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.
  4. Jalapenos – If you like your enchiladas spicy, add some sliced jalapenos on top. They’ll add a kick of heat and a crunchy texture.
  5. Chopped Tomatoes – Chopped tomatoes add a fresh, juicy flavor to the enchiladas. They also add some color to the dish, making it look even more appetizing.
  6. Chopped Cilantro – Cilantro is a fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh flavor to the enchiladas. It’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
  7. Green Onions – Green onions add a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch to the enchiladas. They’re also a great source of vitamin K and vitamin C.
  8. Shredded Lettuce – Shredded lettuce adds a fresh, crisp texture to the enchiladas. It also adds some fiber and nutrients to the dish.

What can I serve these with?

Here are some ideas for what you can eat with keto beef enchiladas:

  1. Mexican Cauliflower Rice – Mexican cauliflower rice is a great side dish for keto beef enchiladas. It’s made by sauteing cauliflower rice with onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and tomato sauce. It’s a low-carb alternative to traditional rice that’s packed with flavor.
  2. Guacamole and Chips – Guacamole and chips are a classic combination that pairs perfectly with keto beef enchiladas. You can make your own guacamole by mashing avocado, onion, garlic, lime juice, and salt together.
  3. Low-Carb Tortilla Chips – If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional tortilla chips, try making your own with low-carb tortillas. Simply cut the tortillas into triangles, brush them with oil, and bake them in the oven until crispy.
  4. Cucumber Salad – Cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for cutting through the richness of the beef enchiladas. Simply slice cucumbers and red onions, and toss them with olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
  5. Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables are a great side dish for keto beef enchiladas. You can roast any combination of vegetables that you like, such as broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender.
  6. Black Beans – If you’re not following a strict keto diet, you can add black beans to your meal as a side dish. They’re a great source of fiber and protein, and they pair well with beef enchiladas.
  7. Margarita – If you’re looking for a drink to go with your meal, try making a low-carb margarita. Simply mix tequila, lime juice, and a keto-friendly sweetener like Stevia or Swerve, and serve it over ice.
Keto Enchiladas

make ahead and freeze instructions

Make Ahead Instructions:

  1. Prepare the beef mixture and the enchilada sauce according to the recipe. You can make these up to three days ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  2. When you’re ready to assemble the enchiladas, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm up the beef mixture and the enchilada sauce in separate pots on the stove.
  3. Assemble the enchiladas by spooning some of the beef mixtures onto each tortilla and rolling them up tightly. Place the rolled-up tortillas seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Pour the warmed-up enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled-up tortillas, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Freezer Instructions:

  1. Prepare the beef mixture and the enchilada sauce according to your preferred recipe.
  2. Assemble the enchiladas by spooning some of the beef mixtures onto each tortilla and rolling them up tightly. Place the rolled-up tortillas seam-side down in a freezer-safe baking dish.
  3. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled-up tortillas, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
  5. Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
  6. When you’re ready to eat the frozen enchiladas, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the enchiladas for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

More Keto Recipes to try:

  1. Clean Keto Beef Stew
  2. Clean Keto Chicken Mexican Rice
  3. The Best Easy Clean Keto Lunch Recipes
keto enchiladas, low carb enchiladas, enchiladas recipe

Keto Beef Enchiladas

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For serving:

  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Scallions
  • Corona Primer  (2.9g of carbs)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the ground beef and set it aside.
  2. Cook onion, jalapeño, poblano chile, and garlic in the same skillet, stirring and scraping up any browned bits, until softened, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add tomatoes, season with salt, and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated and tomatoes begin to stick to the skillet, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add chili powder and cumin and cook for about 1 minute.
  5. Add reserved ground beef and Xanthan Gum and toss until coated.
  6. Whisking constantly, add broth, bring to a boil, and continue to whisk.
  7. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the sauce has thickened and the ground beef is tender, 30–35 minutes; season with salt.
  8. Preheat oven to 425°.
  9. Pour 1/4 cup of the sauce on the bottom of a  13x9" baking dish.
  10. Working one at a time, spread ¼ cup of the sauce down the center of the tortilla and fold one side over the filling, then continue to roll the enchilada onto itself.
  11. Place the seam side down in the prepared baking dish as you go.
  12. Top with cheese and remaining sauce. Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese is beginning to brown, 20 minutes.
  13. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.
  14. Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and scallions. Enjoy with a Corona Premier.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1 tortilla
Amount Per Serving Calories 188Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 51mgSodium 54mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 16g

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Mexican Recipe

6 thoughts on “Low Carb and Keto Beef Enchiladas”

  1. I absolutely love this recipe. I ate half of this dish in one serving. The versatility to alter the protein in this recipe makes for quick and delicious options. Keep these types of recipes coming.

  2. These enchiladas are amazing! My family loved them and my picky son asked for seconds! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

  3. Thank you Kelly! I just made these again for my husband a couple days ago. I doubled the recipe and they are almost gone already! They are really delicious!

  4. I’m confused- you add beef Xabthum gum and broth- then whisk until no lumps? Meat is in there??? Until what has no lumps?

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