Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; Sour cream (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, cheesy, and satisfyingly savory, these Ground Beef Enchiladas will absolutely hit the spot. Velvety tortillas envelop a punchy, flavorful beef filling, all smothered with a zingy sauce and a golden layer of cheese. This is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing a table full of friends on a casual Saturday night. Each bite bursts with comforting, bold flavors that come together with blissful ease.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the heart and soul of Ground Beef Enchiladas, and each brings something special to the table. Every item on this list builds a layer of flavor, texture, or color, so don’t skip a thing!

Lean ground beef: Go for lean to keep your filling juicy without too much excess fat pooling in the dish.
Flour or corn tortillas: Soft, flexible tortillas make the perfect blanket for your beefy filling—choose flour for a pillowy bite or corn for a bit of rustic flavor.
Enchilada sauce: Opt for store-bought to save time, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious—either way, the sauce ties every element together.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into gooey, bubbling perfection and adds that luscious cheesy pull.
Medium onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, diced onion builds the essential “base note” for the whole dish.
Garlic, minced: A touch of fresh garlic wakes up the flavors in the beef with a punch of extra savoriness.
Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin gives these enchiladas an unmistakable Tex-Mex vibe.
Chili powder: Just the right amount of gentle heat and smokiness, balanced so everyone at your table will love it.
Sour cream (for topping): The tangy, creamy finishing touch that cools and completes every bite.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start your Ground Beef Enchiladas by getting your oven hot—preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is the sweet spot to melt the cheese to golden glory and ensure your enchiladas are bubbly and steamy in the center. Trust me, a well-preheated oven kicks off that irresistible aroma even before the baking begins!

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef and diced onions, then cook together, stirring and breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and the onions are nice and translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. The sizzle, the fragrance, and those golden onion edges will let you know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Once your beef and onions are looking irresistible, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Keep sautéing just for another minute until you can really smell those spices. This quick step infuses the beef with warm, complex flavors that make Ground Beef Enchiladas taste extraordinary.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Spoon a generous portion of beef mixture onto each tortilla, rolling them up tight and laying them seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Take your time to fit each one snugly—your reward will be perfectly shaped enchiladas that hold together beautifully.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese It Up

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over your rolled tortillas, giving them a luscious coating that’s sure to infuse flavor into every bite. Then shower the whole dish with shredded cheese, making sure every inch is blanketed for maximum melty goodness.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the baking dish, uncovered, into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes—the cheese will bubble and turn golden, and the sauce will become rich and thickened. This final step transforms simple ingredients into a pan of Ground Beef Enchiladas that you’ll be proud to serve.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

The crowning touch for any Ground Beef Enchiladas is the garnish! A dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce brings extra color and brightness to the plate. Not only do these finishes look inviting, but they also add fresh flavor contrasts to each cheesy, saucy bite.

Side Dishes

To round out your enchilada feast, serve them with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. You can also offer roasted corn, black beans, or even spiced sweet potatoes to introduce new flavors. These sides soak up sauce and balance the boldness of your Ground Beef Enchiladas perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Swap tradition for flair by serving individual enchiladas in small casserole dishes, or slice the whole pan into bite-sized pieces for a party platter. For an extra fun twist, arrange them in a spiral or layer them lasagna-style for a dramatic table centerpiece—Ground Beef Enchiladas always look inviting, no matter how you present them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas (lucky you!), stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Spoon a little extra sauce over them to keep them from drying out, and they’ll taste just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

Ground Beef Enchiladas freeze beautifully. Just assemble them up to the point of baking and wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Pop it in the freezer for up to a month; when you’re ready for a no-fuss meal, thaw overnight and bake as usual for a home-cooked dinner in a flash.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick lunches—add a splash of extra sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative, and it soaks up spices and sauce just as deliciously as beef. You might want to use a bit of olive oil during browning to keep it juicy.

What’s the best way to keep tortillas from breaking?

Warm your tortillas in a damp paper towel or briefly in a hot skillet before filling and rolling. This makes them softer and way easier to work with, so they won’t tear.

Can Ground Beef Enchiladas be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just choose corn tortillas instead of flour and check that your enchilada sauce and spices are certified gluten-free. It’s an easy swap that still brings all the vibrant flavor.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of both bring perfect meltiness and flavor, but you can get creative with Pepper Jack for heat or Colby for extra creaminess.

How can I make my enchiladas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, swap in a spicier chili powder, or top the finished Ground Beef Enchiladas with your favorite hot sauce or sliced fresh chilies. Go as bold as your tastebuds desire!

Final Thoughts

You’re just a few simple steps away from a dinner that always makes people smile: cheesy, saucy, perfectly seasoned Ground Beef Enchiladas! Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this recipe brings bold flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and watch everyone at your table reach for seconds—it just might become your favorite weeknight wonder, too.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Ground Beef Enchiladas that are perfect for a cozy family dinner. These enchiladas are filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and cheese, then smothered in a flavorful enchilada sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Filling:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder

Assembly:

8 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Beef: Brown the ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until translucent (5-7 minutes).
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute.
Fill Tortillas: Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican