Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, these Ground Beef Enchiladas will absolutely win you over. This classic Mexican-inspired dish features tender tortillas packed with juicy seasoned beef, blanketed in zesty enchilada sauce, and finished with gooey, bubbling cheese on top. It’s everything you crave on a cozy night or when you want to impress a crowd — and the best part? The ingredients are straightforward, and every bite delivers big, bold flavor. Get ready to make Ground Beef Enchiladas your new family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ground Beef Enchiladas is in their simplicity: each ingredient is chosen for its essential role, whether building deep flavor or providing just the right texture. This ingredient lineup guarantees a rich, colorful, and satisfying meal.
- Lean ground beef: Brings hearty, meaty flavor and stands up well to bold seasoning.
- Flour or corn tortillas: Your choice provides the perfect base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Enchilada sauce: Use store-bought for ease, or homemade for extra depth — this is where the classic flavor shines.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, giving a rich, gooey topping that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and savory notes as it cooks with the beef.
- Garlic, minced: Always a must for kicking up that wonderful aroma and taste.
- Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy undertones that are a signature in Tex-Mex cooking.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat and complex flavor to the filling.
- Sour cream (for topping): Offers a cool, creamy finishing touch that balances the spice.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Giving your oven a head start means the enchiladas will bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly and golden in the end.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Onion
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking together and stirring occasionally. The beef should brown nicely and the onion will turn translucent in about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is all about building a savory base for your Ground Beef Enchiladas.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, stirring for another minute until the spices become fragrant. This quick sauté unlocks all those wonderful flavors, infusing the beef with Tex-Mex goodness.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Spoon a generous helping of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly to keep all that filling inside, then place each one seam-side down in a greased baking dish. This keeps your Ground Beef Enchiladas tidy and helps them hold their shape as they bake.
Step 5: Sauce and Cheese It Up
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover every inch so nothing dries out. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top — this will melt into a luscious, golden layer during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Slide the pan into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cheese is beautifully melted and everything is bubbling hot, you’ll know your Ground Beef Enchiladas are ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Garnishes
Don’t skip the final flourish! A dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, or finely diced green onions will complement the savory filling and lift each bite. You can even add sliced jalapeños or avocado for a little twist on tradition.
Side Dishes
Ground Beef Enchiladas truly shine when paired with fluffy Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. Bright corn salad or a simple tomato salsa can add freshness and color to your plate, making the meal feel even more festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual enchiladas on colorful plates, drizzled with extra sauce and scattered with toppings for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Or create a “build your own” enchilada bar, letting everyone pile on their favorite garnishes and sides. Presentation becomes part of the fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got a few enchiladas left? Lucky you! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerated, Ground Beef Enchiladas will keep for up to three days and still taste delicious.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead or want to stash away a quick meal, these enchiladas freeze beautifully. Assemble as usual, but hold the cheese topping; wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then sprinkle with cheese before baking.
Reheating
Reheat chilled enchiladas in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. For a quick lunch, you can also microwave an individual serving for 1-2 minutes. Either way, a little extra sauce on top helps keep things moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter filling while still soaking up all those delicious spices and sauce. Just swap in the same quantity and follow the recipe as written.
What’s the difference between flour and corn tortillas for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas offer classic texture and flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. Both work well for Ground Beef Enchiladas, so it comes down to personal preference — try both and pick your favorite!
Is homemade enchilada sauce worth it?
If you have a little extra time, homemade enchilada sauce will bring deep, complex flavor to your dish. However, store-bought sauces are a fantastic time-saver and make this recipe even easier to pull off on a weeknight.
How do I keep the tortillas from cracking or getting soggy?
Warming the tortillas for a few seconds in a skillet or the microwave makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. As for sogginess, a light layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish helps keep everything together without making the enchiladas too wet.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect for feeding a crowd! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger or two smaller baking dishes. Prepare everything as usual and keep an eye on the oven — with more enchiladas, you may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with a seriously tasty, foolproof meal, give these Ground Beef Enchiladas a try. Each bite is packed with savory satisfaction, and the process is simple enough for even a busy weeknight. Get your favorite toppings and dig in — these enchiladas are sure to earn a regular spot at your table!
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Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic Tex-Mex favorite that is sure to satisfy your craving for cheesy, flavorful comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together with friends, these enchiladas are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Filling:
1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Toppings:
- Sour cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until translucent (5-7 minutes).
- Add Seasonings: Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, 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.
Notes
- You can customize these enchiladas by adding additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or black olives.
- Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Enchiladas, Tex-Mex, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe
