Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
If you’re aching for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that warms you from the inside out, Ground Beef Enchiladas are your new weeknight hero. This classic Mexican-inspired dish layers spiced ground beef, golden cheese, and saucy goodness in soft tortillas, then bakes everything until it’s irresistibly bubbling and just crisp on the edges. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy family night, Ground Beef Enchiladas delivers bold taste and pure comfort in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, down-to-earth ingredients truly make the Ground Beef Enchiladas shine—each one is essential, and together, they create magic. You don’t need anything fancy: just pantry staples, a bit of fresh flavor, and the right amount of spice for that classic finishing touch.
- Lean ground beef: Choose 80-90% lean for flavor without too much grease; it will be juicy and satisfying!
- Flour or corn tortillas: Either gives great texture; flour tortillas are soft and pliable, corn adds bold flavor.
- Enchilada sauce: Go for your favorite store-bought or make homemade for extra bragging rights; either way, it’s the signature flavor.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that gooey, golden layer everyone loves.
- Medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a savory depth to the beef as it cooks.
- Garlic, minced: Just two cloves transform the whole pan with aromatic flavor.
- Cumin: This earthy spice gives those unmistakable enchilada vibes—don’t skip it!
- Chili powder: Rounds out the heat and adds gorgeous color to the filling.
- Sour cream (for topping): A final cool, creamy contrast on top of the hot, cheesy enchiladas.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by getting your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grease your baking dish so those tortillas won’t stick and you’ll get those clean, satisfying slices later. This little bit of prep sets you up for easy assembly and cleanup.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in your ground beef and diced onion together. As the beef browns, the onions turn sweet and soft—a delicious base for your filling. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is just cooked through and the onions are glossy and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Amp up the Flavor
Now for the fun part: sprinkle in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, stirring for another minute until everything smells incredible and the spices are fully blended into the beef mixture. This step unlocks the signature warmth and fragrance of Ground Beef Enchiladas.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Spoon a generous amount of your beef mixture along the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly so none of that goodness escapes, then nestle each one seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. This keeps them from unraveling and makes for a picture-perfect bake.
Step 5: Sauce and Cheese It Up
Pour that vibrant enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover every bit. Don’t be shy with the cheese, either! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top for a golden, bubbling finish that’s signature to Ground Beef Enchiladas.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts, the sauce bubbles, and the aromas fill your kitchen. When the top is slightly golden and the edges are crispy, your Ground Beef Enchiladas are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Garnishes
The joy is in the details! Splash a dollop of cool sour cream on each serving, scatter chopped cilantro, or add sliced green onions for a fresh bite. Even a handful of diced tomatoes or sliced jalapenos brings color and zing that makes each plate extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Ground Beef Enchiladas with a hearty scoop of Mexican rice, refried beans, or simple black beans. A bright side salad of shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado balances out the richness, and crunchy tortilla chips never hurt, either!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving individual enchiladas on colorful plates, or bake them in mini skillets for a fun, rustic look. For a party, slice them into smaller rolls for easy finger food, or set up a DIY toppings bar so everyone can personalize their own Ground Beef Enchiladas masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas hold up beautifully! Simply cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch secretly even better than tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the enchiladas up to the baking point (hold the cheese if you like), wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, thaw in the fridge overnight, add cheese if needed, and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave in 1-minute bursts until piping hot, or warm larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of extra enchilada sauce if they’re looking a bit dry, and top with fresh garnishes for best results.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter spin on Ground Beef Enchiladas, just be sure to use the same seasonings and check for doneness since leaner meats can cook more quickly.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas from tearing while rolling?
Warm the tortillas slightly before filling, either with a quick toast in a dry skillet or a few seconds in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel. This keeps them soft, pliable, and easy to roll without breaking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just choose certified gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your enchilada sauce label for gluten-containing additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
How spicy are these enchiladas?
As written, Ground Beef Enchiladas have just a gentle, warming level of spice. Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier enchilada sauce to turn up the fire to your taste.
What type of cheese melts best for enchiladas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack both melt beautifully and bring rich flavor. For extra gooey texture, try a combination of both—or add a sprinkle of pepper Jack if you love a little kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Ground Beef Enchiladas enough for comfort food lovers, family nights, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and full of flavor. Dive in, play around with toppings, and make this classic your own—after one bite, you’ll want it on repeat!
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Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful Mexican dish that the whole family will love. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
For Assembly:
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the 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.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: 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 your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or black olives.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Enchiladas, Enchilada Recipe, Mexican Dinner
