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

There’s nothing cozier or more crowd-pleasing than bringing a bubbling tray of Ground Beef Enchiladas to the dinner table. This delicious classic is a weeknight miracle: savory beef, soft tortillas, vibrant sauce, and that wonderful blanket of melty cheese. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, you’ll love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into a fiesta, with every bite delivering rich flavors and comforting textures. I’m thrilled to walk you through making these Ground Beef Enchiladas—my go-to dish for warmth and happy memories around the dinner table!

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in the combination of just a few superstar ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen for the way it builds flavor, adds color, or brings perfect texture to every bite. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this irresistible dish at home:

Lean ground beef: Brings hearty, savory flavor and a satisfying bite to every enchilada.
Flour or corn tortillas: Pick your favorite for either a soft wrap or a classic, rustic chew; both hold up beautifully to sauce and filling.
Enchilada sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, this is the heart of the recipe—bringing tangy, savory, and mildly spicy notes.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melty, bubbly cheese on top is what makes each forkful irresistible.
Medium onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the beef filling.
Garlic, minced: A flavor booster that lifts up the entire filling with its aromatic punch.
Cumin: Warm spice that infuses the beef with savory, earthy flavor.
Chili powder: Delivers just enough gentle heat and complexity—don’t skip it!
Sour cream (for topping): The cooling, creamy finish every Ground Beef Enchilada deserves.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start your enchilada adventure by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets things ready for the magic to happen as soon as your enchiladas are assembled. A nice, hot oven will help the cheese melt just right and the sauce to bubble happily.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef and diced onions, cooking and stirring frequently. After 5–7 minutes, the beef will be nicely browned and the onions soft and translucent, setting the stage for delicious flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Toss in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together and let it sauté for another minute. You’ll notice the beef mixture becoming fragrant and beautifully colored—an aroma that always gets my family wandering into the kitchen!

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up snugly so the filling stays put, then lay each roll seam-side down into a greased baking dish. This helps everything hold together as it bakes and makes serving a breeze.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the tucked-in tortillas—don’t hold back! Sprinkle your shredded cheese generously over the top. This is where the comfort really kicks in, as everything gets blanketed in saucy, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Slide the dish into the oven (uncovered!) and bake for 20–25 minutes. The cheese will melt and turn gorgeously golden, and the edges of the sauce will bubble up. Pull them out and get ready for temptation—you’ll want to dive in right away!

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

The finishing touches are where you make these enchiladas your own. I love a big dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe some sliced jalapeños for extra kick. If you feel fancy, a squeeze of lime takes things straight to fiesta territory.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef Enchiladas shine alongside classic sides. Try pairing with fluffy Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or a crisp salad tossed with avocado and lime. These simple additions turn dinner into a full, hearty meal everyone will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual meals, serve the enchiladas family-style right from the baking dish. If you want to elevate things, arrange two enchiladas per plate, drizzle with extra sauce, and add rainbow-bright toppings. Mini skillets or colorful casserole dishes also add fun personality—perfect for dinner parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas are a treat for tomorrow’s lunch! Simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers, then refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors will deepen and meld, making them extra delicious the next day.

Freezing

These enchiladas freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked enchiladas—just add sauce and cheese right before baking.

Reheating

To bring your Ground Beef Enchiladas back to life, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Individual portions can be microwaved in a pinch—just heat on medium and don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter spin on Ground Beef Enchiladas. Both work deliciously well and soak up the spices and sauce, making for a slightly different but equally tasty dish.

Should I use flour or corn tortillas?

This is completely up to your taste and texture preference. Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll, while corn tortillas offer authentic flavor and a slightly firmer bite. Try both to see which you like best!

Can I make these enchiladas less spicy?

Certainly. Simply choose a mild enchilada sauce and dial back the chili powder if you’re cooking for spice-sensitive eaters. You can always set out hot sauce on the side for those who want extra heat!

What’s the best cheese for melting on top?

Shredded cheddar gives a sharp, classic flavor, while Monterey Jack melts super smoothly and offers a touch of creaminess. Feel free to use a blend or add a sprinkle of pepper jack for a little kick.

Can I prepare Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the enchiladas up to a day ahead and refrigerate, covered. Add sauce and cheese just before baking, then pop them in the oven for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness without the dinnertime rush.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Ground Beef Enchiladas—they’re simple, soul-satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a happy crowd, this dish is always a hit. Gather your ingredients and bring some enchilada magic to your table tonight!

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together. Flavorful seasoned beef, onions, and garlic are rolled in tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked with cheese until bubbly and golden. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a truly comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ground Beef Filling:

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

For the Enchiladas:

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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until translucent (5-7 minutes).
Season the Beef: 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 additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or black olives.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

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