These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a flavorful enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. This classic Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
- Flavorful & Comforting: Packed with savory beef, cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce.
- Customizable: Add beans, veggies, or spice it up to your preference.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Taco seasoning
- Enchilada sauce
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the onions until soft. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef: Stir in taco seasoning and a portion of the enchilada sauce. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and some shredded cheese. Roll them up and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with more cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix cream cheese into the beef for a creamy filling.
- Bean & Veggie Addition: Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture.
- Chicken or Turkey Swap: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
- Green Enchiladas: Swap red enchilada sauce for green sauce for a tangy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor but may need to be warmed to prevent cracking.
How do I keep my enchiladas from getting soggy?
Lightly fry the tortillas before filling to create a barrier that prevents them from absorbing too much sauce.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work great for melty, gooey enchiladas.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce often has a fresher, richer flavor than store-bought.
What sides go well with enchiladas?
Try serving them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are gluten-free.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace beef with beans, mushrooms, or tofu for a delicious meat-free option.
How do I reheat enchiladas without drying them out?
Cover with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F to keep them moist.
Can I add extra toppings?
Of course! Sour cream, avocado, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro are great options.
Conclusion
These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a perfect balance of bold flavors, melty cheese, and a satisfying texture. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight meal or a gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try out different variations to make them your own, and enjoy a comforting plate of homemade enchiladas!
PrintEasy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 enchiladas) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These easy ground beef enchiladas are packed with flavor and come together quickly using simple ingredients. Savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce make this a comforting and delicious meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and diced green chilies (if using). Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
- Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Spoon about ¼ cup of beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, then roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with sour cream and cilantro. Serve warm!
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a more traditional taste or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: Assemble enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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