If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful Mexican-inspired meal that’s easy to whip up any night of the week, look no further than this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce rolled up in soft tortillas come together to create a dish bursting with warmth and homestyle goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together quickly and easily.
- Rich Flavors: A perfect blend of savory spices and melty cheese creates an unforgettable taste.
- Family Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike, making it a great weeknight winner.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to customize to your spice level or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe shines with a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each add their own magic — from the juicy, seasoned beef to the melty cheese and tangy enchilada sauce. Together, these components create a harmonious dish full of color, texture, and flavor.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base without excess grease.
- Flour or corn tortillas: The soft wrap that holds all the delicious fillings together—choose your favorite!
- Enchilada sauce: Adds a vibrant, spicy kick that makes this dish truly Mexican-inspired, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to top off the enchiladas with gooey goodness.
- Onion and garlic: Build layers of aromatic flavor that perfectly complement the meat.
- Cumin and chili powder: Classic Mexican spices that bring warmth and depth to each bite.
- Sour cream: Optional, but highly recommended for a cool, creamy finish when serving.
Variations
One of the best things about this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, switching up flavor profiles, or just experimenting, these variations let you make the dish your own.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a mix of roasted veggies for a hearty meatless option.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who love a little heat.
- Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar with pepper jack or queso fresco for a more complex cheesy flavor.
- Healthier Swap: Use whole wheat tortillas and lean turkey instead of beef for a lighter twist.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your enchiladas are ready to bake, the oven is hot and ready to get that cheese bubbly and golden on top.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef with the diced onion until the onion is translucent and the beef is nicely browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add Spices and Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant. These spices lift the beef mixture and infuse that classic Mexican aroma we all love.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in a greased baking dish to hold their shape while baking.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese, then Bake
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over all the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just turning golden brown.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Choose the Right Tortilla: Warm your tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain any excess grease to avoid soggy enchiladas and keep the flavors balanced.
- Layer the Sauce Generously: Pour enough enchilada sauce so the tortillas soak up flavor as they bake, keeping them moist and delicious.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling makes rolling tricky and can cause the enchiladas to fall apart during baking, so portion carefully.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect way to finish off your enchiladas is with some fresh, vibrant garnishes. A dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or some sliced green onions adds freshness and a pop of color that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these enchiladas alongside a crisp salad, Mexican rice, or seasoned black beans for a well-rounded meal. A simple avocado or guacamole side also pairs beautifully, balancing the spicy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Present your enchiladas in individual ramekins for a fun twist or arrange on a vibrant platter with a drizzle of extra sauce and a scattering of fresh chopped herbs. For parties, make mini enchilada bites to snack on while mingling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just cover tightly to preserve moisture and prevent the tortillas from drying out.
Freezing
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe freezes like a dream! Assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen with a little extra time for a convenient meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Microwaving works too but can make tortillas a bit chewy — oven reheating keeps that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
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Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas are a traditional choice for enchiladas and add an authentic flavor. To prevent cracking, warm them gently before rolling. Both flour and corn tortillas work beautifully in this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe.
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Is there a way to make the filling spicier?
Yes! You can increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra chili powder to the beef mixture. You can also spice up the enchilada sauce itself or serve with spicy toppings like sliced hot peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce.
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Can this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe be made ahead and frozen?
Definitely. Prep the enchiladas fully but skip baking, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. You can bake straight from frozen, adding extra time, making this a perfect meal prep option.
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What can I serve with ground beef enchiladas to make it a complete meal?
Pair your enchiladas with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried or black beans, a fresh salad, or guacamole with chips. These sides balance the richness and add complementary textures for an all-around satisfying dinner.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is a true gem—comforting, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, I promise these enchiladas will bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintGround Beef Enchiladas Recipe
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef rolled in tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, they combine savory flavors and comforting textures in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Tortillas and Assembly
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings
- Sour cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until the onions turn translucent and the beef is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet and sauté for another minute to release their aromas and blend with the beef mixture.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon the beef mixture evenly onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down into a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and top with sour cream before serving for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- You can use either flour or corn tortillas depending on preference or dietary needs.
- For a spicier enchilada, add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Homemade enchilada sauce enhances the flavor but store-bought is a convenient alternative.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be reheated in the oven.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground beef.
