Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
If you’re seeking a delicious and crowd-pleasing Mexican dinner, look no further than this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. It’s vibrant, saucy, packed with savory flavor, and lovingly blanketed in a layer of bubbling cheese. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of tender spiced beef, tangy red enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this is one comfort food dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Despite their bold flavor, these enchiladas come together with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Every component brings its own unique touch to the dish—so from the spices to the cheese, nothing is here by accident!
- Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 for a juicy, flavorful filling, and be sure to drain any excess fat so the dish doesn’t become greasy.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion gives sweetness and depth, complementing the savory beef beautifully.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, brings a punchy backbone and a little complexity to the filling.
- Ground cumin: This earthy spice is essential for that warm, Mexican-inspired aroma.
- Chili powder: Adds both color and a gentle heat, rounding out the flavor with a little kick.
- Paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness that deepens the flavor without overpowering the other spices.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all those flavors into harmony.
- Red enchilada sauce: Use your favorite canned sauce for speed, or try homemade if you have extra time—the sauce ties everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic for that sharp, gooey melted topping—mix it up and use what you love!
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Mild, extra-melty, and balances the stronger cheddar perfectly.
- Flour tortillas: Soft, pliable, and easy to roll—choose 6- to 8-inch tortillas for the ideal enchilada size.
- Chopped cilantro & sour cream: These optional garnishes add freshness and a creamy finish, elevating each bite to restaurant quality.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Filling
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your favorite large skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it brown and the onion turn soft and fragrant—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. If you see a lot of fat, go ahead and drain it, so your enchiladas don’t end up soggy.
Step 2: Season and Sauce the Beef Mixture
Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper right into the pan. Stir everything together, letting those spices bloom and coat every bite of beef, then pour in half of your red enchilada sauce. Stir and let the flavors meld; you’ll be tempted to taste—go for it! When everything is evenly coated, pull it off the heat and let it cool slightly so it’s easy to handle.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Lay out your flour tortillas across a clean surface or cutting board. Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle a generous spoonful of the cheese blend on top, saving just enough cheese for a final melty topping. Roll each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to keep them snug and tidy as they bake.
Step 4: Smother and Top with Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce all over the rolled-up tortillas, making sure every inch is covered. Sprinkle on the reserved cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for that irresistible golden crust. This step is where those enchiladas start looking truly tempting!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 20 minutes to let everything heat through and the flavors come together. Remove the foil, then bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Watch for when the cheese turns bubbling and golden brown on top—that’s your signal they’re ready! Let them cool for a few minutes before garnishing and serving.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe with generous scoops of fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of creamy sour cream. The cool tang of the sour cream and verdant hit from cilantro brighten every bite, making the dish pop both in flavor and appearance. Feel free to add chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a little sprinkle of jalapeños if you want more color or a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
To make it a complete feast, pair your Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe with classic Mexican sides. Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, zesty black beans, or a crunchy cabbage slaw drizzled with lime vinaigrette. These sides provide the perfect texture contrast and balance out the richness of the enchiladas, making your dinner unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your enchiladas in a circular “sunburst” pattern for a striking table presentation, or serve them individually plated with sauce artfully drizzled along the side. If you’re feeding a crowd, create a festive build-your-own enchilada bar with different salsas, fresh toppings, and even alternative fillings for an interactive dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days and the flavor only deepens, making tomorrow’s lunch truly irresistible! If possible, keep the garnishes separate and only add them just before serving.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble the enchiladas fully (before baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. You can also freeze fully baked enchiladas, though the texture of the tortillas may soften a little upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes if thawed, or longer if frozen. For a quick lunch, you can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to cover them to keep that signature gooey cheese topping intact.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a delicious traditional flavor and are naturally gluten-free. To prevent tearing, warm them briefly in the microwave or dip them in sauce before filling and rolling.
What’s the best cheese for Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is classic, thanks to its balance of meltiness and sharpness, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor variety.
Can I add beans or vegetables to the filling?
Yes, this recipe is super flexible! Add in black beans, corn, chopped green chiles, or even diced bell pepper to bulk up the filling and add more color and nutrition.
How can I make this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe spicier?
If you crave heat, boost the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat filling. You can also drizzle on your favorite hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the top before baking or as a serving garnish.
Is it possible to prepare these enchiladas ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the enchiladas up to the point of baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is pure comfort food, bursting with savory flavor and cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite. I hope you feel inspired to try it soon—once you do, there’s a good chance it’ll become a beloved regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Flavorful seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce come together in a comforting baked dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For assembly:
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (6- to 8-inch size)
- Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the enchilada sauce.
- Fill the tortillas: Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, roll up, and place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas, top with cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro and sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Add beans, corn, or green chiles for extra flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
