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; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; Sour cream

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than Ground Beef Enchiladas. This family-favorite dish combines savory beef, aromatic spices, and melty cheese, all wrapped in tender tortillas and smothered in a bold enchilada sauce. These enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights, cozy gatherings, or anytime you want to serve up some serious comfort food in a snap!

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together an unforgettable tray of Ground Beef Enchiladas is easier than you’d think! Each ingredient brings something important to the table, from the richness of the beef to the spicy undertones of chili powder and that irresistible gooey cheese layer. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need—and why you won’t want to leave anything out:

Lean ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base and soaks up all those classic Tex-Mex flavors.
Flour or corn tortillas: Acts as the perfect vessel for bundling up the filling while adding their own unique texture—choose your favorite!
Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade): Brings tangy, zesty flavor and keeps everything moist while baking.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that makes every bite dreamy.
Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef filling.
Garlic, minced: A must-have for a boost of earthy flavor that lingers nicely.
Cumin: One of those can’t-skip spices for warm, smoky undertones in every bite.
Chili powder: Lends a gentle heat and classic Tex-Mex flair—adjust to your spice preference.
Sour cream (for topping): A cool, creamy garnish that balances out the bold flavors in the enchiladas.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Ground Beef Enchiladas bake up hot, bubbly, and golden on top—a little anticipation now pays off big time later as you watch that cheese get perfectly melty!

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook together, stirring and breaking up the beef, until the onions turn soft and translucent and the beef is fully browned—about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should be rich and aromatic, which sets the foundation for a mouthwatering filling.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Time to amp up the flavor! Add in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, stirring well to combine. Sauté for just one minute, allowing all those fragrant spices and garlic to bloom, turning the beef mixture into a fiesta of aromas and taste.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Spoon generous portions of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then roll each one up tightly to keep everything tucked inside. Arrange them seam-side down in a greased baking dish—this helps them hold their shape and soak up all the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Blanket

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over your assembled tortillas, making sure every nook is coated. This is what makes Ground Beef Enchiladas so luscious and full of flavor! Sprinkle the shredded cheese lavishly over the top, ensuring every bite will be gooey and satisfying.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven, uncovered, and let the enchiladas bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the sauce is bubbling merrily and the cheese is melted and shimmering with golden spots. The kitchen will smell heavenly—resist the urge to dig in straight from the oven so you don’t miss out on those perfect slices!

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

For the ultimate finishing touch, top your Ground Beef Enchiladas with dollops of sour cream, a generous shower of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or even diced avocados. These garnishes add a pop of color, creaminess, and freshness that wakes up every bite!

Side Dishes

Pair your enchiladas with classic sides like fluffy Mexican rice, zesty black beans, or a bright corn salad to round out the meal. If you’re going all out, some crispy tortilla chips and homemade guacamole make everything feel like a festive occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling the enchiladas in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or slice them into bite-sized rounds and skewer with toothpicks for a fun party platter. However you serve them, Ground Beef Enchiladas always deliver a wow factor at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas (lucky you!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make for fantastic lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Ground Beef Enchiladas freeze beautifully! Assemble as directed, but hold off on baking and cheese. Cover well and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese, and bake as usual. Perfect for planning ahead or prepping for busy weeks!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat enchiladas in the oven at 350°F until they’re hot and the cheese is re-melted—this keeps them from getting soggy. You can also use the microwave for individual portions; just loosely cover to avoid splatters and heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully, so choose whichever you prefer. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional touch and a slightly sweet, earthy taste, while flour tortillas deliver a softer bite and are less likely to crack during rolling.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

Ground Beef Enchiladas have a gentle, family-friendly heat thanks to the chili powder. Want more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture, or choose a spicier enchilada sauce!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Definitely! The recipe is flexible—just swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adjust cooking time as needed and season well to keep that bold flavor.

What should I do if my enchiladas get soggy?

If you notice your Ground Beef Enchiladas are on the softer side, try toasting the tortillas in a dry skillet before filling and rolling. This will help create a slight barrier so they hold their structure better after baking.

Can I make the enchiladas in advance?

Yes! Assemble Ground Beef Enchiladas up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed. This dish is a true time-saver for entertaining or prepping ahead for easy weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring the comfort and big flavor of Ground Beef Enchiladas to your table, there’s truly no better time than now. Whether you keep things classic or add your own twist, these enchiladas are sure to win over anyone lucky enough to grab a plate—so go ahead, give them a try, and make some delicious memories!

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Tender beef, seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices, rolled in tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked to cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

For Topping:

Sour cream

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown 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.
Fill Tortillas: 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 toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
Feel free to use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce based on your preference.

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