Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting, savory flavors of homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas. Packed with seasoned beef, smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I remember discovering this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I needed something hearty and satisfying that wouldn’t take hours to prepare. Now, it’s become a regular in our meal rotation—delicious, family-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear from the dinner table fast.

Let’s dive into why this easy ground beef enchiladas recipe deserves a spot on your menu.

Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. These enchiladas are everything you want in a comforting, satisfying dinner.

First and foremost, this recipe is so easy to make. With simple pantry staples like ground beef, tortillas, and cheese, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under 45 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short but your cravings are big.

These enchiladas are a guaranteed family hit. The tender, seasoned beef filling, combined with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese, makes this a meal even the pickiest eaters will devour.

Another bonus? This recipe is budget-friendly. By using affordable ingredients like ground beef and store-bought tortillas, you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.

Best of all, these enchiladas are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite fillings, sauces, and toppings to suit your family’s tastes. From adding beans to swapping in chicken, the options are endless.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, these ground beef enchiladas are about to become your new go-to.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, simple ingredients. Each one contributes to a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Ground beef is the star of this recipe. I recommend using an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) for the best flavor. The fat adds richness, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to drain any excess grease after cooking.

Tortillas are the foundation of the enchiladas. Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up beautifully under the sauce, but if you prefer flour tortillas, those work just as well. For easier rolling, warm the tortillas briefly to prevent cracking.

The enchilada sauce ties the dish together. While homemade enchilada sauce is always a winner, a good-quality store-bought sauce saves time and still delivers fantastic flavor. Look for a red enchilada sauce with a balanced mix of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.

Cheese is a must for the perfect enchiladas. I love using a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. They melt beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey, golden topping. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese instead.

To elevate the flavor, don’t forget onions and spices. Sautéing chopped onions with the ground beef adds sweetness and depth, while spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder bring warmth and that classic Tex-Mex flavor.

For this recipe, you’ll need a baking dish, a skillet, and a spoon for spreading the sauce. Keep things simple—no fancy equipment required.

How to Make These Ground Beef Enchiladas

Making these enchiladas is a straightforward process that comes together quickly, even on the busiest nights. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.

Start by preparing the beef filling. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in chopped onions and cook until softened. Add your spices—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt—and let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Warm the tortillas to make them more pliable. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30-45 seconds. This step makes rolling the enchiladas much easier and prevents the tortillas from tearing.

Assemble the enchiladas by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Take a warm tortilla and spoon a generous portion of the beef filling into the center. Sprinkle with a little shredded cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef.

Once all the enchiladas are rolled and nestled in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Use a spoon to ensure every inch of the tortillas is covered—this helps keep them soft and flavorful as they bake. Finish by sprinkling a generous layer of shredded cheese over the sauce.

Bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The aroma alone will have your family rushing to the kitchen!

Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.

In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a pan of cheesy, beefy enchiladas that taste like they came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant.

Storage Options

These ground beef enchiladas store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

For the refrigerator, place any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

If you want to freeze enchiladas, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

For reheating frozen enchiladas, bake them covered at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to switch things up based on your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.

If you prefer a different protein, swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.

For added flavor and nutrition, mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the beef filling. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies.

Experiment with different cheeses. Try sharp cheddar, queso fresco, or cotija for a unique flavor profile. Spicy cheese lovers can’t go wrong with pepper jack!

If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the sauce. A creamy green enchilada sauce made with tomatillos is a fresh and tangy alternative to classic red sauce.

Want a little heat? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef filling for an extra kick.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—these ground beef enchiladas are the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite flavors.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving a cozy, comforting dinner, these enchiladas deliver every time. Try them out tonight, and watch them become a fast favorite at your dinner table!

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