If you’re craving a comforting meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and just the right amount of spice, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese—inviting you to dig in and savor every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe so satisfying are the simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that come together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a key role—from the savory beef and aromatic spices to the creamy cheese and tangy sauce, it’s a dish that’s as balanced as it is delicious.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The hearty base providing rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a pleasant crunch after cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the beef with aromatic depth.
- 1 tsp cumin: Gives the meat that classic earthy warmth essential to Mexican cuisine.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Brings a mild heat and smoky undertone.
- 8 flour or corn tortillas: The cozy wrap that holds all the delicious filling in place.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce: Either store-bought or homemade—this sauce ties all the flavors together with tang and spice.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack): For a creamy, melty topping that’s pure comfort.
- Sour cream (for topping): Adds cooling creaminess and a touch of tang when serving.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to perfectly bake your enchiladas to golden, bubbly perfection by the time your filling is assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion until the onions turn translucent, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops all those deeply savory flavors. Then add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, sautéing for one more minute so the spices bloom and coat the beef beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon generous portions of the flavorful beef mixture into each tortilla. Roll each one up tightly so none of that tasty beef escapes. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish, creating a snug lineup that will stay intact as the cheese melts on top.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one gets the perfect amount of tangy, slightly spicy coating. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top. This layer will melt into gooey, golden goodness as they bake.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. When ready, you’ll see bubbling sauce and beautifully melted cheese with a light golden crust. This final step melds all the flavors while giving you that signature enchilada texture and appearance.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your enchiladas with simple yet flavorful garnishes. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy, cooling contrast to the spice. Freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of diced green onions can lift the dish with fresh, vibrant notes.
Side Dishes
Pair this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe with comforting sides like Mexican rice or refried beans to round out your meal. A crisp salad with lime vinaigrette can also add a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve your enchiladas nestled in a cast-iron skillet straight from the oven. Or try rolling the filling in colorful corn tortillas for a rustic look. You can even create smaller, appetizer-sized enchiladas for party platters that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save enchiladas for longer, freeze them before baking. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. This makes a handy, ready-to-bake meal on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your enchiladas gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to keep the cheese from drying out, or zap in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great lean alternatives that still soak up the spices beautifully, giving you a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of enchilada sauce works best?
Either store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce works well. If you prefer a richer, smoky flavor, consider a red sauce with mild heat, but green sauce can add a fresh, tangy twist to this recipe.
Can these enchiladas be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or any certified gluten-free tortillas. Ensure your enchilada sauce and spices don’t contain hidden gluten too.
How spicy is this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate level of spice thanks to the chili powder. You can adjust the amount or type of chili powder to suit your taste, adding more for heat or less for a milder dish.
Can I prepare these enchiladas in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the enchiladas the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just add sauce and cheese, then bake. It’s a convenient way to save time when hosting.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is the kind of meal that reminds you why comfort food is so beloved—it’s hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or sharing with friends, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and empty plates. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make these enchiladas your next delicious adventure in the kitchen!
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Ground Beef Enchiladas featuring a flavorful seasoned beef filling wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with savory enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Enchiladas
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Topping
- Sour cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and sauté together for an additional minute to fully develop the flavors.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly into each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish to prevent unrolling during baking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top to create a gooey, melted layer after baking.
- Bake: Bake the assembled enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, topped with sour cream as desired for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference.
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate before assembling the enchiladas.
- Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
