Irresistible Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand something quick and delicious, and these ground beef enchiladas hit the perfect comfort food spot.

Packed with savory ground beef and melted cheese, this enchiladas recipe brings serious Mexican-inspired flavor to your table.

The combination of tender meat, spicy sauce, and soft tortillas creates an irresistible meal that satisfies every time.

Each bite delivers a hearty blend of robust seasonings and creamy textures that make dinner feel special.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, transforming basic components into a mouthwatering dish everyone will love.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Dive into a plate of these enchiladas and watch smiles spread around the dinner table.

Must-Have Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base for the enchilada filling.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the beef mixture.

• Enchilada Sauce: Provides a classic Mexican-style flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin: Blend of spices that creates a rich and warm seasoning for the beef.
• Salsa: Enhances the beef mixture with additional zesty flavor.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wrappers that hold the beef filling.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a creamy and golden topping.

• Cilantro, Sour Cream, Avocado, Lime Juice: Fresh toppings that add brightness and extra layers of flavor to the enchiladas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F to get it sizzling hot and ready for your enchilada adventure.

Step 2: Brown The Meaty Goodness

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat.

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions

• Salt
• Pepper
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin

Splash in some salsa and let it simmer for 10 minutes to blend those killer flavors.

Step 3: Sauce And Tortilla Magic

Splash a thin layer of enchilada sauce in your 9×13 pan.

Warm the remaining sauce in a saucepan over low heat.

Dip each tortilla in the warm sauce to make them super flexible and prevent cracking.

Step 4: Roll And Tuck

Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla, roll them up snugly, and nestle them seam-side down in the baking dish.

Keep rolling until you’ve used all the filling.

Step 5: Cheese And Sauce Shower

Drench the rolled tortillas with remaining enchilada sauce.

• Shredded cheddar
• Monterey Jack cheese

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

For extra crispy cheese, broil for a quick minute.

Step 7: Dress It Up

• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

Dive in and enjoy your homemade enchilada feast!

Tips for Better Enchiladas Every Time

• Dip each tortilla in warm enchilada sauce before filling to prevent cracking and enhance flavor absorption.
• After browning ground beef, remove extra grease to keep enchiladas from becoming too oily and heavy.
• Adjust spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika to your taste preference, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly across the top for maximum melty coverage and golden-brown finish.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices to add brightness and contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.

How to Keep Enchiladas Tasty After Cooking

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated evenly. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

What Complements Beef Enchiladas Best

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Opt for a zesty Tempranillo from Spain, which complements the beef's richness and cuts through the cheesy enchiladas with its bold, fruity profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Companion: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila, creating a tangy counterpoint that elevates the spicy, savory flavors of the dish.
• Mexican-Inspired Side Kick: Prepare a crisp jicama slaw with lime and cilantro, offering a light, crunchy texture that balances the hearty enchiladas and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Cooling Contrast: Whip up a quick Mexican street corn salad with crema, cotija cheese, and chili powder, adding a creamy and zesty dimension that harmonizes with the main course's robust flavors.

Enchilada Filling and Sauce Ideas to Try

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free certified to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use zucchini strips as a wrapper, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining classic enchilada flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for extra heat and smoky depth in the beef mixture.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in the beef mixture?

The key spices are chili powder, paprika, and cumin. These spices add depth and authentic Mexican flavor to the ground beef, creating a rich and aromatic filling for the enchiladas.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling?

Dip each tortilla in warm enchilada sauce before filling and rolling. This softens the tortilla, making it more pliable and less likely to crack during the rolling process.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar and Monterey Jack with other melting cheeses like pepper jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend. Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the beef’s spicy flavor.

• Is there a way to make the dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hot salsa instead of a mild one. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your preference.

Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Swap ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• This enchilada recipe works perfectly for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings where everyone craves delicious, hearty comfort food.
• Even beginners can master this recipe with simple steps, basic ingredients, and straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee a tasty result every single time.
• Prepare the enchiladas in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it an incredibly convenient option for busy households seeking a satisfying meal without complex preparation.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas bring Mexican comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich, cheesy goodness. Spicy seasoned beef, wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered in zesty sauce, promises a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pounds (454 grams) ground beef
• 12–18 corn tortillas
• 2 cans red enchilada sauce (10 ounces/283 grams each)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) monterey jack cheese, shredded

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) salsa

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the enchiladas.
2. In a large skillet, transform ground beef and onions over medium heat until meat browns and onions soften. Eliminate excess grease and infuse with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Incorporate salsa and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize.
3. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by coating the bottom with a thin layer of enchilada sauce. Gently warm remaining sauce in a separate pan, using it to soften tortillas before filling, preventing potential cracking during rolling.
4. Craft each enchilada by generously filling tortillas with seasoned beef mixture. Roll tightly and position seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a neat arrangement.
5. Lavish the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Cascade shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across the surface, creating a melty blanket.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape. Optional: Activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a crispy cheese crust.
7. Elevate the dish with vibrant garnishes like fresh cilantro, creamy sour cream, buttery avocado slices, or a zesty lime juice splash, introducing bright contrasts to the rich enchiladas.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and choosing mild or spicy salsa to suit different taste preferences.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
• Prevent tortilla cracking by warming them briefly in microwave or using fresh, pliable corn or flour tortillas at room temperature before rolling.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing beef mixture and assembling enchiladas ahead of time, then refrigerating until ready to bake for quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg