Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe – A Taco Night Game-Changer

Enchiladas never tasted so good with this ground beef enchiladas recipe bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.

Hearty, cheesy, and packed with robust spices, these enchiladas promise a delightful dining experience.

Tender ground beef mingles perfectly with zesty seasonings and melted cheese.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Rolled tortillas brimming with savory filling create a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of Mexico with this mouthwatering culinary creation.

What You Need for Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the main filling for the enchiladas.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These vegetables add depth, sweetness, and texture to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Tortillas: Soft, flexible corn or flour wrappers that hold the beef filling and create the classic enchilada shape.
• Mexican Cheese: A melty, creamy topping that adds richness and a golden color to the enchiladas.

• Canola Oil: Used to create a smooth base for the enchilada sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and deep red color to the sauce.
• Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder: Spices that add warmth, earthiness, and a traditional Mexican flavor profile.
• Water: Helps create the right sauce consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cayenne (Optional): Adds extra heat for those who enjoy a spicier sauce.

How to Make Homemade Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook ground beef, breaking it into small pieces and allowing edges to crisp slightly.

Drain excess fat completely to ensure a non-greasy dish.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté ingredients until onions become soft and translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Craft Enchilada Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat canola oil.

Whisk in flour and cook briefly.

• Tomato paste
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir continuously until sauce thickens and reaches a smooth consistency.

Optional: Add cayenne for extra heat.

Step 4: Build Enchilada Layers

Spread a thin sauce layer on the bottom of a baking dish.

Fill tortillas with beef mixture, rolling each tightly.

Place rolled tortillas seam-side down.

Cover completely with remaining enchilada sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.

For golden browning, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Remove when cheese is melted and bubbly.

Smart Tips for Cheesy Enchiladas

• Select ground beef with 85% or 90% lean meat to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and juicy texture.
• Adjust chili powder and optional cayenne to match your heat preference, allowing everyone from mild-loving to spice-craving eaters to enjoy the dish.
• Warm corn or flour tortillas briefly in a skillet before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier rolling.
• Add a splash of Mexican beer or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the beef mixture for enhanced complexity and robust taste profile.
• Assemble enchiladas ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick weeknight meals or unexpected guests.

Keep & Reheat Enchiladas the Easy Way

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.

Tasty Pairings for Beef Enchiladas

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Complementary Pairings for Ground Beef Enchiladas
• Zest Up with Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas cut through the richness of the enchiladas, providing a tangy, refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate and enhances the spicy Mexican flavors.
• Cool Down with Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy white rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and lime juice offers a light, bright side that balances the hearty, spicy beef enchiladas and adds textural contrast.
• Refresh with Mexican Slaw: Crisp cabbage slaw with jalapeños, lime juice, and a touch of honey brings crunch and acidity that cuts through the cheesy, rich enchilada filling, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
• Complement with Pico de Gallo: Fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime create a vibrant salsa that adds brightness, acidity, and a raw vegetable element to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.

Swaps & Add-Ins for Your Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Enchiladas: Swap traditional tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the sauce, and choose corn tortillas to make the entire dish gluten-free friendly.
• Spicy Lovers' Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra heat kick.

FAQs

• Is ground beef the only meat option for enchiladas?

Ground beef is traditional, but you can easily substitute with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even black beans for a vegetarian version. Each protein brings its own unique flavor to the dish.

• How spicy are these enchiladas?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. The chili powder and optional cayenne provide subtle heat. If you want more spice, add extra cayenne or use a spicier chili powder. For less heat, reduce the chili powder amount.

• Can I make the enchilada sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! This recipe already walks you through making homemade enchilada sauce. It’s simple and uses basic pantry ingredients like tomato paste, flour, and spices. Homemade sauce is fresher and allows you to control the flavor and spice level.

• What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Corn tortillas are most authentic for enchiladas, but flour tortillas work well too. If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking. Choose tortillas that are fresh and pliable for the best results.

Why These Beef Enchiladas Are So Tasty

• Packed with bold, zesty spices and perfectly browned ground beef, these enchiladas deliver a mouthwatering taste experience that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Super easy to prepare with straightforward steps, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
• Adaptable recipe lets you play with spice levels, cheese amounts, and veggie additions, making it perfect for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers who like to experiment.
• Crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together, offering a delicious meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its comforting, cheesy goodness.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Ground Beef Enchiladas deliver a Mexican culinary adventure packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients. Rich cheese, tender beef, and zesty sauce combine to create a comforting meal perfect for family dinners when you crave something deliciously satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Tortillas and Cheese:

• 8 soft taco flour tortillas or king corn tortillas
• 1.5 cups Mexican cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chili powder

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, creating crispy edges and breaking into small pieces.

1. Drain excess fat from the beef. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

1. Create enchilada sauce in a separate saucepan. Heat canola oil and whisk in flour, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Introduce tomato paste, cumin, oregano, chili powder, water, salt, and pepper. Simmer and stir until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

1. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin layer of sauce to prevent sticking. Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, roll tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the dish.

1. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage. Generously distribute shredded Mexican cheese across the top.

1. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Perfectly brown the ground beef by letting it sizzle undisturbed, creating crispy edges that enhance the meat’s flavor and texture.
• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent greasy enchiladas, using a colander or paper towels to remove unwanted oil.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne pepper, creating a personalized spice profile that suits your taste buds.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the enchilada sauce, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg