If you’re searching for a feast that’s fast, filling, and pure comfort, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe will soar right to the top of your must-make list. Imagine melty cheese, a deeply spiced beef and onion filling, and a blanket of rich red enchilada sauce, all tucked into soft tortillas and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. There’s a reason this dish is practically a weeknight legend—one bite and you’ll understand why my family requests it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one chosen to bring bold flavor, vibrant color, and the ultimate cozy texture. Let’s break down why these essentials make every bite so irresistible.
- Lean ground beef: Gives a hearty, protein-packed base while keeping things juicy.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic, minced: Lends a warm, aromatic kick that wakes up all the flavors.
- Red enchilada sauce (10-ounce can): Bathes everything in a savory, slightly tangy tomato-chili warmth.
- Diced green chiles (4-ounce can): Provide a touch of brightness and a gentle heat—totally family friendly!
- Ground cumin: Infuses the filling with classic earthy, smoky notes you crave in Mexican cooking.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle, aromatic spice that brings excitement without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Flour or corn tortillas: Choose your texture—corn for tradition, flour for extra-softness!
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts into gooey, bubbly goodness while adding creamy savoriness.
- Fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced green onions (optional garnish): Bring freshness, color, and a cool pop to each finished plate.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this sets you up for perfectly nonstick, easy-to-serve enchiladas. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step releases rich, savory aromas and creates that craveworthy filling base.
Step 2: Add Flavor with Spices, Chiles, and Sauce
Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic, diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, plus a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let them cook for just 2 minutes so everything mingles and the spices bloom. Stir in about 1/3 cup of the enchilada sauce—this keeps the mixture juicy and adds that deep, signature flavor that’s key in any Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. Remove from heat and get ready to assemble!
Step 3: Fill and Roll Your Enchiladas
Set up a little assembly line: lay out your tortillas and scoop about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into each one. Sprinkle a generous pinch of cheese on top of the beef, then roll them up tightly and place seam-side down into your greased baking dish. Repeat until every tortilla is filled—this is where you can get the family involved for fun.
Step 4: Smother, Top, and Bake
Now, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over all your rolled enchiladas, making sure you cover every nook and cranny (nobody likes a dry spot!). Scatter the remaining cheese on top, then cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes to heat everything through, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. When you peek in and see that golden, bubbling cheese, you’ll know they’re perfect.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Let your Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven—this helps them set and makes serving neat and easy. Top with fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, and some sliced green onions to finish things off with freshness and color.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
The crowning touches make all the difference! Sprinkle your enchiladas generously with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of green, add silky ribbons of sour cream, and finish with a handful of sliced green onions. They add freshness, crunch, and a creamy note that tastes phenomenal with the warm, spiced filling.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love serving it with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice and some quick black beans. A simple tossed salad with lime vinaigrette or some buttery sweet corn on the cob also go beautifully with the bold flavors on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each enchilada in a shallow bowl with extra sauce ladled over the top, or layer them in individual ramekins for a dinner party spin. For a festive touch, place a little bowl of each topping on the table and let everyone build their perfect plate. This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is truly versatile—dress it up or down for any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, and honestly, the flavors get even richer as they rest!
Freezing
Want enchiladas on demand? Assemble the dish (but don’t bake), then tightly cover and freeze for up to two months. When you’re craving comfort, thaw overnight in the fridge, add a few extra minutes to your bake time, and enjoy fuss-free homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe straight from your freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, place enchiladas in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, individual servings can be microwaved—just zap on medium power and watch for that cheesy melt!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a lighter substitute—just be sure to season well since turkey is milder. You’ll still get all those classic enchilada flavors, with a leaner profile.
Should I use corn or flour tortillas?
Both work beautifully! Corn tortillas offer traditional flavor and texture, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll. Pick your favorite or use whatever you have on hand.
Can I make this enchilada recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals! Just assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you’re craving more heat, stir in some diced jalapeños with the beef mixture or swap in a spicier enchilada sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce added to the filling can also give an extra kick.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat leftover enchiladas in the oven, covered with foil to keep them moist. This ensures the cheese gets melty again and the tortillas stay tender. If you’re short on time, the microwave will work too—just keep an eye out so they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
Few things beat the cozy, flavor-packed satisfaction of a bubbling pan of this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe fresh from the oven. With simple ingredients, vibrant toppings, and easy prep, you’re just steps away from a meal that’s guaranteed to win hearts. So grab those tortillas and get rolling—you’re in for a seriously delicious treat!
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful and comforting Mexican dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Savory ground beef, spices, and cheese wrapped in tortillas and baked to perfection, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Enchiladas:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1/3 cup of enchilada sauce.
- Fill tortillas: Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla, top with cheese, roll up, and place in the baking dish.
- Bake: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas, sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and green onions.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or use spicy enchilada sauce.
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
