If you love big, bold flavors wrapped up in a cheesy, saucy package, then this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Each bite is a cozy mix of tender ground beef, melty cheese, zesty enchilada sauce, and soft tortillas, all baked together until bubbly perfection. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory get-together, this dish brings festive spirit and irresistible comfort to the table—plus it’s easy enough for anyone to pull off, and adaptable for whatever you have on hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of humble ingredients can transform into something so flavorful and satisfying. Each component in this Beef Enchiladas Recipe adds its own special touch, from the warming spices to the ooey-gooey cheese that pulls it all together.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 for just enough richness; it forms the hearty base of your filling.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps everything cook evenly and infuses extra flavor.
- Onion (finely chopped): A sweet, mellow base, cooked until soft for subtle complexity.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves make the filling irresistible—don’t skip it!
- Ground Cumin: Earthy, warm, and so classically Mexican—cumin wakes up the whole dish.
- Chili Powder: Adds color and a gentle kick of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: A smoky undertone gives this Beef Enchiladas Recipe restaurant-level depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
- Diced Green Chiles (canned): Mild, tangy, and a little sharp—they blend perfectly for a signature enchilada flair.
- Red Enchilada Sauce (canned or homemade): This brings tangy, saucy moisture so your enchiladas never go dry.
- Flour Tortillas (8-inch): Soft and sturdy enough to hold all the hearty filling—feel free to swap in corn tortillas if you like!
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts like a dream and adds extra richness to every layer.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of bright green at the end to cut through the richness—plus, it looks beautiful.
How to Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re translucent and sweet-smelling. Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for half a minute—this quick step lays a flavorful foundation for the entire dish and gets your kitchen smelling amazing.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Now add the ground beef to your onion and garlic mixture. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown completely and develop a flavorful crust. This will take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned and cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep the filling from getting soggy.
Step 3: Season and Add Chiles
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and those lovely diced green chiles. Let everything cook together for two more minutes. This is when your beef filling absorbs all those Mexican-inspired flavors, making this Beef Enchiladas Recipe taste miles above the rest.
Step 4: Prep the Baking Dish
Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a gentle tilt so the sauce coats the base completely. This first layer of sauce keeps your tortillas saucy-soft and prevents sticking—don’t skip it!
Step 5: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Grab one tortilla at a time and spoon about 1/3 cup of beef filling down the center. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese over the top, then roll tightly. Place each one seam-side down in the baking dish, nestling them together. This assembly process goes quickly once you get the hang of it!
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all tortillas are rolled and arranged in the dish, pour the rest of your enchilada sauce evenly over everything. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese across the top to create that gooey, bubbly finish everyone loves in a good Beef Enchiladas Recipe.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. This final bake ties all the flavors together, softens the tortillas, and brings maximum cheesy satisfaction.
Step 8: Let Rest & Garnish
Take your bubbling enchiladas out and let them rest for five minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier. If you love a fresh, herbal note, sprinkle with chopped cilantro right before bringing it to the table.
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish brings color, zing, and excitement to your Beef Enchiladas Recipe! Try a handful of chopped cilantro for freshness, add a drizzle of sour cream for richness, or scatter thinly sliced green onions for some crunch. Avocado slices or a little crumbled queso fresco are also absolutely delicious—let your mood (and whatever is in the fridge) inspire you.
Side Dishes
Nothing rounds out this meal like classic sides. Traditional Mexican rice or simple cilantro-lime rice make ideal partners, soaking up every last bit of sauce. A quick pot of black beans or refried beans adds heartiness, and a tangy slaw or crisp salad lightens everything up. For a true feast, add a side of warm tortilla chips and salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your family or guests by arranging each enchilada on a bed of leafy greens, drizzling with crema, and sprinkling with diced tomatoes for restaurant-style flair. For a party, slice the enchiladas into smaller pieces for finger food, or bake individual portions in mini baking dishes everyone can enjoy straight from the oven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, you’re in luck—these enchiladas reheat beautifully! Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and still taste fantastic.
Freezing
This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is freezer-friendly! Assemble them up to the baking step, wrap tightly in foil (and/or plastic wrap), and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or bake directly from frozen, adding a little extra time in the oven.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melty and everything is warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. A microwave works in a pinch—cover with a damp paper towel and use medium heat to keep the tortillas soft and the filling moist.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas bring a rustic texture and authentic flavor to this Beef Enchiladas Recipe. Consider warming or lightly frying them first to prevent cracking while you roll.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy enchiladas?
The trick is to not over-saturate your tortillas with sauce, use a sturdy baking dish, and let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after baking so the cheese can set up and the sauce thickens slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the entire Beef Enchiladas Recipe up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results—so easy for entertaining.
What other fillings can I add?
Feel free to stir in black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers for extra texture and flavor. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works if you’d like to swap out the beef.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the flour tortillas with certified gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check that your enchilada sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into this Beef Enchiladas Recipe and experience just how wonderfully easy and irresistible homemade enchiladas can be. Give it a try, add your own favorite twists, and watch it become a staple at your table too—happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make beef enchiladas that are perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. These enchiladas are filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and topped with a flavorful red enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
Other Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook onion, garlic, and beef. Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the tortillas: Spoon beef mixture onto tortillas, top with cheese, and roll tightly.
- Assemble and bake: Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas if preferred.
- Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Use homemade enchilada sauce for a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
