If you are searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Ground Beef Enchiladas. This beloved dish combines tender, savory ground beef with rich shredded cheese and a zesty enchilada sauce wrapped in tender tortillas. Each bite bursts with bold, familiar flavors that make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. The beauty of Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in its simplicity and versatility, inviting you to customize with your favorite toppings and sides for a meal that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and bring together the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to create mouthwatering Ground Beef Enchiladas. From the seasoned beef to the melty cheese and vibrant cilantro, each element plays an essential role.
- Ground beef: Choose fresh, quality beef for a flavorful and juicy filling.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a tender crunch when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings an aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- Enchilada seasoning mix: A convenient blend of spices that infuses the beef with classic Mexican flair.
- Water: Helps simmer the seasoned beef to a saucy consistency.
- Flour or corn tortillas: Choose according to your preference or dietary needs; warming them makes rolling easier.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, irresistible topping and filling.
- Enchilada sauce: The saucy essence that ties all flavors together with its tangy richness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness at the end.
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional): Perfect for serving, adding creaminess and a spicy kick.
- Cooking oil: Needed for sautéing the vegetables and beef just right.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Begin by heating a splash of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the delightful fragrance to fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks evenly. Continue to brown the beef until no pink remains. If you find excess fat pooling, drain it off to keep your enchiladas from feeling greasy while maintaining that juicy flavor.
Step 3: Add seasoning and simmer
Sprinkle the enchilada seasoning over the cooked meat and pour in the water. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the beef, usually about 5 minutes. This step ensures every bite is packed with robust, balanced flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the tortillas
Warm the tortillas by gently heating them in a dry skillet or briefly in the microwave. This makes them pliable and easier to roll without tearing—a small step that makes a big difference when assembling your enchiladas.
Step 5: Assemble the enchiladas
Spoon two tablespoons or so of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Roll them up tightly and arrange seam side down in a greased baking dish. This keeps them secure as they bake to perfection.
Step 6: Add sauce and bake
Once all the enchiladas are nestled comfortably in the dish, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously to get that irresistible bubbly, golden crust. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles delightfully.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off Ground Beef Enchiladas quite like a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness. Offering sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side adds creamy coolness and heat, letting each diner customize their experience.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiladas with traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp side salad for balance. A simple guacamole also complements the bold, cheesy flavors perfectly and adds a smooth, fresh texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual enchiladas in small ramekins layered with extra cheese and sauce, like personal casseroles. You can also sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or diced avocado on top, or swap cheddar for a smoky Oaxaca cheese to experiment with new flavor profiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor, making them easy to heat up for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, assemble the enchiladas but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the enchiladas loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and warm until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works too but can lose some of the original crispiness and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake, which makes dinner prep super convenient when you’re busy.
What’s the best type of cheese for enchiladas?
Cheddar melts wonderfully and offers sharp flavor, but you can switch it up with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a creamier texture and milder taste.
Are corn tortillas better than flour for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free, lending an authentic texture, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, especially if you prefer that tender chew.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Diced black beans, corn kernels, or chopped bell peppers add fiber, color, and a delightful crunch, making your Ground Beef Enchiladas even heartier and more nutritious.
How spicy are Ground Beef Enchiladas?
These enchiladas have a mild to medium heat level depending on the seasoning mix and toppings. You can easily adjust the spice by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a true crowd-pleaser, combining comfort and bold flavor in every delicious roll. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or feeding friends, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for seconds and thirds!
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Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Ground Beef Enchiladas offer a deliciously hearty and comforting Mexican-inspired meal, featuring seasoned ground beef rolled in warm tortillas, topped with melty cheddar cheese and enchilada sauce, then baked to perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, they can be customized with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream to add extra flavor and zest.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet enchilada seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
Tortillas and Toppings
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños for serving (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary for a leaner dish.
- Simmer with Seasoning: Stir in the enchilada seasoning mix and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat once thickened.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spread a couple of tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of each warmed tortilla. Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Once all enchiladas are arranged in the dish, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
- Bake: Bake the enchiladas uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with optional sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Corn tortillas make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture to increase fiber and add texture.
- Include diced green chiles or hot sauce in the beef filling for extra spiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
