Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling tray of Ground Beef Enchiladas fresh out of the oven. The soft tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef, smothered in rich, savory sauce, and topped with gooey, melted cheese create the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.

this Recipe

I first started making these enchiladas for my family on busy weeknights when I needed something quick, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to strike the perfect balance between flavor and simplicity, making it a regular favorite at our dinner table.

Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with these Ground Beef Enchiladas.

Why You'll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas

Get ready to add this easy enchilada recipe to your regular meal rotation. These Ground Beef Enchiladas are flavorful, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Using a handful of pantry staples and just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll have these enchiladas in the oven with minimal effort.

Second, they’re a total crowd-pleaser. From picky eaters to spice lovers, these enchiladas strike the perfect flavor balance, satisfying kids and adults alike.

Next, they’re budget-friendly. Ground beef, tortillas, and cheese are affordable and filling, making this recipe perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping on a budget.

Lastly, they’re endlessly versatile. You can mix up the fillings, adjust the spice level, or add toppings to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving Mexican-inspired comfort food, these enchiladas deliver every time.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, hearty ingredients. Each component brings its own flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is irresistible.

• Ground beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. You can also substitute lean ground beef if you prefer, but the slight fat content adds moisture and richness.
• Enchilada sauce: The key to great enchiladas is a flavorful sauce. You can use store-bought enchilada sauce for convenience, but homemade enchilada sauce adds that extra layer of flavor. Red sauce is traditional, but green enchilada sauce works too!
• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are perfect for this recipe because they hold up well to the filling and sauce. Corn tortillas are a more traditional option and add a slightly earthy flavor but may require quick heating to prevent cracking.
• Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates the perfect gooey topping. If you like a bit of spice, try using pepper jack cheese for a kick.
• Onions and garlic: These add a depth of flavor to the ground beef filling. Dice your onions finely so they meld seamlessly with the beef.
• Seasonings: A mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika gives the beef that classic Tex-Mex flavor. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the spices.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish to assemble and bake the enchiladas. A large skillet will also come in handy for browning the beef and preparing the filling.

Now that you have your ingredients prepped, let’s walk through the steps to create these delicious enchiladas.

How To Make These Ground Beef Enchiladas

Making Ground Beef Enchiladas is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, cheesy meal ready to serve.

Step 1: Prepare the ground beef filling.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add finely diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions soften. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef in the spices.

Step 2: Warm the tortillas.
To prevent the tortillas from cracking, warm them for a few seconds on a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This step ensures they’re pliable and easy to roll.

Step 3: Assemble the enchiladas.
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll them up tightly. Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in the dish.

Step 4: Add sauce and cheese.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re fully covered. Sprinkle the top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.

These enchiladas are ready in about 40 minutes total, making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with friends.

Storage Options

These Ground Beef Enchiladas store beautifully, making them a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the enchiladas, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
• Reheating: To reheat, place enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

These enchiladas are highly customizable, so you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences.

• Add beans: Mix a cup of black beans or refried beans into the ground beef mixture for extra protein and fiber.
• Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the beef filling or sprinkle diced green chilies over the top before baking for extra heat.
• Different meats: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even pork. Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe.
• Veggie option: Make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Add some black beans or corn for heartiness.
• Cheese sauce topping: Instead of enchilada sauce, top the enchiladas with a creamy queso cheese sauce for a decadent twist.

No matter how you tweak them, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are a guaranteed hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own!

Final Thoughts

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are everything you want in a family dinner – quick, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.

Give this recipe a try tonight, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Don’t forget to load them up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate finishing touch. Enjoy!

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