Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

The Juiciest Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe For Dinner Magic

Crafting delicious ground beef enchiladas sparks pure culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Comfort and flavor merge beautifully with this classic Mexican-inspired dish.

Tender meat nestles perfectly between soft tortillas and melted cheese.

Rich spices dance across each carefully rolled bundle of goodness.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

My grandmother’s secret technique ensures these enchiladas always taste extraordinary.

Savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings warmth to your dinner table.

Ground Beef Enchiladas That Impress

  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These ground beef enchiladas deliver delicious Mexican-inspired flavors that everyone loves, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Master Quick Meal Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, home cooks can easily prepare this dish without complex techniques or specialized skills.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flexible recipe allows personalization by adding extra toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or switching protein types to match individual taste preferences.
  • Satisfy Hearty Appetites: Packed with protein-rich ground beef and melted cheese, these enchiladas provide a filling meal that keeps hunger at bay and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich base for the enchiladas that provides hearty texture and richness.
Seasoning Group:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the ground beef mixture.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that create a foundational flavor profile and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Sauce and Cheese Group:
  • Enchilada Sauce: A zesty and tangy sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican-style flavor to the enchiladas.
  • Cheese: A melty and creamy topping that provides richness and helps bind the enchiladas together.
Wrap Ingredient:
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that serve as the vessel for holding the seasoned ground beef and creating the classic enchilada roll.
Optional Garnish:
  • Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds brightness and a traditional Mexican touch to the finished dish.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for our delicious enchilada adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet and cook over medium heat until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add these ingredients to create a mouth-watering filling:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the onions become soft and translucent.

Sprinkle in a flavor explosion with:
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour some enchilada sauce into the beef mixture and remove from heat. This will make the filling super juicy and delicious.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 6: Roll the Enchiladas

Grab your tortillas and create flavor-packed rolls:
  • Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla
  • Sprinkle a handful of cheese
  • Roll tightly
  • Place seam-side down in the baking dish

Step 7: Cover and Top

Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce and shower with a generous layer of cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or your favorite toppings.

Serve hot and enjoy the fiesta of flavors!

Tips to Elevate Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that still packs flavor.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture to boost nutrition and create more complex taste profiles.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin amounts, perfect for families with different heat tolerances.
  • Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version or whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and nutrition.
  • Prepare enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Twists on Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option.
  • Chicken Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter meat alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Spicy Kick Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder for extra heat and flavor.

What Goes Well with Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Mexican Fiesta Night: Create a vibrant dinner spread with colorful side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, and fresh guacamole to complement the enchiladas.
  • Weekend Game Day Winner: Serve these enchiladas during sports events, cutting them into smaller portions as appetizers with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
  • Family Customization Station: Set up a topping bar with chopped jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and extra cheese so everyone can personalize their enchiladas.
  • Leftovers Lunch Makeover: Transform remaining enchiladas into a delicious burrito bowl by chopping them up over rice with additional toppings for a quick next-day meal.

Proper Storage for Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to maintain moisture.
  • Refrigerated enchiladas will keep their best quality when sealed properly and kept away from other strong-smelling foods.
  • For longer storage, freeze enchiladas for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

FAQs

  • Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pork work great as substitutes in this enchilada recipe.

  • How spicy are these enchiladas?

The recipe uses mild spices like chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or including diced jalapeños.

  • Do I need corn or flour tortillas?

Either works well! Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas are easier to roll and have a softer texture.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The spices are mild, and kids often enjoy the cheesy, rolled tortillas. You can further reduce spice by using less chili powder.

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Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican ground beef enchiladas combine savory meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce in a comforting classic. Packed with bold flavors, this dish offers a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Aromatics and Spices:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Optional Garnishes:

  • 1 can (10 ounces/284 grams) enchilada sauce
  • Optional: chopped cilantro
  • Optional: diced jalapenos
  • Optional: sour cream

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking enchiladas.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a lean filling.
  3. Introduce diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Enhance the meat mixture with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to meld together.
  5. Incorporate half the enchilada sauce into the seasoned beef, then remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
  6. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful base.
  7. Assemble enchiladas by spooning the beef mixture into each tortilla, sprinkling a moderate amount of cheese, and rolling tightly.
  8. Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring a snug fit.
  9. Generously coat the enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty finish.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes fully melted and develops a slight bubbling texture.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro or preferred toppings, serving immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

  • Choose 90/10 or 93/7 meat for healthier enchiladas without losing flavor.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match personal heat preference or dietary needs.
  • Use whole wheat, corn, or gluten-free tortillas for different dietary requirements without compromising taste.
  • Assemble enchiladas earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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