Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Recipe

The Most Flavorful Beef Enchiladas Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crafting mouthwatering beef enchiladas brings pure culinary excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful meal that sparks joy.

Warm tortillas embrace seasoned meat with zesty charm.

Mexican cuisine offers incredible comfort through each carefully rolled bite.

Cheese melts into rich, spicy fillings that dance across your palate.

Gathering around the table becomes magical when this delectable dish arrives.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious morsel of these irresistible enchiladas.

Beef Enchiladas You’ll Enjoy

  • Quick Family Feast: Packed with hearty ground beef and zesty taco seasoning, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults in one delicious dish.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding black beans, switching up cheese varieties, or incorporating different protein options to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Simple Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a flavorful meal without complex preparation techniques.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a tasty dinner with your loved ones.

Ingredients in Beef Enchiladas

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the primary filling for these delicious enchiladas.
  • Tortillas: Soft flour or corn wraps that hold the beef mixture and create the classic enchilada shape.
  • Enchilada Sauce: A flavorful red sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican-style taste to the dish.
  • Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that provides a bold and zesty flavor to the beef mixture.
  • Onions: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the ground beef filling.
  • Black Beans: Optional ingredient that introduces extra protein and texture to the enchiladas.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sautĂ© the onions and prevents sticking during cooking.
Garnish and Optional Additions:
  • Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herbal topping that adds a fresh burst of flavor to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some delicious Mexican-inspired magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet with:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Black beans (optional)

Cook the meat until it’s completely browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

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

Step 5: Roll the Enchiladas

For each tortilla:
  • Add a scoop of beef mixture
  • Sprinkle some cheese
  • Roll tightly

Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 6: Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Generously sprinkle the top with additional cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade beef enchiladas!

Tips for Beef Enchiladas Success

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version of the enchiladas.
  • Prepare enchilada sauce from scratch using roasted chilies for a more authentic, deeper flavor profile.
  • Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture for increased nutrition and color.
  • Choose corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking.
  • Make extra and freeze unbaked enchiladas for quick weeknight meals – simply thaw and bake when needed.

Flavorful Variations on Beef Enchiladas

  • Chicken Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option. Season chicken with same taco seasoning and follow original recipe steps.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with extra black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Add quinoa for additional protein and texture.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Enchiladas: Use cauliflower tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas. Keep beef mixture and cheese sauce intact for keto-friendly version.
  • Spicy Green Chile Enchiladas: Mix in diced green chiles with beef mixture. Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangy, spicier southwestern flavor profile.

What to Serve with Beef Enchiladas

  • Fiesta Night Feast: Serve these enchiladas with a festive Mexican-inspired spread for a complete meal experience.
  • Toppings Extravaganza: Add fresh sour cream, diced avocados, chopped green onions, and salsa on the side for guests to customize their plate.
  • Comfort Combo Plate: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a crisp side salad to create a hearty and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining enchiladas into a breakfast dish by topping with a fried egg and extra hot sauce for a morning flavor explosion.

Best Storage Practices for Beef Enchiladas

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store beef enchiladas in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them tightly sealed to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum protection against freezer burn.
  • Use freezer-safe containers to store enchiladas for up to 2-3 months, ensuring proper packaging to maintain quality.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this enchiladas recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well.

  • How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. Choose mild seasoning for less heat or add hot sauce if you want more kick. You can always control the spiciness to suit your taste.

  • Do I need to warm the tortillas before rolling?

Yes, briefly warming tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet makes them more flexible and prevents cracking when you roll the enchiladas. Warm them for about 10-15 seconds.

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Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Mexican beef enchiladas blend savory shredded meat, zesty sauce, and melted cheese into a comforting meal. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to enjoy again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup canned black beans (optional)

Base Ingredients:

  • 10 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of enchilada sauce.
  2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions until translucent and softened.
  3. Add ground beef and taco seasoning, browning meat completely while breaking it into small crumbles.
  4. Mix black beans into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Lay tortillas flat and fill each with the seasoned beef and bean mixture, sprinkling cheese across the surface.
  6. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, creating compact enchilada cylinders.
  7. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a snug row.
  8. Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Generously sprinkle additional cheese over the sauced enchiladas.
  10. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly crispy.
  11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
  12. Serve immediately while hot and cheese remains gooey.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños for extra spice.
  • For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken without compromising flavor.
  • Prep tortillas by warming them briefly to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
  • Make ahead by assembling enchiladas and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 392 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 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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