The Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty ground beef enchiladas dance with authentic Mexican flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Layers of seasoned meat nestle between soft tortillas and melted cheese.

Crisp edges promise a delightful crunch with every bite.

Spices weave through the dish, creating a symphony of robust tastes.

Comfort meets excitement in this classic southwestern favorite.

Our kitchen-tested method ensures a foolproof meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Come savor this irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef Enchiladas’ Classic Taste

• Simplify Cooking: Eliminate multiple pots and pans with this single-skillet wonder that streamlines meal preparation from start to finish.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine creamy Parmesan, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice for a satisfying meal that delivers rich, harmonious taste in every bite.
• Nutrition Boost: Incorporate spinach for added nutrients, creating a balanced dish that sneaks extra greens into a crowd-pleasing recipe without compromising on deliciousness.
• Minimal Cleanup: Reduce dishwashing stress by cooking everything in one pan, making this recipe a smart choice for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen chaos.

Essential Ingredients For Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that creates the hearty filling for the enchiladas.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices add depth and warmth to the ground beef mixture.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a robust and savory base flavor to the dish.

• Tortillas: Soft flour or corn wraps that hold the beef filling and form the core of the enchiladas.
• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor to the dish.
• Cheese (Shredded): A melty topping that adds richness and creates a golden, appetizing surface.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, citrusy garnish to finish the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking during cooking.

Cooking Ground Beef Enchiladas Methodically

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to create the perfect golden-brown enchiladas. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prep.

Step 2: Saute Flavor Builders

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Swirl and cook until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their magical aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet and break it into crumbly pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Drain away any excess grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Spice Things Up

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in some enchilada sauce and let everything simmer and mingle for 5 minutes, creating a mouthwatering filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Create a quick sauce base by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 6: Roll and Tuck

• Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla
• Sprinkle cheese
• Roll tightly
• Place seam-side down in the baking dish

Step 7: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce.

Crown with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

Serve these sizzling enchiladas hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Helpful Guidance For Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still packs flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
• Prep enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, making weeknight dinners super convenient and stress-free.
• Enhance texture by warming tortillas briefly before filling to prevent cracking and improve rolling technique.
• Add extra toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh salsa to create a more complex and personalized meal experience.

Variations On Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Chicken Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a tender, juicy alternative that saves cooking time and adds rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with black beans, adding diced bell peppers and corn for a protein-packed meat-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Spicy Green Chile Enchiladas: Incorporate roasted green chiles into the meat mixture and use green enchilada sauce for a tangy, zesty southwestern kick.
• Breakfast Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese, then top with a lighter salsa verde for a morning-friendly breakfast spin.

Best Pairings For Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Fiesta Family Night Platter: Serve these enchiladas with mexican rice and refried beans for a complete, hearty meal that brings everyone together around the table. The combination creates a vibrant plate bursting with complementary flavors and textures.
• Zesty Taco Tuesday Spread: Create a build-your-own enchilada station with extra toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and guacamole. Guests can customize their plates and enjoy an interactive dining experience.
• Fresh Southwestern Lunch Combo: Pack cooled enchiladas in lunch containers with a small side salad of crisp mixed greens, corn kernels, and a light lime vinaigrette. This portable option transforms leftovers into a delicious midday meal.

Storage Guidelines For Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen enchiladas overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this enchiladas recipe?

Ground chuck or ground beef with 80/20 fat content works perfectly. The higher fat content adds more flavor and keeps the meat juicy during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hot enchilada sauce. You can also increase the amount of chili powder for extra heat.

• How do I prevent my tortillas from breaking while rolling?

Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet before filling. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican ground beef enchiladas combine savory meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce in a classic comfort dish. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, inviting diners to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 (10 oz/284 g) can red enchilada sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
2. In a large skillet, warm the oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Drain any excess fat from the meat, then season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
5. Pour half the enchilada sauce into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly and allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Lightly coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin layer of enchilada sauce to prevent sticking.
7. Warm the tortillas briefly to make them more pliable, then fill each with the seasoned beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.
8. Carefully roll the tortillas tightly, placing them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to create a neat arrangement.
9. Generously pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Distribute the remaining shredded cheese evenly across the top of the enchiladas.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, slightly golden, and bubbling around the edges.
12. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set, then garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
13. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding optional jalapeños or hot sauce for heat enthusiasts who crave extra kick.
• Prep enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners super convenient and stress-free.
• Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option, ensuring they’re warmed slightly before filling to prevent cracking and improve overall texture and rollability.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg