Ground Beef Enchiladas are a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings. They feature soft tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, onions, and sometimes beans or cheese, all rolled up and smothered in a rich, tangy enchilada sauce. Topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection, these enchiladas are packed with bold, savory flavors that make them a family favorite.
The first time I made Ground Beef Enchiladas, I loved how easy they were to assemble, yet they tasted like a dish you’d find in a great Mexican restaurant. The seasoned beef paired beautifully with the enchilada sauce, and the gooey, melted cheese on top was the perfect finishing touch. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is—you can add veggies like peppers or corn, use different types of cheese, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve them with a side of rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Weeknight meals
- Potlucks
- Taco Tuesdays
- Fans of hearty, flavorful dishes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Ground Beef Enchiladas will become your go-to recipe:
- Bold Flavor: The seasoned ground beef pairs perfectly with the tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese.
- Cheesy Goodness: Each bite is packed with gooey, melted cheese that enhances the rich flavors of the filling.
- Comforting and Hearty: These enchiladas are filling and satisfying, making them the perfect comfort food.
- Simple to Make: Easy-to-follow steps ensure a quick, hassle-free cooking process.
- Make-Ahead Meal: You can prepare the enchiladas in advance and bake them later for a stress-free meal.
- Customizable Fillings: Add your favorite veggies or beans to make the filling even more hearty and flavorful.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild spice and cheesy flavor make these enchiladas a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prepping.
- One-Dish Meal: You don’t need many dishes—just a pan to bake and serve the enchiladas.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a gathering, these enchiladas are sure to impress.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sliced olives (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Offers a rich, savory flavor that forms the base of the filling.
- Enchilada Sauce: The tangy and mildly spicy sauce enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives the enchiladas a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds a burst of flavor to the ground beef, making the filling zesty and satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Season the Beef: Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another minute. Add ½ cup of enchilada sauce and mix well. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Enchiladas:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
- Fill the Tortillas: Spoon the beef mixture evenly onto each tortilla. Roll them up and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Bake:
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and olives if desired. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Ground Beef Enchiladas:
- With Mexican Rice: Serve alongside a bed of fluffy Mexican rice for a complete meal.
- With Refried Beans: Pair with refried beans for an authentic Mexican meal experience.
- For Taco Night: Serve these enchiladas alongside tacos for a fun, Mexican-inspired dinner.
- With Guacamole: Add a side of guacamole for a creamy, avocado-rich flavor.
- For Family Dinners: These enchiladas are great for serving the whole family in one easy dish.
- With Salsa Verde: Drizzle some tangy salsa verde over the top for a zesty kick.
- With Chips and Salsa: Serve with tortilla chips and salsa for a crunchy side.
- For Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat wonderfully and make for a tasty lunch or dinner the next day.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Make a batch to store and reheat for multiple meals throughout the week.
- With Mexican Street Corn: A side of roasted Mexican street corn adds a flavorful touch.
Additional Tips
- Use Corn Tortillas: For a more traditional option, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- Spicy Variation: Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Cheese Options: Mix in some pepper jack cheese for a spicier, creamier version.
- Customize Fillings: Add beans, diced bell peppers, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Crispier Enchiladas: Bake uncovered for a few extra minutes to make the tops crispier.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Enchiladas: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Vegetarian Enchiladas: Use black beans, corn, and spinach as a hearty vegetarian filling.
- Cheese-Only Enchiladas: Skip the meat and use a blend of cheeses and onions for a cheesy, meat-free version.
- Spicy Beef Enchiladas: Add extra hot sauce or chopped fresh chilies to the beef mixture for an added kick.
- Gluten-Free Enchiladas: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- BBQ Beef Enchiladas: Swap the enchilada sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Special Equipment
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for assembling and baking these enchiladas.
- Large Skillet: To brown the ground beef and cook the filling.
- Aluminum Foil: To cover the enchiladas while baking to keep them moist.
- Tortilla Warmer or Microwave: To warm up the tortillas and make them more flexible.
FAQ Section
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works as a lighter substitute for ground beef in this recipe. - Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. - Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked enchiladas. Simply cover them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. - What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream, offering a similar creamy texture. - How can I make the enchiladas spicier?
Add chopped fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to kick up the heat. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor profile. - How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
Warm the tortillas before filling to make them more pliable and prevent tearing. - Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ground beef for added nutrition and flavor. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. - What can I serve with these enchiladas?
Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a hearty and satisfying dish that’s bursting with bold, savory flavors. These enchiladas are made by filling soft tortillas with seasoned ground beef, onions, and a blend of cheeses, then rolling them up and smothering them in a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce. After baking, the cheese melts into gooey perfection, and the edges of the tortillas turn lightly golden and crisp.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, as it’s easy to make in advance and reheat when needed. You can customize the filling by adding beans, diced chilies, or even a touch of heat with jalapeños. Top the enchiladas with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
I can’t wait to see how your Ground Beef Enchiladas turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!