Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these Ground Beef Enchiladas! This recipe brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a rich, savory enchilada sauce, all wrapped up in warm tortillas and baked until bubbly and irresistible. Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly night or searching for an easy make-ahead meal to treat your family, these enchiladas are sure to become a fast favorite. Every bite is a little celebration of big flavors that comes together in under an hour—weeknight magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Ground Beef Enchiladas plays an important role, from building a flavorful, savory filling to creating that ooey-gooey, cheesy topping everyone loves. Nothing too fancy—just bold, dependable flavors that work beautifully together for comfort food perfection.

• Lean ground beef: This forms the hearty, flavorful base of your enchiladas with just the right richness.
• Small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, fragrant depth and helps the beef filling stay juicy.
• Garlic, minced: A must for a savory, aromatic punch that elevates the filling.
• Ground cumin: Brings warmth and a touch of earthiness, a hallmark of Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Chili powder: Adds mild heat and rich color—feel free to adjust for your spice preference.
• Flour or corn tortillas: The cozy wrappers for your filling; choose flour for softness or corn for classic flavor.
• Enchilada sauce: Shop-bought or homemade, this coats each enchilada with tangy, spiced goodness.
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly for that golden, cheesy blanket on top.
• Sour cream (for serving): Adds cool, creamy contrast to every warm, savory bite.

How to Make 

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give a 9×13 baking dish a light grease with oil or cooking spray. This step ensures your enchiladas won’t stick and will help them cook evenly, making serving a breeze.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—about 5 to 7 minutes. This creates a flavor-packed filling that’s the heart of your enchiladas.

Step 3: Season the Filling

Once your beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Let everything cook together for one more minute. This quick step helps the spices bloom and builds a deep, savory flavor base for your Ground Beef Enchiladas.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center. Roll it up snugly and place seam-side down in your prepared dish. Repeat with all the tortillas, lining them up close together so they stay moist and tender while baking.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Once your tortillas are all nestled in the baking dish, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle on all that glorious shredded cheese, making sure every inch gets a layer—this is what gives your Ground Beef Enchiladas their signature melty, cheesy topping!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the enchiladas for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. The sauce will be piping hot and the flavors perfectly melded. Let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving so everything stays together beautifully.

How to Serve 

Garnishes

Serve your Ground Beef Enchiladas with a flourish of fresh toppings! A dollop of sour cream is classic, but you can also add chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a few diced tomatoes for extra color and bursts of fresh flavor. Lime wedges on the side bring a zesty hit that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

These enchiladas shine brightest with simple, comforting sides. Think classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or even a simple corn salad tossed with lime. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with avocado balances out all the warm, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow your crowd? Arrange the Ground Beef Enchiladas family-style on a large platter, topped with heaps of colorful garnishes. Or try serving them individually with a blanket of sauce and cheese, plus fun toppings like crushed tortilla chips or pickled onions for crunch and zip!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container—just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch pretty irresistible!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, these enchiladas freeze like a dream. Assemble them right up to the baking step, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual. Perfect for busy days!

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until they’re heated through—usually about 20 minutes. For a speedy fix, pop individual portions in the microwave. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. Just keep an eye on the seasoning—you may want to add a touch more cumin or chili powder, since poultry has a milder flavor than beef.

What’s the difference between flour and corn tortillas for enchiladas?

Corn tortillas offer that authentic, slightly earthy flavor many crave for classic Ground Beef Enchiladas, but they can be more delicate. Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, resulting in a heartier, more substantial bite—either works deliciously, so choose what you love!

How do I make these enchiladas gluten-free?

Just opt for your favorite gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your enchilada sauce is gluten-free. This simple swap makes the whole dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas spicy?

Definitely! Add diced jalapeños to the beef filling, stir in a splash of your favorite hot sauce, or sprinkle a bit of cayenne with the spices. You can also use a spicy enchilada sauce for an extra kick.

What cheese is best for enchiladas?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are both perfect for melting and offer great flavor, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try a Mexican blend or even pepper jack if you like a little heat—the goal is gooey, stretchy, golden cheese on every bite.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Ground Beef Enchiladas as I am to share them with you! They’re a true crowd-pleaser bursting with comforting flavors and easy enough for any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to give them a try, and let them earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

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