Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

One night, I was craving something cheesy and flavorful but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had ground beef, tortillas, and some canned enchilada sauce in my pantry, so I decided to make enchiladas.

I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out, but once I pulled them from the oven, bubbling with melted cheese and smothered in sauce, I knew I had found a new favorite. Now, these ground beef enchiladas are a regular meal in my house. They’re easy to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

Servings	Total
6	35mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first made enchiladas after trying them at a local Mexican restaurant. They were so good that I wanted to recreate them at home. I looked up a few recipes, experimented with the seasonings, and found the perfect combination that works every time.

Why Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground beef enchiladas are a great option when you want something hearty and satisfying. They’re packed with flavor, easy to customize with different fillings, and they bake up beautifully in the oven. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep since they reheat well.

What Is Ground Beef Enchiladas Made Of?

This dish is made with simple ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Onion and garlic
• Enchilada sauce
• Shredded cheese
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Seasonings (chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper)

What to Have with Ground Beef Enchiladas

These enchiladas are great on their own, but here are some tasty sides to serve with them:

• Mexican rice – A classic pairing.
• Refried beans – Creamy beans balance the spiciness of the enchiladas.
• Guacamole – Adds freshness and richness.
• Corn salad – A light, refreshing side.

Is Ground Beef Enchiladas Healthy?

Enchiladas can be a balanced meal, especially if you use lean ground beef and whole wheat or corn tortillas. To make them even healthier, you can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or black beans to the filling.

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need:

• Large skillet
• Cutting board and knife
• Baking dish (9×13-inch)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
   • Drain excess grease if needed.
   • Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes.
   • Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Prepare the Enchiladas:
   • Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Spoon some of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll them up.
   • Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish.
4. Top and Bake:
   • Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
   • Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or diced tomatoes if desired.

Tips

• Warm the tortillas slightly before filling to prevent them from cracking.
• For extra flavor, mix some green chilies or black beans into the beef filling.
• Use homemade enchilada sauce if you want to control the spice level.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative.

2. Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Conclusion

Ground beef enchiladas are a simple, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. They’re packed with flavor, easy to customize, and great for leftovers. Whether you serve them with rice, beans, or just on their own, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out and enjoy a homemade Mexican-inspired dinner that everyone will love!

MORE RECIPES