These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the kind of comfort food that never gets old. Savory, cheesy, and full of flavor, this recipe is the answer to those “what’s for dinner?” nights when you need something quick, filling, and guaranteed to please. With seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich, bold enchilada sauce and melty cheese, you’re only about 30 minutes away from a deeply satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and fast cook time make this a weeknight hero.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of tender beef, warm spices, and gooey cheese is unbeatable.
- Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, mild, cheesy, or loaded with toppings, this recipe adjusts to your taste.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch—one for now and one to stash away for a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef: The star of the show—choose lean beef for less grease, or regular for a richer flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds that signature smoky-spicy flavor profile. Use store-bought or homemade for total control over spice levels.
- Onion: A must for depth of flavor—yellow or white onions work best.
- Garlic: Just a little minced garlic adds a fragrant kick that enhances the whole dish.
- Enchilada Sauce: Red enchilada sauce is the classic choice—go for a bold, medium-spiced version for best results.
- Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas roll easily and hold the filling well without tearing.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend will melt beautifully and bring that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and beef without sticking.
- Optional Garnishes: Think fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices, or sliced green onions for added freshness and creaminess.
Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Lovers Version: Mix cheese into the filling as well as topping for extra gooeyness.
- Bean Boost: Add black beans or refried beans to stretch the filling and add texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap flour tortillas for low-carb or even lettuce wraps.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and peppers instead of beef.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in a little olive oil until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning, minced garlic, and a small splash of enchilada sauce to bring it all together.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out your tortillas and spoon a generous amount of beef mixture into the center of each. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese, roll them up tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re fully coated. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are just starting to crisp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with your favorite garnishes and serve hot, straight from the oven.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Warm the Tortillas: Microwave them for 20-30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to make them easier to roll without tearing.
- Drain the Beef Well: This prevents a greasy dish and helps the sauce cling to the filling.
- Don’t Overstuff: Keep the filling moderate so they roll up neatly and don’t burst open in the oven.
- Layer the Sauce: A little sauce on the bottom of the baking dish prevents sticking and adds moisture.
How to Serve
These enchiladas are hearty on their own but shine even more with the right sides:
###Classic Pairings:
- Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or black bean salad
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
###Toppings to Try:
- Fresh cilantro
- A dollop of sour cream
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Pickled jalapeños for a kick
- Chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce for crunch and freshness
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Freezing
Assemble the enchiladas without baking, wrap the dish tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 40-50 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the whole dish (covered with foil) in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can! Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor, but they tend to be more fragile. Warm them first to make rolling easier, or lightly fry them to prevent tearing.
What kind of cheese melts best for enchiladas?
A Mexican blend is ideal, but Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar melt beautifully and offer rich flavor. You can even mix a few types for extra depth.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add sauce and cheese just before baking for best results.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy enchiladas?
Don’t overload them with sauce—just enough to coat. Also, lightly toasting or frying the tortillas before assembling can help keep them from soaking up too much liquid.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re fast, satisfying, endlessly adaptable, and just so delicious. Whether it’s for a quick family dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this is one dish that delivers every time. Go ahead—give it a try and make tonight a cheesy, saucy success!
PrintEasy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
These easy ground beef enchiladas are packed with seasoned beef, smothered in enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, top with a bit of cheese, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *