A Flavor-Packed Classic for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
If you’re craving something savory, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Ground Beef Enchiladas are the answer. This beloved Mexican-inspired dish features warm tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, onions, and garlic — all smothered in rich enchilada sauce and melty cheese. It’s bold, hearty, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
This recipe keeps things approachable with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and it can be easily adapted for different dietary preferences or spice levels. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping ahead for the week, this enchilada recipe is bound to become a favorite in your regular dinner rotation.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make ground beef enchiladas step-by-step, explore different variations, and find answers to common questions about preparation, storage, and serving.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that come together to create this delicious dish:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
(The star of the filling — juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.) - 8 flour or corn tortillas
(Choose your preference — flour for softer wraps, corn for traditional texture.) - 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
(Provides deep, tangy, and smoky flavor. Red enchilada sauce is most common.) - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
(Adds a rich, melty finish. Use one or a blend of both for maximum flavor.) - 1 medium onion, diced
(Adds a sweet and savory base to the beef filling.) - 2 cloves garlic, minced
(For depth of flavor and aroma.) - 1 tsp cumin
(A classic Mexican spice that adds warmth and earthiness.) - 1 tsp chili powder
(Brings a gentle heat and smokiness to the filling.) - Sour cream (for topping)
(Cool and creamy — the perfect contrast to the warm, spicy enchiladas.)
👨🍳 How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
These enchiladas are as easy as they are delicious. Here’s the step-by-step process:
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the onion:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent (about 4 minutes). - Add garlic and beef:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. - Season the beef:
Stir in cumin and chili powder. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Set aside:
Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the enchiladas.
🔹 Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the baking dish:
Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Fill the tortillas:
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each tortilla. Add a small handful of cheese (optional inside or all on top). Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. - Top with sauce and cheese:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over everything.
🔹 Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to help them set.
🔹 Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado for extra flavor and freshness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Enchiladas pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Corn salad or grilled corn on the cob
- Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Chips and guacamole or salsa verde
For drinks, consider agua fresca, iced tea, or a light Mexican lager.
🌶️ Flavor Variations & Add-Ons
This dish is super flexible. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Cheese lovers: Add cream cheese to the filling or mix cheddar with mozzarella.
- Add veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini blend well with the beef.
- Go green: Use green enchilada sauce and Monterey Jack for a tangy twist.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef.
- Protein swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey instead of beef.
- Low-carb version: Use low-carb tortillas or wrap in blanched cabbage leaves.
💡 Expert Tips for Success
- Warm the tortillas slightly before filling to make them more pliable and prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas; it makes rolling difficult and can lead to leaks.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Let them rest for a few minutes after baking so they hold together better when serving.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze:
Assemble the enchiladas without baking, wrap the dish tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
To reheat:
- Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until hot.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through (15–20 minutes).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Corn tortillas are traditional and offer a slightly firmer texture. Be sure to warm them first so they don’t crack when rolled.
2. What’s the best enchilada sauce to use?
Store-bought red enchilada sauce is convenient and tasty, but homemade versions offer deeper flavor. You can also use green enchilada sauce for variety.
3. Are enchiladas spicy?
Not necessarily. This version is mildly seasoned. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the chili powder or use a mild sauce. For more heat, add hot sauce or spicy peppers.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance. Just bake when ready to eat.
5. How can I make them healthier?
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, low-fat cheese, whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, and serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
6. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Try plain Greek yogurt for a protein-rich and tangy alternative.
PrintEasy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas loaded with savory beef, onions, and cheese, smothered in rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for a family dinner and topped with sour cream for extra creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Sour cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until beef is browned and onion is softened.
- Add cumin and chili powder; stir well.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
- Spoon beef mixture evenly into tortillas, roll them up, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm topped with sour cream.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
📝 Conclusion: A Simple Recipe with Big Flavor
With just a handful of pantry staples and a little prep, these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas bring the bold, comforting flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine straight to your table. They’re the kind of dish that feels like a treat but fits into even the busiest weeknight routine.
Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or a make-ahead freezer meal, this recipe will never let you down. The warm tortillas, hearty beef filling, savory spices, and gooey cheese come together in every bite — topped with a cool spoonful of sour cream for good measure.
So grab your skillet, turn on your oven, and get ready to make a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe box.