Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; Sour cream (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Ground Beef Enchiladas—a dish that’s pure comfort on a plate! These irresistible enchiladas wrap up tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and loads of melty cheese in soft tortillas, all drenched in a zesty enchilada sauce. This recipe manages to strike that magical balance between everyday simplicity and bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or when you just crave something extra special yet deeply satisfying.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Ground Beef Enchiladas to life. Every ingredient plays an important role, so don’t skimp—each one brings something unique to the table, from savory richness and bold spice to irresistible cheesy goodness.

Lean ground beef: The hearty star of the show, giving your enchiladas their classic savory base.
Flour or corn tortillas: The cozy blanket for your filling—choose flour for pillowy softness or corn for a rustic, authentic bite.
Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade): This is your flavor-maker! Go for homemade for ultimate freshness or store-bought for easy weeknight prep.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbling crown—rich, creamy, and totally irresistible.
Medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef filling, building layers of flavor.
Garlic, minced: Because what’s a great Mexican-inspired meal without that punch of garlicky aroma?
Cumin: Earthy and warming, cumin speaks to the soul of classic enchilada flavor.
Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat and beautiful color to the meat filling—don’t skip it!
Sour cream (for topping): The cooling finish that brings everything together, dolloped on top just before serving.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake your enchiladas to melty, bubbly perfection as soon as you assemble them. This little step ensures everything cooks evenly and your cheese becomes gorgeously golden.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and diced onions. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent and the beef is thoroughly browned—this typically takes 5 to 7 minutes. Draining any excess fat now is a good move for a lighter but still flavorful filling.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Sprinkle in your minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Let the mixture sizzle together for about a minute, stirring constantly. This quick sauté wakes up the spices and fills your kitchen with the most tantalizing aroma!

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly—this keeps all that goodness inside—and arrange them seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish. Giving them a little squeeze lets you fit more in the pan!

Step 5: Smother in Sauce and Cheese

Now comes the fun part: pour your enchilada sauce right over the rolled tortillas, making sure every edge is coated. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. As it bakes, the cheese will create that crave-worthy golden crust, while the sauce infuses every bite with flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until everything is hot, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is golden and luscious. A few minutes rest out of the oven lets everything settle just enough for perfect slicing and serving.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

Top your Ground Beef Enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, and maybe a scattering of sliced green onions or diced tomatoes for freshness and color. Avocado slices or a wedge of lime can add a lovely finishing touch as well.

Side Dishes

These enchiladas play so nicely alongside Mexican rice, refried or black beans, a simple green salad, or even some grilled corn. If you want to keep things light, a citrusy slaw or sliced jicama makes a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warmth and spiciness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Ground Beef Enchiladas on a large colorful platter for family-style sharing, or serve individually on bright plates with a swirl of sauce and artful toppings. For parties, slice them smaller and arrange in mini baking dishes—a festive twist on the traditional presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers—and that’s a big if—Ground Beef Enchiladas store beautifully. Cool them to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days without losing their deliciousness.

Freezing

For easy future meals, assemble the enchiladas (sauce and all) in a freezer-safe dish, but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. When the craving strikes, bake directly from frozen—just add about 10 extra minutes to your baking time until everything is hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, bake your enchiladas covered in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. For a super quick single serving, microwaving works too; just cover with a damp paper towel to keep the tortillas moist. Add a little extra sauce if things look a bit dry—enchiladas love to soak it up!

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas with corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas provide a classic texture and flavor. For best results, warm them first before rolling to prevent breaking—they’re more tender when heated.

What’s the best way to keep my enchiladas from getting soggy?

If sogginess worries you, use just enough sauce to cover the enchiladas—don’t drench them. Also, letting the rolled tortillas rest for a few minutes before baking helps them soak up flavor without falling apart.

I’m out of ground beef—will another protein work?

Definitely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sautéed veggies for a different spin. Each lends its own delicious flair, keeping your enchiladas interesting and satisfying.

Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas in advance?

Yes, these are a great make-ahead option. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Then just pop into the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Is it easy to double this recipe for a crowd?

No problem at all! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger or two baking dishes. Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect for feeding a hungry group—just watch how fast they disappear!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s flavorful, festive, and totally fuss-free, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are calling your name. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to share them with, and get ready for rave reviews—the first bite is always a showstopper!

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting Mexican dish perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Flavorful seasoned ground beef, wrapped in tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked to cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Filling:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder

Assembly:

8 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Saute Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until translucent (5-7 minutes).
Add Seasonings: Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute.
Fill Tortillas: Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican