Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting and vibrant meal that brings a fiesta of flavors right to your dinner table, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is your new best friend. With tender corn tortillas enveloping a savory, spicy beef filling, drenched in rich red enchilada sauce and crowned with bubbly cheddar cheese, these enchiladas blend taste and texture in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe’s simplicity and bold flavors will quickly make it a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays an essential role, adding layers of flavor, richness, and that authentic enchilada charm you’ll love.

• 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that absorbs all those delicious spices perfectly.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A little kick of aroma that makes everything taste homemade.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides warm, earthy undertones typical of Mexican dishes.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the ingredients.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle sharpness that complements the spices.
• 1 (10 oz) can of red enchilada sauce: The rich, tangy sauce that coats the enchiladas and adds moisture.
• 1 (4 oz) can of diced green chiles: Adds a mild zest and a pop of color inside the filling.
• 8-10 corn tortillas: Soft and pliable, these tortillas are perfect for rolling and soaking up sauce.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over and inside the enchiladas, providing gooey deliciousness.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh, herbaceous finish for garnish.
• Sour cream, for serving: Cools and complements the spicy and savory flavors when served.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your enchiladas will bake evenly, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly while melding all the flavors together.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion turns soft and translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let these spices bloom in the pan by cooking everything an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This step deepens the flavor of your beef filling, giving it that deliciously authentic taste.

Step 4: Combine with Enchilada Sauce and Chiles

Pour half of the red enchilada sauce and all the diced green chiles into the skillet and stir them thoroughly into the beef mixture. Simmer everything together for about 5 minutes to marry those rich flavors.

Step 5: Soften the Tortillas

Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for around 30 seconds. This softens the tortillas, making them pliable and less likely to crack when you roll the enchiladas.

Step 6: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Pour a small layer of the enchilada sauce to lightly coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This keeps the tortillas from sticking and adds flavor from the first bite to the last.

Step 7: Roll the Enchiladas

Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture onto each softened tortilla, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling, then roll them up tightly. Arrange each rolled tortilla seam-side down in your baking dish.

Step 8: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring every one is well-coated. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top for that glorious, melty finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned—this step creates a mouthwatering, cheesy crust.

Step 10: Final Touches

Once out of the oven, let your enchiladas cool briefly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast that lifts the dish beautifully.

Step 11: Serve It Up

Serve these delectable Ground Beef Enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream if you like. It’s the perfect creamy cooling partner to balance the rich, spicy filling.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh chopped cilantro is a must, but consider sprinkling diced avocado or sliced green onions to add texture and freshness. A squeeze of lime over the top brightens every bite. Don’t forget the sour cream to add that creamy balance.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef Enchiladas go wonderfully with simple side dishes like Mexican rice or refried beans. A crisp, zesty salad with lime dressing is also a great way to lighten the meal and add crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, transform this recipe into an enchilada casserole by layering the beef mixture, tortillas, and cheese several times. Or serve mini enchiladas as appetizers for a party. Eye-catching plating with fresh herbs and colorful sides will wow your guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can safely store leftover enchiladas covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re in an airtight container to keep the sauce from drying out and the cheese deliciously moist.

Freezing

Ground Beef Enchiladas are freezer-friendly! Assemble the enchiladas but skip baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add extra baking time and keep an eye on that golden cheese finish.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the texture just right. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make tortillas chewy; however, in a pinch, microwaving is fine—just cover to trap steam.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe?

Absolutely! Cheddar gives a classic flavor, but you can swap it for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for heat, or even a Mexican blend cheese to suit your taste. Just be sure it melts well.

Are corn tortillas the only option for these enchiladas?

While traditional enchiladas use corn tortillas for their authentic texture and flavor, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, more pliable wrap. Just be mindful that the taste will be slightly different.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or using hotter chiles if you like things fiery.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the beef filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. This actually helps the flavors deepen. Just warm it before assembling your enchiladas for best results.

What can I serve instead of sour cream?

If you’re looking for alternatives, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute offering a similar creamy tang. Guacamole or a drizzle of crema also work beautifully to complement the dish.

Final Thoughts

Making this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is like inviting a fiesta into your kitchen—it’s comforting, flavorful, and downright fun to prepare. Once you taste those tender tortillas filled with seasoned beef, smoky sauce, and melted cheese, you’ll understand why these enchiladas justify a special place in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug for your taste buds!

Print