Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese, these enchiladas are simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with rice, beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefoniongarlictaco seasoningenchilada sauceshredded cheddar cheeseflour tortillasolive oilsaltpepper
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place a scoop of the beef mixture and some shredded cheese into each tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in the dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure they are fully covered.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6-8 enchiladas, serving about 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or shredded chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
Add a can of black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
Top with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives for extra flavor.
Swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for added spice.
Make it creamy by mixing a little sour cream into the beef filling.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving, or cover and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.To freeze, assemble enchiladas without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes, store-bought sauce works great for convenience. You can also make your own if preferred.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Flour tortillas are best for easy rolling and soft texture, but corn tortillas can be used for a more traditional flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my enchiladas soggy?
Make sure not to overfill the dish with sauce and avoid overstuffing the tortillas.
What sides go well with enchiladas?
Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a green salad are all excellent options.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are tasty additions.
How do I keep the tortillas from tearing?
Warm them slightly before filling to make them more pliable.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend all work well.
Are these enchiladas spicy?
The level of spice depends on your enchilada sauce and seasoning—choose mild or hot based on preference.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, just use mild taco seasoning and sauce to keep the flavors approachable.
Conclusion
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a go-to dinner that combines rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and simple prep into one delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing make-ahead meals for the week, these enchiladas are sure to satisfy. Give them a try and enjoy a tasty Tex-Mex classic right at home.
PrintEasy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a family favorite, featuring seasoned beef, melted cheese, and enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until mixture thickens.
- Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of beef mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use corn tortillas for a more traditional version.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños for added flavor.