Ground Beef Enchiladas are a beloved classic in Mexican cuisine, featuring soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please.Yellow Bliss Road
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite fillings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day.BettyCrocker.com
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beefSouthern Living+20BettyCrocker.com+20Momsdish+20
- OnionBettyCrocker.com+16Southern Living+16Recipe Runner+16
- GarlicSouthern Living
- Taco seasoning
- Enchilada sauceBettyCrocker.com+5The Chunky Chef+5It Is a Keeper+5
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and a portion of the enchilada sauce, mixing well.
- Prepare Tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable, briefly warm them in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.Better Homes & Gardens+1It Is a Keeper+1
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.I Wash You Dry
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with your choice of toppings and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 20 minutes.Olive & Mango
- Cooking Time: Approximately 25 minutes.Better Homes & Gardens+1EatingWell+1
Variations
- Spicy Enchiladas: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Bean and Beef Enchiladas: Include black beans or refried beans in the filling for added texture and protein.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach into the beef mixture for a nutritional boost.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like queso fresco or pepper jack for varying flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.All the Healthy Things+1Momsdish+1
- Freezing: To freeze, place assembled but unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated thoroughly.

FAQs
What type of tortillas are best for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up well to the sauce, but flour tortillas can also be used for a softer texture.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
How can I prevent my tortillas from breaking?
Warming the tortillas before filling them makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
Is it necessary to fry the tortillas before assembling?
While some traditional recipes call for lightly frying tortillas to prevent sogginess, it’s optional. Warming them without oil works well and reduces added fat.BettyCrocker.com+3Gimme Some Oven+3Recipe Runner+3
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Absolutely, store-bought sauce is convenient and works well, but homemade enchilada sauce can offer a fresher flavor.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure that your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are certified gluten-free.
Can I add other meats to the filling?
Yes, shredded chicken or pork can be used in place of or alongside the ground beef.
What sides pair well with beef enchiladas?
Classic sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.
How do I prevent the enchiladas from becoming too soggy?
Avoid over-saucing before baking; you can always serve extra sauce on the side.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a versatile and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make for a delightful meal that’s
PrintGround Beef Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These easy ground beef enchiladas are packed with flavor and smothered in a rich, savory red sauce. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Serve with rice, beans, or a side salad for a full meal!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
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8 small flour tortillas
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
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1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
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Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
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Add 1/3 cup of enchilada sauce to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
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Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave to make them pliable.
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Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, top with a little cheese, then roll up and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
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Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas, then sprinkle with remaining cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and green onions, if using.
Notes
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You can use corn tortillas for a more traditional taste.
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Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
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Make it spicier by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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