Name: Amazing Ground Beef Enchiladas: 8 Quick Fixes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce; 8 flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheese; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

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Ground beef enchiladas have been a staple in my home for years, especially when I need a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will devour. I remember the first time I made them from scratch; the aroma of seasoned beef and simmering red sauce filled my kitchen, promising a comforting meal. This easy ground beef enchilada recipe is my go-to because it’s so straightforward and delivers that classic cheesy, savory flavor we all crave. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or even casual weekend gatherings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas

These ground beef enchiladas are a weeknight dinner hero for so many reasons:

Incredibly Quick: Seriously, you can have these on the table in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy evenings.
Family Favorite: The combination of savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce is a guaranteed hit with everyone.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of what you need in your pantry, making this an easy grocery trip.
Customizable: Whether you like them mild or spicy ground beef enchiladas, you can easily adjust the heat level.
Comfort Food Classic: There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a warm, cheesy plate of enchiladas.
Minimal Cleanup: Most of the magic happens in one skillet and one baking dish.
So Cheesy: We’re talking layers of gooey, melted cheese that makes these cheesy ground beef enchiladas irresistible.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delicious, homemade ground beef enchiladas. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor, but 90/10 works too.
1/2 cup chopped onion – Use a yellow or white onion for a mild bite.
1 tsp garlic powder – Essential for that savory depth.
1 tsp cumin – This spice adds a warm, earthy note that’s perfect for enchiladas.
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your preference.
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce – A good quality red enchilada sauce is key for these ground beef enchiladas with red sauce.
8 flour tortillas – Choose medium-sized ones that are pliable.
1 cup shredded cheese – A Mexican blend or cheddar works wonderfully for that gooey, cheesy finish.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Let’s get these simple ground beef enchiladas into your oven! This process is straightforward and will have your kitchen smelling amazing.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This ensures your enchiladas bake evenly. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish; you’ll need it soon.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 lb ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it browns. I love the sizzle it makes!
Step 3: Once the beef is nicely browned, drain off any excess grease. Add the 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion starts to soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of your 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the bottom tortillas from sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor to your ground beef enchilada bake.
Step 5: Now, it’s time to assemble! Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture into the center of each of your 8 flour tortillas. Sprinkle a little of the 1 cup shredded cheese over the beef filling in each tortilla.
Step 6: Roll each tortilla up tightly around the filling. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish, nestled against each other. This helps them hold their shape during baking.
Step 7: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tops of all the rolled tortillas. Make sure they’re well-covered. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the sauce.
Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is wonderfully melted and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is incredible! Your best ground beef enchiladas are almost ready.

Amazing Ground Beef Enchiladas: 8 Quick Fixes - Ground Beef Enchiladas - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas

Want to elevate your enchilada game? These little tricks will make your homemade ground beef enchiladas truly shine:

Don’t skip browning the beef: Get a good sear on the ground beef for maximum flavor. Drain the grease well to avoid a greasy filling.
Warm your tortillas: Briefly warming flour tortillas makes them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolling. A quick zap in the microwave or a few seconds in a dry skillet does the trick.
Sauce is key: Use a good quality enchilada sauce you love. You can even doctor up a store-bought one with a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. For more sauce ideas, check out this easy homemade sweet chili sauce recipe.
Rest before slicing: Letting the enchiladas rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps them set, making them easier to serve without falling apart.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas?

The real secret to perfect ground beef enchilada filling lies in building flavor. Browning the beef well, sautéing the onions until soft, and using a robust enchilada sauce are crucial. Don’t be afraid to season generously!

Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble these ground beef enchiladas with cheese up to a day in advance. Cover the unbaked enchiladas tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the cooking time. For more make-ahead meal ideas, explore these last recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Enchiladas?

A common pitfall is dry enchiladas. To avoid this, ensure you don’t overcook the beef mixture and use enough sauce to cover the tortillas. Also, don’t overstuff the tortillas, as they’ll split when rolled.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

These versatile ground beef enchiladas are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary sides. For a classic Mexican-American experience, serve them alongside fluffy cilantro-lime rice to soak up any extra sauce. A dollop of cool sour cream or a scoop of creamy guacamole provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, savory filling. You might also consider a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the meal. These pairings make for truly satisfying ground beef enchiladas for dinner. If you’re looking for more side dish inspiration, consider these best jerk chicken sides.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Enchiladas

When you’re enjoying these delicious ground beef enchiladas, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. This breakdown provides an estimate for one serving of this comforting meal.

Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal (estimated)
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can refer to resources like the National Library of Medicine’s nutrition information.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Enchiladas

Leftover ground beef enchiladas are a treasure, and knowing how to store and reheat them properly ensures they taste just as good the next day. Once your delicious enchiladas have cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you’re planning for even longer, these enchiladas freeze beautifully. You can store them in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly for up to 3 months. This makes them a fantastic option for future quick meals.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For refrigerated enchiladas, you can cover them with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving individual portions is also a quick option. For frozen enchiladas, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven method. This ensures they heat evenly without becoming mushy. Enjoying these quick ground beef enchiladas later is just as satisfying!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Enchiladas

Can I use corn tortillas for these ground beef enchiladas?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for flour tortillas, you can easily make ground beef enchiladas with corn tortillas. Just be aware that corn tortillas can be more prone to breaking when rolled. A helpful tip is to briefly warm them in a little hot oil or a damp paper towel before filling and rolling to make them more pliable.

What kind of cheese is best for these ground beef enchiladas?

For the ultimate gooeyness, a blend of cheeses works wonders. I love using a Mexican blend which often includes Monterey Jack and Cheddar. For extra flavor, you could also add a bit of Colby Jack or Pepper Jack if you like things a little spicy. The key is a good melting cheese for those delicious cheesy ground beef enchiladas.

Can I make the ground beef enchilada filling spicy?

You bet! If you’re craving spicy ground beef enchiladas, there are a few ways to add some heat. Stir a can of diced green chilies into the beef mixture along with the onions. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend. For an extra kick, use a spicier enchilada sauce or top your finished dish with sliced jalapeños.

How do I make a ground beef enchilada casserole version?

To create a ground beef enchilada casserole, you can skip rolling the tortillas. Instead, layer the bottom of your baking dish with some enchilada sauce, then a layer of torn tortillas, followed by the seasoned ground beef mixture, and then cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with sauce and cheese on top. Bake as directed until bubbly and heated through. It’s a wonderfully easy way to get all the flavors! This is similar to a cheesy enchilada bake.

Variations of Ground Beef Enchiladas You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this easy ground beef enchilada recipe, why not explore some exciting variations? These ideas will keep your dinner rotation interesting and cater to different tastes and dietary needs.

Spicy Ground Beef Enchiladas: For those who love a kick, add a can of diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also opt for a spicier enchilada sauce.
Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet: Skip the rolling and assemble everything in a skillet for a one-pan wonder. Layer the bottom with sauce, then torn tortillas, the beef mixture, and cheese. Bake until bubbly. This is a fantastic ground beef enchilada bake option.
Vegetarian Enchiladas: Easily make these meatless by substituting the ground beef with a hearty mix of black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers. This offers a delicious, healthy twist on traditional ground beef enchiladas.
Authentic Ground Beef Enchiladas: If you’re aiming for a more traditional flavor, consider using corn tortillas that have been lightly fried or soaked in chili sauce before filling. You can also make your own red enchilada sauce from scratch for an extra layer of flavor.