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; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a soul-warming, flavor-packed meal that checks all the weeknight boxes, you absolutely have to try Ground Beef Enchiladas. This beloved Mexican-inspired dish brings so much joy to the dinner table: tender tortillas filled with savory beef, bathed in zesty enchilada sauce, and bubbling cheese browned to perfection. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a comfort food craving or impress a crowd, this easy recipe never fails to deliver bold flavors and hearty satisfaction.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in the simplicity of what goes into these Ground Beef Enchiladas. Each ingredient has a purpose, delivering just the right balance of spice, creaminess, and texture to make every bite unforgettable.

Lean ground beef: Picks up spices beautifully and ensures a rich, meaty filling without excess grease.
Tortillas (flour or corn): The vessel for all that goodness—choose flour for pliability or corn for a touch of classic flavor.
Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade): Adds signature tang and spice; homemade brings extra freshness, while store-bought keeps things easy.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts to oozy perfection, crowning each enchilada with comfort.
Onion, diced: Sweetness and bite come together, infusing the filling with depth.
Garlic, minced: A background hero, delivering aromatic flavor that rounds out the dish.
Cumin: Warm, earthy notes amplify the heartiness of the ground beef.
Chili powder: Lends smokiness and gentle heat for real enchilada character.
Sour cream (for topping): Your creamy, cooling counterpoint to all the rich, spicy flavors.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Let’s set ourselves up for melty, golden perfection by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly and that cheese topping goes bubbly and irresistible.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Grab your favorite nonstick skillet and heat it over medium. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. In about 5-7 minutes, the onion should be translucent and your beef nicely browned—smells amazing, right?

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Now’s when flavor magic happens: add in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Sauté for a minute, just enough for the spices to wake up and coat every morsel in rich, toasty aroma.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them up snugly (like tiny meaty presents!) and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish, so they won’t unravel while baking.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese

Pour your enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure every inch is covered for ultimate flavor and moisture. Sprinkle the entire surface with shredded cheese—don’t be shy, this is where the melty magic happens!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Transfer your baking dish to the oven and leave uncovered. After 20-25 minutes, the cheese should be beautifully golden and the sauce joyously bubbly. Let them rest for a minute before serving so everything sets up just right.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

Nothing elevates Ground Beef Enchiladas like fresh toppings. A dollop of cool sour cream, a scattering of fresh cilantro or green onions, and maybe a squeeze of lime bring a burst of color and a lively balance to each portion. If you like a little heat, sliced jalapeños add an irresistible kick.

Side Dishes

Classic sides make your meal complete: think fluffy Mexican rice, smoky charro beans, or a simple salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. A side of guacamole or fresh salsa never goes amiss, either—you’ll have a spread worthy of any fiesta!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your enchiladas family-style in the baking dish for a casual vibe, or plate each individually with artistic swirls of sauce and a scattering of garnish for something special. Try slicing them into bite-sized pieces for appetizers or stacking with extra cheese and sauce for a fun enchilada “casserole” twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days—a perfect lunch or quick reheat meal whenever the craving strikes!

Freezing

Ground Beef Enchiladas freeze beautifully. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. You can freeze either before or after baking; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

For best results, reheat enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover them to keep in the moisture and zap in short bursts until warm.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a delicious, lighter alternative in Ground Beef Enchiladas. You can swap it in directly for the beef without any changes to the other ingredients or steps.

What’s the difference between flour and corn tortillas here?

Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll, giving a sturdier bite, while corn tortillas offer authentic flavor and a subtle chew. Both work beautifully—choose your favorite or try a mix!

Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything right up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the oven time if baking straight from the fridge.

What kind of cheese is best?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are both classic, but feel free to experiment with a blend (like pepper jack for a spicy kick) or whatever you have on hand. The goal is good melt and flavor!

Is homemade enchilada sauce worth it?

If you have a few extra minutes, homemade enchilada sauce can make your Ground Beef Enchiladas truly special, giving control over spice and freshness. But honestly, store-bought versions absolutely get the job done on a busy day.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring Ground Beef Enchiladas to your own dinner table! There’s just something magical about this dish—familiar, comforting, and packed with flavor. Give it a go, make it your own, and let every cheesy, saucy bite remind you why homemade is always worth it.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

These delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that the whole family will love. Savory seasoned beef wrapped in tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked with gooey cheese – a perfect weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Enchiladas:

1 lb lean ground beef
8 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown 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.
Top with 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