Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; Sour cream (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts comforting and crave-worthy, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are about to be your new go-to favorite. Packed with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a seriously tangy enchilada sauce, every bite delivers big flavor with just the right kick. This classic recipe is super flexible, irresistibly cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or for simply treating yourself to a dinner that never disappoints. Trust me, one tray of Ground Beef Enchiladas and your dinner table will be the happiest place in the house!

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about making Ground Beef Enchiladas is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients, but each plays a crucial role. From the rich savoriness of the beef to the cozy blend of spices and that signature cheesy topping, every component creates color, flavor, and a little magic in the pan.

Lean ground beef: Use lean beef for a more tender filling that isn’t greasy, but still delivers tons of flavor.
Tortillas (flour or corn): Choose your favorite for the base—corn for classic texture, flour for extra softness.
Enchilada sauce (2 cups): Store-bought keeps things speedy, but homemade sauce adds a personal touch if you have the time!
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): The essential gooeyness; you can mix or match for your cheesy dream.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Sautéed onion creates a fragrant, slightly sweet backbone for the beef filling.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): That punch of fresh garlic makes the filling aromatic and mouthwatering.
Cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthy depth and warmth that feels quintessentially “enchilada.”
Chili powder (1 tsp): Brings in a gentle heat—perfectly balanced, not overwhelming.
Sour cream (for topping): Cool, tangy, and the perfect final flourish to round out all those bold flavors.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot and ready to create those bubbling, golden edges on your Ground Beef Enchiladas. Preheating also gives you time to prep the filling and roll the tortillas without rushing.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef and diced onions. Use a spatula to break up the meat, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and the beef is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. The aroma alone is enough to let you know something tasty is underway!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Give everything a good mix and sauté for one more minute. The spices will bloom in the pan, deepening those savory notes and making your filling truly irresistible for Ground Beef Enchiladas.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Lay out your tortillas and spoon an even amount of the beef mixture onto each one. Roll them up snugly so they keep their shape in the oven, then arrange them seam-side down in a greased baking dish. That small detail keeps everything tidy and helps them bake evenly.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Drizzle the enchilada sauce all over the rolled tortillas, making sure every inch gets coated. Sprinkle your chosen cheese generously on top—the more, the merrier! Each bite will carry a little bit of melty magic.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish, uncovered, into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the sauce is pure, savory heaven. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow everything to settle—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

Finish your Ground Beef Enchiladas with a handful of classic garnishes. A dollop of sour cream is a must for creaminess and a cool contrast to the spice. Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, some diced green onions, or even sliced fresh jalapeños for extra zing. If you’re feeling fancy, a few avocado slices take everything to the next level.

Side Dishes

These enchiladas go brilliantly with simple, flavor-packed sides. Think fluffy Mexican rice, a scoop of refried beans, or a bright corn salad. For a lighter touch, a green salad with a fresh lime vinaigrette balances out the meal perfectly—and keeps things feeling festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests (or even just yourself) by serving individual enchiladas with customizable toppings set out in little bowls. You can also bake them in individual ramekins for that “restaurant-style” flair. Or stack two smaller enchiladas together for a double-decker serving covered in extra sauce and cheese for maximum wow factor. Ground Beef Enchiladas always steal the show, no matter how you dish them up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas cool a bit before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for an excellent lunch or quick comfort dinner the next day. If you want to keep the tortillas from getting too soft, store any garnishes separately and add them fresh each time.

Freezing

Ground Beef Enchiladas freeze beautifully! Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as you normally would—easy, convenient, and still packed with flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can also zap single portions in the microwave for a minute or so, just be sure to add fresh garnishes after reheating for that just-made finish.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both make excellent substitutes and keep the flavor profile similar. Just keep an eye on cooking times as leaner meats can cook a bit faster, and adjust seasonings to your taste.

Are flour or corn tortillas better for Ground Beef Enchiladas?

It really depends on your taste and texture preferences. Corn tortillas are traditional and provide a lovely earthy flavor, while flour tortillas are soft and a little more pliable. Either works beautifully for Ground Beef Enchiladas!

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are deliciously melty and flavorful, but don’t hesitate to mix things up! Pepper Jack adds some heat, or use a Mexican cheese blend for variety. Use whatever makes your taste buds happiest.

Can I make these Ground Beef Enchiladas spicy?

Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef as it cooks, use a spicier enchilada sauce, or layer on sliced jalapeños as a garnish. You control the spice level every step of the way.

How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?

For firmer enchiladas, briefly heat or toast your tortillas before filling and rolling. This creates a slight barrier and keeps them from soaking up too much sauce. Also, avoid over-stuffing with filling or sauce. Letting them cool for a few minutes after baking will help everything set nicely, too.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about gathering around a bubbling pan of Ground Beef Enchiladas—every bite packed with flavor, family, and a little bit of nostalgia. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t be surprised if it disappears from the table faster than you can say “yum!”

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting Tex-Mex dish that the whole family will love. Flavorful seasoned beef, wrapped in tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked to cheesy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Filling:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder

Assembly:

8 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream (for topping)

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).
Season: Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute.
Assemble: Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Add 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: Tex-Mex