Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There are few things in life as satisfying as pulling a bubbling dish of enchiladas out of the oven—the smell of spicy sauce, melted cheese, and savory beef filling the kitchen. For me, Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is one of those comfort meals that never disappoint.
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe reminds me of family dinners on chilly nights when we’d gather around the table, plates piled high with enchiladas, rice, and refried beans. The best part? You can make these with simple pantry staples—ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce—yet the result tastes like something straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to put together on a weeknight, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s loaded with seasoned beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in rich red sauce, and baked to gooey perfection under a blanket of melted cheese.
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Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make a full pan of delicious, cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe that serves about 6 people.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works great)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup black beans or pinto beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup diced green chilies
- Jalapeño slices for extra spice
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is incredibly easy to make—and it comes together in just a few steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. If you like, add a splash (about ¼ cup) of the enchilada sauce to help the flavors blend. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so everything gets nice and flavorful.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the tortillas.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
To prevent cracking when rolling, warm the tortillas briefly. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or heat them one at a time on a dry skillet for about 10 seconds per side.
Warm tortillas make rolling much easier — and help your enchiladas hold their shape during baking.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas
Spoon a bit of enchilada sauce into the bottom of your baking dish (about ½ cup) to prevent sticking.
Take one tortilla at a time and add 2–3 tablespoons of the beef filling down the center. Sprinkle a little cheese on top. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas until your pan is full and your filling is used up.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure to coat them completely. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top — the more, the better.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
If you like crispy cheese, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Serve warm and enjoy that cheesy, saucy goodness with every bite.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few classic sides.
- Mexican rice: A perfect match for soaking up extra sauce.
- Refried beans: Creamy and savory, they balance the spicy enchiladas.
- Guacamole or avocado slices: Add freshness and creaminess.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Helps cool the spice.
- Tortilla chips and salsa: Because there’s no such thing as too much crunch.
- Fresh salad: A simple lettuce, tomato, and lime salad brightens the meal.
For drinks, try a cold cerveza, sparkling water with lime, or a refreshing margarita.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas. Too much filling makes them hard to roll and can cause them to burst open.
- Warm the tortillas first. This makes them pliable and prevents tearing.
- Add sauce generously. Dry enchiladas are a no-go. Coat them well before baking.
- Customize your filling. Add beans, corn, or chilies for extra flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish in the morning and refrigerate until dinner time.
- Freeze for later: These enchiladas freeze beautifully — perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- Reheat with foil. Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Variations
One of the best things about this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some tasty ways to switch things up:
1. Green Chile Enchiladas
Swap red enchilada sauce for green chile sauce for a tangy, zesty flavor.
2. Cheesy Beef and Bean Enchiladas
Add a layer of refried beans or black beans inside each tortilla with the beef filling.
3. Tex-Mex Style Enchiladas
Mix in corn, diced bell peppers, and a little cream cheese for extra richness.
4. Spicy Chipotle Enchiladas
Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the filling for smoky, spicy depth.
5. Enchilada Casserole
Skip the rolling and layer the ingredients lasagna-style with tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese.
6. Ground Turkey Enchiladas
Lighten it up by swapping ground beef for turkey — still flavorful, just leaner.
7. Gluten-Free Enchiladas
Use corn tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
FAQs
1. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas (without baking), cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed — just add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Absolutely. Prepare and assemble them, then wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
3. What’s the best type of tortilla for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas are traditional and offer a wonderful texture and flavor. However, flour tortillas hold up better if you prefer softer, larger enchiladas.
4. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes! A good-quality canned sauce works perfectly. If you have time, you can also make your own with tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
5. How do I make homemade taco seasoning?
Mix together: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, plus salt and pepper to taste.
6. How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
7. Can I use a different meat?
Definitely. Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even cooked pulled pork all make fantastic enchiladas.
8. How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace the beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add beans or lentils for protein.
9. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melts beautifully. For extra flavor, add a bit of queso fresco or Cotija on top after baking.
10. Can I make them spicy?
Yes! Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture — or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
Based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
(Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
If you love bold, comforting, and cheesy meals, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is going to become a regular in your kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Every bite has that perfect mix of spiced beef, creamy cheese, and tangy sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting taco night, or meal prepping for the week, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe never disappoints.
What I love most about this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple with just beef and cheese or load them up with beans, corn, and chilies for extra flavor. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste even better the next day.
So next time you’re craving Mexican comfort food, skip the takeout—make this homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.