Ground Beef Enchiladas – A Flavorful and Easy Mexican

If you’re craving cheesy, saucy, and hearty comfort food, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are the perfect choice! Packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, this dish is simple to make and bursting with flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a festive family gathering, these enchiladas come together in just 40 minutes and are guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Cheesy & Flavorful – A rich beef filling smothered in melty cheese and sauce.
✔ Easy & Quick – Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
✔ Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas

For the Enchilada Filling:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup canned black beans (optional)
• ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Enchiladas:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

For Garnish & Toppings:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for spice)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Large Skillet – To cook the beef filling.
✔ Mixing Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients.
✔ 9×13-inch Baking Dish – To bake the enchiladas.
✔ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and cooked through.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. If using, stir in the black beans and corn kernels. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Pour ½ cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish and spread evenly.
2. Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture into the center.
3. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the beef filling.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Add Sauce & Cheese

1. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes.
2. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
3. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas

✔ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
✔ Don’t Overfill the Tortillas – Overstuffing can make them harder to roll.
✔ Toast the Tortillas – Warm them in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds to prevent tearing.
✔ Make It Spicier – Add diced green chilies or extra chili powder.
✔ Let Them Rest – Let enchiladas sit for 5 minutes after baking to set up.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make It Spicy – Use hot enchilada sauce or add cayenne pepper.
Use Chicken – Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
Vegetarian Option – Replace beef with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or tofu.
Try a Different Cheese – Use queso fresco, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Low-Carb Option – Use low-carb tortillas or serve the filling over cauliflower rice.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered, until warm.

Freezing Instructions

• Assemble the enchiladas but do not bake.
• Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes! Corn tortillas are traditional but can be more fragile. Warm them first to prevent cracking.

What’s the best enchilada sauce to use?

A good-quality store-bought sauce works, but homemade enchilada sauce is even better!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.

What can I serve with ground beef enchiladas?

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a simple green salad.

How do I keep my enchiladas from getting soggy?

Lightly frying or warming the tortillas before filling helps keep them from becoming too soft.

Conclusion

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a cheesy, saucy, and flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With seasoned beef, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, every bite is a delicious taste of comfort.

Try this easy 40-minute recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Don’t forget to share with family and friends—they’ll love it just as much as you do!

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