Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Magical Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Ever

Crafting mouthwatering ground beef enchiladas promises a delightful culinary adventure for anyone seeking comfort food.

Mexican cuisine brings incredible flavors that dance across your palate with each savory bite.

Layers of tender seasoned meat nestled between soft tortillas create pure magic on your plate.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular meals that satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Spices and melted cheese combine in a symphony of deliciousness that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish faster than ordering takeout.

Hunger calls, and these enchiladas are about to become your new weeknight superhero.

Why Ground Beef Enchiladas Are Always on the Menu

  • Perfect weeknight dinner that brings everyone together with minimal prep time.
  • Swap ingredients or add extra toppings to match family preferences and dietary needs.
  • Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples to create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
  • Total cooking time is under 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a hearty Mexican-inspired meal.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Ingredient Rundown

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein foundation for the enchiladas, provides hearty flavor and main substance.
  • Onion: Adds savory depth and aromatic base to the beef mixture.
Tortilla and Filling Components:
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft wrap for holding the beef mixture, creates classic enchilada structure.
  • Black Beans: Adds extra protein and creamy texture to the filling.
  • Corn: Optional vegetable component that brings sweetness and texture.
  • Green Chiles: Introduces mild heat and southwestern flavor profile.
Sauce and Cheese Elements:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Primary flavor carrier and moisture provider for the dish.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts to create creamy, golden topping and binding element.
  • Garlic: Enhances overall depth of flavor in the beef mixture.
Seasoning Group:
  • Taco Seasoning: Provides balanced spice blend for authentic mexican-style taste.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375F (190C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat while cooking until it turns brown and onions become translucent. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

Add the following ingredients to the beef:
  • Minced garlic
  • Taco seasoning
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Diced green chiles
  • Black beans
  • Corn

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld.

Step 4: Roll and Assemble

Spread a layer of enchilada sauce in the baking dish. Fill each tortilla with:
  • Beef mixture
  • Sprinkle of shredded cheese

Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Generously top with more shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. For extra golden top, broil 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Let enchiladas rest briefly. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or salsa. Enjoy your Mexican-inspired feast!

Tips That Bring Out the Best in Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Customize Your Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning and choose mild or hot enchilada sauce to match your heat preference.
  • Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Warm tortillas briefly before filling to help them stay firm and prevent breaking during rolling.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Assemble enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños on top for added freshness and complexity.

Store and Reheat Ground Beef Enchiladas with Care

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
  • Place individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to prevent drying out.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Reach for a crisp, cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona Extra to complement the spicy, rich flavors of the enchiladas. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the heaviness of the beef and melted cheese.
  • Whip up a quick side of shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt to add bright, tangy contrast to the warm, hearty enchiladas. The cool, crunchy slaw balances the dish's richness.
  • Blend ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth, creamy sauce that mellows the enchiladas' spice. Drizzle generously over the top for a luxurious, cooling element.
  • Shake up a classic margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec to provide a zesty, citrusy drink that matches the enchiladas' bold Mexican-inspired flavors. The cocktail's tartness enhances the meal's spiciness.

Try These Versions of Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans and extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Tortilla Enchiladas: Swap traditional tortillas with homemade cauliflower tortillas to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients.
  • Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken and ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Enchiladas: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese and coconut cream-based sauce for those avoiding dairy products.

Answers to Ground Beef Enchiladas Questions

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it possible to make these enchiladas spicy?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, use a hot taco seasoning, or include a spicy salsa to increase the heat level.

  • What if I don't have enchilada sauce?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a bit of salt to create a similar flavor.

  • Can these enchiladas be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas earlier in the day and refrigerate them. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

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Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich Mexican flavors mingle in ground beef enchiladas, creating a comforting meal that delights dinner tables. Melted cheese, zesty sauce, and seasoned meat wrap together in tortillas, promising a satisfying experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 8 (8-inch) flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) red enchilada sauce

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for your enchiladas.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles and ensuring the onions become translucent.
  3. Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture, then introduce minced garlic, taco seasoning, and a portion of enchilada sauce, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
  4. Incorporate diced green chiles, black beans, and corn into the beef mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld together and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.
  6. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable, then carefully spoon the beef mixture onto each one, adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese before rolling tightly.
  7. Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the sauced baking dish, ensuring they are nestled closely together.
  8. Generously pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure each enchilada is well-coated.
  9. Liberally top the enchiladas with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a thick, melty layer.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, creating a tempting, slightly crispy top.
  11. Optional: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a more intense golden-brown cheese crust.
  12. Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then serve with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced green onions.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy enchiladas and ensure a crispy texture when baking.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Swap corn tortillas for low-carb alternatives like lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas to make the recipe keto-friendly.
  • Add a splash of lime juice to the beef mixture for an extra burst of flavor that brightens the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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