Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are exactly what you need. With a savory beef filling, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melty cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, this classic Tex-Mex favorite is a guaranteed family pleaser. Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or make-ahead dinners!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavor – Seasoned ground beef, sauce, and cheese in every bite.
Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a double batch and save for later.
Customizable – Add beans, corn, or veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Enchiladas:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For Topping & Garnish:

• ½ cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft—about 6–8 minutes.
Drain any excess grease.
Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the green chilies (if using) and remove from heat.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas
Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños if desired.

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Tortillas – Warm them slightly so they’re easier to roll and won’t tear.
Drain the Beef – Helps keep the enchiladas from getting soggy.
Spice It Up – Add hot sauce or chipotle powder for extra heat.
Make Ahead – Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Double the Recipe – These freeze beautifully and make great leftovers.

Serving Suggestions
Mexican Rice – A flavorful, classic side.
Refried Beans – Creamy and satisfying with every bite.
Guacamole & Chips – A fresh, crunchy starter.
Corn Salad – Light and zesty to balance the richness of the enchiladas.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze the assembled enchiladas (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months.
• Wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap and foil or portion into containers.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover and reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1–2 minutes, or until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work great in this recipe.

2. What’s the best type of tortilla to use?
Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll, but corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor—just warm them first.

3. Can I add beans or veggies?
Absolutely! Add black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, or spinach for more variety and nutrition.

4. Is enchilada sauce spicy?
It depends on the brand or recipe. For milder flavor, look for a mild enchilada sauce or make your own.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and skip the sour cream topping.

Final Thoughts
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are comfort food at its finest—savory, cheesy, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy nights, this classic dish delivers bold Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.

Try them tonight and don’t forget to share your favorite toppings or twists. I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American (Tex-Mex inspired)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 670mg

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