Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting delectable ground beef enchiladas can turn an ordinary evening into a vibrant culinary adventure.

Mexican cuisine offers incredible comfort with its rich, layered flavors.

Spicy meat nestled between soft tortillas creates a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Authentic recipes bring warmth and connection to traditional cooking styles.

Bold seasonings dance across tender beef, promising deliciousness in every bite.

Cheese melts beautifully, binding ingredients into a tempting masterpiece.

Eager friends and family will absolutely love this mouthwatering dish that brings zesty southwestern flair to your table.

Ground Beef Enchiladas That Are Rich, Cheesy, And Savory

  • Quick Weeknight Hero: Whip up these ground beef enchiladas in under 45 minutes, making dinner a breeze for busy families on hectic evenings.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Punch: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and mild spices, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
  • Customizable Comfort Classic: Easily adjust the spice level, swap protein, or add extra veggies to suit individual tastes without compromising the recipe's delicious core.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and pantry spices, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without breaking the bank.

A Look At Ground Beef Enchiladas Essentials

Tortillas:
  • Soft Taco Flour Tortillas, King Corn Tortillas: Flexible base for enchiladas, provides wrap and structure. Corn tortillas offer authentic Mexican flavor, flour tortillas are softer and more pliable.
Protein and Vegetables:
  • Ground Beef: Primary protein source, adds rich meaty flavor. Lean ground beef works best for less grease.
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and texture. Fresh, crisp vegetables enhance overall taste.
Seasonings and Cheese:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight meat's natural taste.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, sharp flavor and wonderful aroma. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste than pre-minced.
  • Mexican Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates creamy texture and adds tangy, sharp flavor. Blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack works well.

Easy Steps For Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a sizzling skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Spice Up the Filling

Add these flavor-packed ingredients to the beef:
  • Chopped onion
  • Diced green bell pepper
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Stir in shredded Mexican cheese and pull the skillet off the heat.

Step 5: Craft the Enchilada Sauce

Heat canola oil in a saucepan and whisk in flour, cooking for a quick minute.

Step 6: Build the Sauce Magic

Blend in these sauce superstars:
  • Tomato paste
  • Cumin
  • Oregano
  • Chili powder
  • Water

Simmer until the sauce thickens and gets super rich.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 8: Roll Up the Enchiladas

Stuff tortillas with the beef mixture, roll them up tight, and nestle them seam-side down in the dish.

Step 9: Final Sauce and Cheese Layer

Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with extra cheese.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade enchilada feast!

Ground Beef Enchiladas – Key Tips

  • Swap Mexican cheese blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco for different flavor profiles and textures.
  • Thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent greasy enchiladas and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final dish.
  • Adjust chili powder quantity to make the recipe mild, medium, or spicy according to personal heat tolerance.
  • Assemble enchiladas earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Experiment with additional vegetables like diced jalapeños, corn, or black beans to boost nutritional value and complexity.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Can Be Saved For Later Enjoyment

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for longer preservation.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover enchiladas with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot.

Serve This with Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Perfect Beer Pairing: Complement the spicy, rich ground beef enchiladas with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the richness of the cheese and balances the zesty enchilada sauce.
  • Zesty Side Salad: Create a bright cilantro-lime salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic elements will contrast beautifully with the hearty, warm enchiladas and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red like Tempranillo or Malbec to match the robust beef and spicy flavors. These wines have enough complexity to stand up to the enchiladas' bold seasonings without overwhelming the dish.
  • Cool Beverage Companion: Whip up a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila. The citrusy, slightly salty cocktail perfectly complements the Mexican-inspired flavors and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy enchiladas.

Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Skillet Ideas

  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or diced tofu for a plant-based protein option. Maintain the same seasonings and cooking method.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the enchilada sauce thickening.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture. Incorporate chipotle peppers into the enchilada sauce for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or zucchini strips. Use cauliflower rice as a base or serve the beef mixture over a bed of mixed greens.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this enchilada recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning method.

  • How spicy are these enchiladas?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. If you want more spice, increase the chili powder or add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

  • Do I need fresh tortillas for this recipe?

Fresh tortillas work best, but you can use store-bought corn or flour tortillas. Warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheese and mild seasonings make these enchiladas appealing to children. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit younger palates.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Sizzling Mexican ground beef enchiladas deliver a flavor-packed journey through authentic southwestern cuisine. Crispy tortillas embrace spicy seasoned meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce, promising a delicious dinner that satisfies hearty appetites.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) taco seasoning

Cheese and Sauce Components:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) enchilada sauce
  • 8 enchilada-sized tortillas
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Ignite the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the ideal environment for culinary transformation.
  2. In a sizzling skillet, dance the ground beef and diced onions together over medium flame until the meat browns and onions soften and become translucent.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning into the skillet, thoroughly mixing to coat every morsel of the beef with zesty flavor.
  4. Create a savory foundation by spreading a luxurious layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a waiting baking vessel.
  5. Craft each tortilla into a delectable parcel, generously filling it with the seasoned beef mixture and a harmonious blend of shredded cheeses.
  6. Gently roll each tortilla into a neat cylinder, nestling them seam-side down in the sauce-lined baking dish.
  7. Lavish the rolled enchiladas with the remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage, then crown with a final cascade of cheese.
  8. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the enchiladas to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that reduces saturated fat.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using homemade blend for more personalized flavor control.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the dish celiac-friendly and add authentic Mexican texture.
  • Assemble enchiladas the night before and refrigerate, then bake directly from the fridge for convenient meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star