Ground Beef Enchiladas

Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Sour cream (for topping)

Jena Ellison

Update : December 21, 2025

Delicious ground beef enchiladas served with cheese and sauce

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Why Make This Recipe

Ground beef enchiladas are a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. They are simple to prepare and offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce wrapped in tortillas makes for a hearty dish that everyone loves. Not only do these enchiladas taste amazing, but they are also versatile. You can adjust the spices, add vegetables, or even switch up the type of cheese to suit your family’s tastes. With just a few ingredients and some easy cooking steps, you can create a dish that delights!

This recipe is a wonderful choice for those who may be new to cooking or want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just your family, ground beef enchiladas are sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Making ground beef enchiladas is simple and fun! Follow the steps below to create your delicious meal.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
8 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Sour cream (for topping)

Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to ensure that your enchiladas cook evenly and become bubbly and golden on top.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onions to the skillet. Cook this mixture until the ground beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to make sure the beef cooks evenly.
Add Garlic and Spices: Once the beef and onions are cooked, add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well and sauté for another minute. This will help to enhance the flavors and give the beef a nice aroma.
Fill the Tortillas: Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Once all the tortillas are in the baking dish, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle your shredded cheese on top of the sauce. This will create a delicious cheesy layer as it bakes.
Bake the Enchiladas: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the enchiladas uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You will know they are ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Once your ground beef enchiladas are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve them! You can garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess. Adding fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños can also enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish. Serve the enchiladas on plates, and don’t forget to ladle some of the extra sauce over the top to keep them moist and flavorful.

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some Mexican rice. It’s a great idea to serve a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade, alongside to balance the richness of the enchiladas.

How to Store Ground Beef Enchiladas

If you end up with leftovers, you can easily store your ground beef enchiladas. Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you are ready to enjoy them again.

If you want to store enchiladas for a longer period, you can freeze them! Wrap each enchilada tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven.

Tips to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Use lean beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and less greasy.
Customize your cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a unique flavor. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well.
Spice it up: If you like heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Add vegetables: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans into the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make it saucy: If you love sauce, double the amount of enchilada sauce for a more decadent dish.

Variation

There are plenty of variations you can try with this recipe. Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a vegetarian filling with beans, cheese, and vegetables. For a healthier twist, you could use whole grain or low-carb tortillas. You can also create a spicy version by adding hot sauce or using spicy enchilada sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready, take them out, pour on the sauce, and bake.

2. What else can I put in my enchiladas?

You can add a variety of ingredients such as black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, or even cooked spinach. Feel free to get creative with your fillings!

3. Can I eat enchiladas if I’m gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas. Make sure your enchilada sauce is also gluten-free.

With these tips and instructions, you’re all set to create delicious ground beef enchiladas. They will become a favorite recipe that you can enjoy time and time again! Happy cooking!