Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Looking for a simple and delicious Mexican-inspired dish? These Ground Beef Enchiladas are cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, they come together with minimal ingredients and deliver maximum satisfaction. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a comforting dish that everyone will love.

What Are Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Ground beef enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with seasoned beef, topped with enchilada sauce and cheese, then baked to perfection. They can be made with either flour or corn tortillas and are often garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Use your favorite cheese, tortillas, or toppings.
• Family-Friendly: A dish everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 tbsp oil (for softening tortillas)
• Fresh cilantro & sour cream for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking the beef apart with a spatula.
• Drain excess grease, then add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

2. Assemble the Enchiladas

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a clean pan over low heat and lightly warm the tortillas (this prevents cracking).
• Spread 2 tbsp enchilada sauce on each tortilla.
• Spoon some of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and sprinkle with a little cheese.
• Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

3. Bake the Enchiladas

• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
• Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
• Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve & Garnish

• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
• Add a side of guacamole, salsa, or avocado slices for extra flavor.
• Enjoy with a refreshing margarita or agua fresca for a festive touch!

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave (1-2 minutes per serving) or oven (350°F/175°C for 10 minutes).

Freezing Instructions

• Assemble the enchiladas without baking and cover tightly with foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder for heat.
• Creamy Enchiladas: Mix ½ cup sour cream into the beef filling for a richer texture.
• Healthier Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat tortillas.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace beef with black beans, mushrooms, or lentils.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas. If using, warm them slightly to prevent cracking when rolling.

What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?
A Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack work well. For a more authentic taste, try queso Oaxaca or queso fresco.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are an easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Try them out and let me know how they turn out!

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