Bring bold, comforting flavors to your table with these Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas, a classic Mexican-inspired dish that’s packed with savory seasoned beef, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce. Wrapped in soft tortillas and baked until bubbly and golden, these enchiladas deliver the perfect balance of hearty and cheesy in every bite. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite that satisfies cravings and brings everyone together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Savory & Flavorful: Seasoned ground beef combined with rich sauce and gooey cheese.
Comfort Food Classic: Warm, satisfying, and perfect for cozy meals.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with ingredients you can find anywhere.
Great for Feeding a Crowd: Makes plenty to share, leftovers taste even better!
Customizable: Add beans, veggies, or extra spices to tailor it your way!
Ingredients
Say hello to the delicious elements that’ll steal the show. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground beef: The star of the show! Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or go for a fattier blend for extra flavor.
Onion: A small onion, chopped, adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture. You can use yellow or white onions based on your preference.
Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic bring a fragrant kick that elevates the dish. Fresh garlic is always best, but jarred works in a pinch.
Chili powder: This spice adds warmth and a hint of smokiness. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Cumin: A teaspoon of cumin introduces an earthy flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors. Don’t skip these!
Red enchilada sauce: A can of this sauce is the perfect base for your enchiladas. You can opt for mild or spicy, depending on your taste.
Flour tortillas: Eight small flour tortillas are ideal for wrapping up the delicious filling. Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option.
Cheddar cheese: Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese create that gooey, melty topping we all love. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack for a twist.
Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and balances the flavors when serving.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro, chopped, is a lovely garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or using a spicier enchilada sauce. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well, and for a vegetarian twist, black beans can replace the meat.
Exact quantities for each ingredient are available at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious ground beef enchiladas! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your enchiladas bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly and golden. While the oven warms up, you can get started on the beef mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. This step is crucial for a flavorful filling!
Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for another 2 minutes. This allows the spices to blend beautifully with the beef, creating a savory mixture that will make your taste buds dance.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread 1/2 cup of the red enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the enchiladas from sticking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Step 4: Fill the Tortillas
Now, take a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center. Sprinkle a little cheese on top, then roll the tortilla tightly. Place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture. It’s like wrapping little gifts of flavor!
Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas
Once all the tortillas are snugly in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Don’t be shy—make sure every enchilada is covered! Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. This will create that irresistible cheesy crust we all crave.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Tips for Success
Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but don’t shy away from a bit of fat for flavor.
Warm the tortillas slightly before filling to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the enchiladas set and makes serving easier.
Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist—pepper jack adds a nice kick!
Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders for browning the beef.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal, but any oven-safe dish will do.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing and breaking up the beef.
Measuring cups: Handy for portioning the filling and sauce.
Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the dish while baking.
Variations of Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas
Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a mix of sautéed vegetables for a hearty, meat-free meal.
Cheesy Delight: Mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack into the filling for a melty surprise.
Southwestern Twist: Incorporate corn and diced bell peppers into the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
Serving Suggestions for Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with avocado and lime dressing complements the richness of the enchiladas.
Rice and Beans: Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a hearty meal.
Drinks: Pair with a cold cerveza or a refreshing margarita to elevate the experience.
Presentation: Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant touch.
FAQs about Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I make these delicious ground beef enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the enchiladas and assemble them in the baking dish. Just cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using black beans, lentils, or a mix of sautéed vegetables. Each option brings its own unique flavor!
How do I store leftovers of these enchiladas?
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps the tortillas from getting soggy.
Can I freeze delicious ground beef enchiladas?
Yes! These enchiladas freeze beautifully. Just assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. They make for a quick and satisfying meal!
What toppings can I add to enhance the flavor?
Get creative with toppings! Besides sour cream and cilantro, consider adding diced avocados, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. A drizzle of hot sauce can also add a nice kick!
Final Thoughts
Cooking these delicious ground beef enchiladas is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories. The joy of rolling each tortilla, the aroma wafting through the kitchen, and the anticipation of that first bite bring a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet night in, these enchiladas are sure to please. They’re a reminder that good food can bring us together, spark conversations, and create lasting moments. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into this recipe, and let the deliciousness unfold!
Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas that Everyone Will Love!
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
8 small flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream (for serving)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to blend.
Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Take a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center. Sprinkle with a little cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
Once all the tortillas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with sour cream and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use spicy enchilada sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use black beans for a vegetarian version.
