Name: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487110H13M10S
Total time: PT-487110H13M10S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning); 1/4 cup water; 8 corn or flour tortillas (depending on preference); 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend); 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish); 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or homemade sauce); 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

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Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. The tender ground beef is seasoned with spices, rolled in soft tortillas, and topped with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This simple yet satisfying recipe is customizable to your taste, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious homemade enchilada dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Ground Beef Enchiladas is quick, easy, and full of flavor. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned with a mix of spices that will have your taste buds dancing, while the melty cheese and savory enchilada sauce take it to the next level. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the enchiladas:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
1/4 cup water
8 corn or flour tortillas (depending on preference)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the enchilada sauce:

1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or homemade sauce)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the enchilada filling:

Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
Add the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the water is absorbed and the beef is well-coated with the seasoning.
Set aside: Remove the skillet from the heat and set the beef mixture aside while you prepare the sauce.

Prepare the enchilada sauce:

Mix the sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the red enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.

Assemble the enchiladas:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds or heat them on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This makes them easier to roll.
Fill the tortillas: Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Bake the enchiladas: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve:

Garnish and enjoy: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings (2 enchiladas per serving)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy version: For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños to the beef filling or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
Cheese variations: Swap out the cheese for your favorite Mexican cheese, like Cotija or Oaxaca, for a more authentic flavor.
Chicken enchiladas: Substitute the ground beef for shredded chicken for a lighter variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas work well in this recipe. Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but flour tortillas provide a softer texture. Choose based on your preference.

3. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the enchiladas, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking. Just bake them as directed when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I make the enchilada sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! You can make your own enchilada sauce by combining tomato paste, chili powder, garlic, cumin, onion powder, and vegetable broth. Simmer it together to create your own homemade sauce.

5. How do I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

To make the enchiladas vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and black beans. Add some extra seasoning for flavor!

6. Can I make these enchiladas gluten-free?

Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use corn tortillas and ensure that your enchilada sauce and seasoning are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be made quickly and with minimal ingredients. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas makes this a comfort food classic. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe