Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

The Most Flavorful Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Ever

Enchiladas have always been a comfort food staple that ground beef enchiladas recipe elevates to new heights of deliciousness.

Spicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this dish brings together bold flavors in every bite.

The combination of seasoned meat, soft tortillas, and melted cheese creates a meal that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this mouthwatering recipe.

Best Ways to Store Beef Enchiladas

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
  • Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts evenly.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pork for a different flavor profile.

  • How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you use. Choose mild, medium, or hot versions to control the heat.

  • Are these enchiladas gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free certified.

  • Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

Why You’ll Want Ground Beef Enchiladas Tonight

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Personalize these enchiladas by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced jalapeños to match your taste preferences.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour these cheesy, savory enchiladas that transform basic ground beef into a mouthwatering dinner that sparks smiles around the table.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this straightforward recipe that requires just a skillet and baking dish, making weeknight cooking a breeze for busy home cooks.

What’s Inside Tasty Beef Enchiladas

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A lean protein that serves as the primary filling for the enchiladas.
  • Onions: Adds flavor depth and aromatic base to the ground beef mixture.
Seasoning and Sauce:
  • Taco Seasoning: Provides a classic Mexican-inspired spice blend for the beef.
  • Enchilada Sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional flavor to the dish.
Wrap and Topping:
  • Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that hold the beef filling and create the classic enchilada shape.
  • Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, golden topping for the enchiladas.
Optional Garnish:
  • Sour Cream, Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that can add extra flavor and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Flavorful Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F so it’s ready for some delicious action.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef with diced onions over medium heat.

Make sure the meat turns brown and crumbly.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Splash in taco seasoning and a generous pour of enchilada sauce.

Let the mixture simmer and mingle for a couple minutes, creating a flavor-packed filling.

Step 4: Roll And Tuck

Prepare your tortillas for a delicious transformation.

Scoop the beef mixture into each tortilla:
  • Seasoned ground beef
  • Shredded cheese

Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the edges.

Place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish, creating a cozy enchilada lineup.

Step 5: Sauce And Cheese Finale

Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce.

Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on top, creating a melty masterpiece.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your sizzling enchiladas and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Salsa, sour cream, or fresh cilantro make excellent companions.

Tips for Beef Enchiladas Everyone Will Love

  • Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent soggy enchiladas and reduce excess oil.
  • Slightly heat tortillas before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier rolling.
  • Use a blend of melting cheeses like monterey jack and cheddar for optimal flavor and gooey texture.
  • Adjust taco seasoning intensity by adding extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy more heat.
  • Assemble enchiladas in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Beef Enchilada Variations and Extras

  • Vegetarian Bean Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, keeping the same spice profile and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Turkey Enchiladas Light: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that maintains the classic enchilada flavor and texture.
  • Chicken Enchilada Remix: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, offering a different protein option while preserving the original recipe's core techniques.
  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Enchiladas: Use zucchini strips instead of tortillas for a low-carb, gluten-free option that still captures the essence of traditional enchiladas.

Plating Ideas for Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Fiesta Fresh Sides: Crisp chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes add vibrant color and refreshing crunch to the enchiladas.
  • Creamy Cool Companion: Dollop sour cream or tangy Mexican crema on top for a smooth, rich contrast to the spicy beef.
  • Zesty Green Accent: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for a bright, herbal flavor boost that cuts through the richness.
  • Salsa Splash: Serve with homemade or store-bought salsa to give an extra kick of authentic Mexican-style heat and freshness.
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Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savor Mexican comfort with these ground beef enchiladas, packed with zesty flavors and melted cheese. Hearty and satisfying, they promise a delicious journey through authentic southwestern cuisine you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix

Dairy and Wrapping Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce

Optional Toppings:

  • sour cream
  • chopped cilantro
  • diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the enchiladas.
  2. Sizzle ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into crumbly fragments until thoroughly cooked; eliminate excess grease.
  3. Infuse the meat with zesty taco seasoning and a splash of enchilada sauce, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Craft individual enchiladas by spreading the seasoned meat mixture onto tortillas, generously sprinkling cheese, then rolling them into tight cylinders.
  5. Nestle the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish, creating a cozy arrangement.
  6. Lavish the enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage, then crown with a blanket of additional cheese.
  7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving, accompanied by optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

  • Create a lean version by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option.
  • Easily make this recipe gluten-free by selecting corn tortillas and checking that your taco seasoning is gluten-free certified.
  • Meal prep these enchiladas by assembling ahead of time and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which helps develop deeper flavor profiles.
  • Add extra nutrition by mixing finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meat mixture for hidden vegetables that boost overall meal wellness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 475 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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