Get ready to fall in love with what is truly the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe you’ll ever make. This is the ultimate comfort food, a classic dish that is cheesy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. This Easy Enchilada Recipe features a simple yet flavorful ground beef filling, rolled into soft tortillas, and then smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce and a generous layer of gooey, melted cheese. It’s a foolproof, family-pleasing dinner that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
Why This is the Ultimate Easy Enchilada Recipe
This recipe is a go-to for so many reasons.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these enchiladas assembled and in the oven in no time.
- Packed with Flavor: The simple ground beef filling is perfectly seasoned with cumin and chili powder for a classic, savory taste.
- Cheesy and Satisfying: This is a hearty, satisfying meal that is loaded with delicious, melty cheese.
- A Family-Favorite: The classic, comforting flavors are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it a staple for your dinner rotation.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses a handful of pantry staples to create a spectacular meal.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 1 lb of lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups of your favorite red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Seasonings: 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp chili powder.
- For Serving: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced olives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to create the most delicious cheesy enchiladas ever.
Part 1: Prepare the Enchilada Filling
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Cook and stir for about one minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from the heat.
Part 2: Assemble and Bake
- Fill the Tortillas: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture down the center of each tortilla.
- Roll and Arrange: Roll each tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
- Smother with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top. These are the perfect Beef Enchiladas With Enchilada Sauce!
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the cheese is completely melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite garnishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should I use flour or corn tortillas for this recipe? You can use either! Flour tortillas will result in a softer, more Tex-Mex style enchilada. Corn tortillas will give you a more traditional, authentic flavor. If you use corn tortillas, it’s a good idea to warm them up first (by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30-60 seconds) to make them pliable and prevent them from cracking when you roll them.
2. Can I add beans or other vegetables to the filling? Absolutely! To make this recipe even heartier, you can stir a can of rinsed and drained black beans or pinto beans into the ground beef mixture. Finely diced bell peppers or a can of drained corn would also be delicious additions to the filling.
3. Can I make these ground beef enchiladas ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. The enchiladas will be just as delicious the next day!
Ground Beef Enchiladas
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish for baking the enchiladas
- Large skillet for cooking the beef filling
- Wooden spoon or spatula to stir the filling
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced olives (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Spoon beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving with sour cream and garnishes.