When it comes to comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying weeknight meals, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are an absolute game-changer. This easy Mexican dinner recipe delivers on all fronts: rich, savory ground beef, enveloped in soft tortillas, bathed in a vibrant enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’ve hit the jackpot. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas
To create these mouthwatering Ground Beef Enchiladas, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (80/20 or 90/10): The star of our filling, providing a hearty base.
- 1 small Yellow Onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that classic savory punch.
- 1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture and a tangy tomato base to the filling.
- 1 (4-ounce) can Diced Green Chiles, undrained: For a mild, earthy kick.
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder: A foundational spice for authentic Mexican flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin: Adds warmth and a distinctive earthy aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Deepens the smoky flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of herbaceousness.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling.
- 1 (19-ounce) can Red Enchilada Sauce: The flavorful coating for our enchiladas. Choose mild or medium according to your preference.
- 8-10 (6-inch) Corn or Flour Tortillas: The vessel for our delicious filling. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Blend Cheese, divided: For melty goodness inside and on top.
- Optional Toppings: Sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, salsa, or extra hot sauce.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
This easy Mexican dinner recipe for Ground Beef Enchiladas is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. In less than an hour, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying meal ready to impress. The dish combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, a vibrant enchilada sauce, and plenty of melty cheese into one harmonious and comforting casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), diced green chiles (undrained), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Mix well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and some of the liquid to reduce.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lightly warm the tortillas to make them more pliable and prevent tearing. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30-60 seconds, or by quickly dipping them in the warm enchilada sauce.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Pour a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Take one warmed tortilla. Spoon about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of the ground beef filling down the center. Sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until the dish is filled.
- Sauce & Cheese: Once all the enchiladas are arranged, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Make sure all the tortillas are well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the enchilada sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve & Garnish: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado.
Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas
You’ll quickly fall in love with these Ground Beef Enchiladas because they are the quintessential comfort food, delivering a truly satisfying meal with minimal fuss. The main highlight is undoubtedly the perfect interplay of the robust, perfectly seasoned ground beef filling and the savory, warm red enchilada sauce, all brought together with a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. Making these at home is also incredibly cost-effective compared to takeout, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality Mexican feast without breaking the bank.
The rich flavor profile is enhanced by optional toppings like a dollop of cool sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of zesty green onions, adding layers of texture and brightness. If you’ve enjoyed our 30-Minute Beef Tostadas, then these enchiladas are the next delicious step in your culinary adventure! Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and experience the joy of homemade enchiladas tonight!
What to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas With:
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are hearty enough to be a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with a few complementary sides can elevate your dinner experience.
- Classic Mexican Rice: A fluffy, seasoned rice dish is a perfect absorbent companion.
- Refried Beans or Black Beans: A staple side that adds protein and fiber.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the enchiladas.
- Guacamole and Chips: For a fantastic appetizer or an extra topping option.
- Corn on the Cob or Elote: Sweet corn provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
- Drinks: Mexican lagers, margaritas, or a refreshing agua fresca (like horchata or jamaica) pair wonderfully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Enchiladas
Even though this is an easy recipe, a few insider tips can take your Ground Beef Enchiladas from great to absolutely unforgettable:
- Don’t Skimp on Draining the Beef: Excess grease can make your filling watery and oily. Ensure you drain it thoroughly after browning.
- Warm Your Tortillas: This is crucial! Cold tortillas will crack and tear when you try to roll them. A quick microwave session (30-60 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel) or a brief dip in warm enchilada sauce makes them pliable and prevents breakage.
- Season Generously: Taste your beef filling before assembling. Adjust salt, pepper, or other spices as needed. A well-seasoned filling is key to flavorful enchiladas.
- Customize Your Heat: If you like more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or choose a “hot” enchilada sauce. For less heat, stick to mild green chiles and mild sauce.
- Cheese Choice Matters: While cheddar is classic, a good Mexican blend (Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, Oaxaca cheese) will give you a fantastic melt and flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
- Prevent Dry Edges: Ensure your enchiladas are fully covered with sauce before baking. This prevents the exposed tortilla edges from becoming dry and crispy, keeping them soft and delicious.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, allow the enchiladas to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the sauce and cheese set, making them easier to serve without falling apart.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas for days to come:
- Refrigeration: Leftover enchiladas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing (Baked): To freeze baked enchiladas, allow them to cool completely. You can freeze individual portions or the entire dish. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Freezing (Unbaked – Casserole Style): You can assemble the enchiladas up to the point of adding the final layer of sauce and cheese, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Reheating (Oven): For best results, reheat enchiladas in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent drying out and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If reheating individual portions, this time will be shorter.
- Reheating (Microwave): For a quick reheat, individual portions can be microwaved. Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the tortillas tough.
Final Thoughts:
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor, comfort, and the joy of home cooking. With their rich, savory filling, vibrant sauce, and cheesy topping, they truly deliver a satisfying experience that caters to both your taste buds and your desire for an easy, fuss-free dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply craving some comforting Mexican fare, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So, tie on your apron and get ready to create some culinary magic!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Ground Beef Enchiladas FAQs:
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute cooked, shredded chicken for the ground beef. Cook and shred your chicken, then mix it with the same seasonings and diced tomatoes/green chiles as the beef filling.
Q2: What kind of tortillas work best?
A: Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional texture and flavor, while flour tortillas are often easier to roll and tend to be softer. Warmed corn tortillas are less likely to tear.
Q3: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Yes! To add more heat, you can include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef filling. You can also use a “hot” variety of red enchilada sauce.
Q4: Can I assemble the enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to come closer to room temperature, and you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q5: What if I can’t find diced green chiles?
A: Diced green chiles add a mild, earthy flavor. If you can’t find them, you can omit them or substitute with a very small amount of finely diced bell pepper (green or red) for a slight crunch and different flavor profile.