Best Ground Beef Enchiladas – Easy, Cheesy & Flavorful Recipe

Ground beef enchiladas are a beloved Mexican-inspired dish that delivers bold flavors, tender beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce all wrapped in soft tortillas.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this dish combines seasoned ground beef with zesty enchilada sauce and melty cheese for an irresistible meal.

The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite satisfying, while the warm, comforting appeal of enchiladas ensures they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether served with rice, beans, or a fresh salad, these enchiladas are a delicious way to bring a taste of Mexico to your table.

Best of all, they are simple to prepare and can be made ahead for a convenient, stress-free meal.

Get ready to enjoy homemade ground beef enchiladas that are both easy and bursting with authentic flavor.

What Are Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Beef enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish consisting of tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, rolled up, and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce before being baked with plenty of cheese.

The combination of savory beef, bold spices, and gooey cheese creates a dish that is comforting, hearty, and full of flavor.

Traditionally, they are made with corn tortillas, but flour tortillas can also be used for a softer texture.

Ingredients to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup black beans (optional)
• ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

Optional Additions

• Refried Beans: Spread a thin layer inside each tortilla for extra richness.
• Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop on top for a creamy contrast.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Adds a fresh, buttery element.
• Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomatoes: Perfect for adding a fresh crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Tortillas: Use flour tortillas for a softer texture or corn tortillas for a more traditional taste.
• Cheese: Try Pepper Jack or Cotija cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Sauce: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a milder, tangier flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers.

Recipe Instructions to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook The Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Season The Meat
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef with seasonings. Pour in ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce and stir to combine. If using black beans or corn, add them now. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble The Enchiladas
Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, sprinkle a little cheese inside, and roll them up tightly. Place them seam-side down in the greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add The Sauce And Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve
Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions before serving.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Overfilling The Tortillas: Too much filling can cause the tortillas to tear or not roll properly.
• Skipping The Sauce On The Bottom: Adding a bit of sauce to the bottom of the baking dish prevents sticking and keeps the enchiladas moist.
• Not Covering While Baking: Covering the dish for the first portion of baking keeps the enchiladas from drying out.
• Using Cold Tortillas: Warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Forgetting To Let Them Rest: Allowing enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking helps them hold their shape when serving.

Serving And Presentation Tips

• Plate enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Drizzle with sour cream or crema for a creamy contrast.
• Garnish with sliced avocados and lime wedges for extra color and freshness.
• Serve with a side of chips and homemade salsa or guacamole.

Expert Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• For extra crispy edges, broil the enchiladas for 1-2 minutes after baking.
• Make ahead by preparing and assembling the enchiladas, then refrigerate before baking.
• Double the batch and freeze one for an easy future meal.

FAQs

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze beef enchiladas?
Yes! Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

What’s the best way to reheat enchiladas?
Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken, turkey, or even beans work well as substitutes.

Conclusion

Beef enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, bringing bold Mexican flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Whether for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this dish is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

With rich beef, savory spices, melty cheese, and a zesty sauce, every bite is packed with flavor.

Try this homemade beef enchilada recipe today and experience a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.