Ground Beef Enchiladas were a staple in my college days. I remember late-night study sessions fueled by these cheesy, savory wonders. My version uses simple ingredients and techniques, but it delivers big flavor. The aroma of cumin and chili powder fills the kitchen, and that first bite of tender ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce is pure comfort. My signature touch? A hint of smoked paprika in the beef mixture. This adds a depth you won’t find anywhere else, creating the best cheesy ground beef enchiladas for lunch or dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes. Seriously, from start to finish, this ground beef enchilada recipe is fast!
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients. You don’t have to break the bank for a delicious and satisfying meal of homemade beef enchiladas.
- Customizable Spice: Adjust the chili powder to your liking. Want a kick? Add more! Prefer it mild? No problem!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves them. Even picky eaters can’t resist these cheesy and flavorful beef enchiladas. Trust me, I know!
- Freezable: Great for meal prepping. Make a batch of these easy ground beef enchiladas and freeze them for future dinners!
- Full of Flavor: Savory ground beef, cheesy goodness, and zesty sauce. This flavor combo is seriously addictive!
- Perfect for Weeknights: A simple and satisfying dinner option. No need to stress about complicated meals, these beef enchiladas are the perfect solution!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor). Trust me, that little bit of extra fat makes all the difference in these delicious beef enchiladas.
- 1 medium onion, diced (adds sweetness and texture). I always use yellow onions, but white works too.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (provides aromatic depth). Freshly minced is a must! Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s a game changer for your homemade enchiladas.
- 1 tablespoon cumin (essential for that classic enchilada flavor). This is the heart and soul of the spice blend, so don’t leave it out!
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust for desired spice level). This is where you control the heat of your ground beef enchiladas. Start with less, taste, and add more if you like it spicy!
- 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce (choose your favorite brand). I usually go for a mild or medium sauce.
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size recommended). Corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor, but flour are easier to roll.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend). I’m a cheddar cheese kind of gal, but Monterey Jack is a good choice too.
- Sour cream, for serving (adds a cool, tangy contrast). I always have a tub of sour cream in the fridge, it’s the perfect topping for cheesy beef enchiladas.
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños. These are just suggestions, so feel free to get creative with your toppings!
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking, so don’t skip this step!
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Trust me, you don’t want greasy beef enchiladas!
- Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. The onions should become translucent and fragrant, and that’s how you know they’re ready.
- Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute more. The spices will release their aromas, creating a flavorful base for your ground beef enchilada recipe.
- Step 5: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side, or microwave them briefly (about 15-20 seconds). This prevents cracking when you roll them.
- Step 6: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be hard to roll!
- Step 7: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Make sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor in your cheesy ground beef enchiladas!
- Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the enchilada sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese! This is what makes them so irresistible.
- Step 9: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The ground beef enchiladas should be heated through and look absolutely mouthwatering!
- Step 10: Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. This prevents burning your mouth, because trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
- Step 11: Serve hot with sour cream and your favorite toppings. I always add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro to my easy ground beef enchiladas. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas
These tips will take your homemade ground beef enchiladas from good to AMAZING:
- Use high-quality enchilada sauce for the best flavor. Trust me, the sauce makes a huge difference!
- Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they’ll be difficult to roll (and they might explode in the oven!).
- Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. A little warmth goes a long way to keep your beef enchiladas intact!
What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the beef mixture deepens the flavor and adds richness. It’s a trick I learned from my grandma, and it makes these easy beef enchiladas taste like they simmered all day!
Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a delicious ground beef enchilada recipe.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Avoid soggy enchiladas by not overfilling the tortillas and using a moderate amount of sauce. Nobody wants a mushy mess! A little goes a long way when it comes to the enchilada sauce for these cheesy ground beef enchiladas.
Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a satisfying meal on their own! I love to pile mine high with a dollop of sour cream, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe even a few diced tomatoes for a pop of freshness. But if you’re looking to make it a complete fiesta, here are a few of my favorite ways to serve these cheesy ground beef enchiladas:
- A side of Mexican rice and refried beans. This is a classic pairing for a reason! It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly complements the homemade beef enchiladas.
- A fresh garden salad with a lime vinaigrette. The bright, tangy salad cuts through the richness of the ground beef enchilada recipe and adds a refreshing element.
- Guacamole and tortilla chips for dipping. I mean, who can resist a little guac on the side? It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish to round out your beef enchilada feast!
Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Enchiladas
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re looking at, nutrition-wise, per ground beef enchilada. Keep in mind, this can wiggle a bit depending on the exact cheese, sauce, and tortilla you use. But hey, it’s all about balance, right?
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy your cheesy beef enchiladas guilt-free!
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Enchiladas
Alright, you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!), so let’s talk storage. Pop those ground beef enchiladas into an airtight container – I swear by these glass ones I got on Amazon – and they’ll keep happy in the fridge for 3-4 days. Want to keep the cheesy beef enchiladas around longer? Freeze ’em! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then toss them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to dive back in, thaw them completely in the fridge before reheating. For reheating, the oven is your best bet: 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch – medium power is key to avoid rubbery tortillas! And hey, a little extra cheese on top never hurt anyone, right? It’ll be almost as good as the first time you had your homemade beef enchiladas!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Enchiladas
Got questions about making the best ground beef enchiladas? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:
Can I use different types of meat in Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it out. Shredded chicken or ground turkey are both fantastic options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a healthier twist on these homemade beef enchiladas, try ground chicken! And speaking of alternatives…
- What about shredded chicken or ground turkey? Both work great! Just cook them thoroughly before adding them to the tortillas.
- Can I make a vegetarian version with beans and vegetables? You bet! Black beans, pinto beans, corn, and bell peppers make a delicious filling for vegetarian enchiladas. I would recommend adding some extra spices to boost the flavor!
What kind of cheese is best for Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Okay, let’s talk cheese! I personally LOVE cheddar for its sharp flavor, but really, any cheese that melts well will work. A Mexican blend is always a good choice, or even Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little extra kick in these cheesy ground beef enchiladas.
- Can I use a low-fat cheese? Sure, but be aware that it might not melt as smoothly as regular cheese.
- What about Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese? Both are great options! Monterey Jack is mild and creamy, while pepper jack adds a little bit of heat.
How can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas spicier?
Want to turn up the heat on your easy ground beef enchiladas? There are a few ways to do it! You can add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, use a spicier enchilada sauce, or even sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the filling. Trust me, a little bit goes a long way!
- Can I add jalapeños to the beef mixture? Absolutely! Just be sure to remove the seeds if you don’t want them too spicy.
- What about using a spicier enchilada sauce? That’s an easy way to add some heat without having to adjust the filling.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce for Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Oh, absolutely! Making your own enchilada sauce is a game changer for these beef enchiladas. It’s so much more flavorful than store-bought, and you can customize it to your liking.
- What are the benefits of making my own sauce? Freshness! Flavor! Control over the ingredients! It’s worth the effort, trust me.
- Do you have a recipe for homemade enchilada sauce? I do! And I’ll be sharing it soon, so stay tuned! But in the meantime, there are tons of great recipes online.
Variations of Ground Beef Enchiladas You Can Try
Want to mix things up with your ground beef enchiladas? Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Gluten-Free Ground Beef Enchiladas: Use corn tortillas, making sure they are 100% corn and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way everyone can enjoy these easy beef enchiladas!
- Vegan Ground Beef Enchiladas: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground. Use vegan cheese and sour cream for a completely plant-based and delicious take on this ground beef enchilada recipe.
- Spicy Ground Beef Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. Use a spicy enchilada sauce to really kick up the heat in your cheesy ground beef enchiladas!
- Creamy Ground Beef Enchiladas: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the tortillas. This creates a super rich and decadent version of these homemade beef enchiladas!
Amazing Ground Beef Enchiladas in Just 45 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and easy ground beef enchiladas recipe perfect for a family meal. You can customize the spice level to your preference.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Enchilada Sauce
- Shredded Cheese
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
- Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef with diced onions in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve hot with sour cream and other desired toppings.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your heat preference.
- Add chopped cilantro or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
