Ground Beef Enchiladas

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that brings everyone around the table with smiles and second helpings, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are exactly what you need. Delicious ground beef enchiladas packed with rich flavors, perfect for a hearty family dinner everyone will love and ask for seconds. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy, making it your new go-to for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-approved flavor: A blend of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese that’s irresistible for kids and adults alike.
• Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together for a dish that feels indulgent without fuss.
• Make ahead friendly: Prep in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for a quick, impressive dinner.
• Customizable spice: Adjust the heat to your family’s liking by adding more or fewer chili spices.
• One-pan cleanup: Baked in just one dish, making dinner and cleanup stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient contributes to a rich, satisfying meal. From the savory ground beef to the tangy enchilada sauce and melty cheese, every component plays a crucial role.

• Ground beef: Choose lean beef for rich flavor without extra grease.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics enhance depth and warmth in the filling.
• Enchilada sauce: Adds moistness and a vibrant, tangy kick to the dish.
• Tortillas: Flour or corn, they hold the filling perfectly and soak up sauce beautifully.
• Shredded cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melts into creamy deliciousness.
• Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika add smoky, savory layers.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional, but adds a fresh, herbal pop when sprinkled on top.

Variations for Ground Beef Enchiladas

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak it to match your taste buds or dietary needs. Here are some easy swaps and additions to personalize your enchiladas.

• Vegetarian option: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Spicy upgrade: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra heat.
• Cheese swap: Use queso fresco or feta for a tangier cheese profile.
• Green enchiladas: Use green salsa or tomatillo sauce instead of traditional red sauce.
• Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner protein alternative that keeps the flavor intact.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in your spices—cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika—then add a splash of enchilada sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful. Let it simmer for a few minutes until seasoned perfectly.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Warm your tortillas to make them pliable, then spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and roll tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down into the baking dish, arranging them snugly side by side.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the assembled rolls. This helps everything meld together while baking. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce for a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake the enchiladas uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let them rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to set before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Don’t overfill the tortillas: Too much filling can cause them to break while rolling.
• Warm tortillas before rolling: This prevents them from cracking and makes rolling easier.
• Use a sharp cheese: Cheddar or a blend with Monterey Jack melts beautifully without turning greasy.
• Simmer sauce briefly: Heating the sauce before use deepens the flavor and thickens slightly for better coverage.
• Cover with foil if needed: If baking for longer, cover with foil mid-bake to prevent over-browning.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take these enchiladas to the next level. Consider sprinkling chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocados on top. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice adds brightness that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef Enchiladas pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. For extra texture, serve alongside a corn and black bean salad or roasted street corn (elote).

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the enchiladas stacked as individual layers on plates with sauce drizzled artistically around. Alternatively, create an enchilada casserole by layering tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese for a shareable dish that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover tightly to retain moisture.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the enchiladas but do not bake. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and cheese is bubbly again. To keep from drying out, cover loosely with foil while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a traditional touch and slightly different texture, but warming them well before rolling is especially important to prevent cracking.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level is mild to moderate, but you can easily adjust it by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you like heat.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce does not contain gluten ingredients to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables, beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a delicious meatless version.

What type of cheese works best?

A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and adds a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and joy to any family dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen for busy nights or special occasions. Go ahead and try it—you’ll soon find why it’s a beloved favorite everyone looks forward to on the dinner table.

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