There’s something magical about enchiladas—those perfectly rolled tortillas filled with savory goodness, then smothered in rich, flavorful sauce. On a cool evening, I decided to make my favorite ground beef enchiladas, knowing they’d not only fill the house with a mouthwatering aroma but also satisfy every craving for comfort food.
Short Description
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate weeknight dinner. Ground beef is seasoned with chili, garlic, and cumin, then wrapped in tortillas and smothered with enchilada sauce and cheese for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Grater (for cheese)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season the beef with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it cook for another 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
While the beef is cooking, lightly fry the tortillas in a separate pan with a small amount of olive oil, just enough to soften them without making them crispy. This step helps the tortillas hold together when they’re rolled and ensures they don’t get soggy from the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Take each tortilla and spoon a portion of the seasoned beef mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this for all the tortillas.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Once all the tortillas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the sauce, covering all the enchiladas.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a simple green salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty – These enchiladas are filling and packed with bold, smoky flavors.
- Easy to Make – Ready in less than an hour with simple ingredients.
- Customizable – Add extra toppings like sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños for a kick.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and store for easy reheating during the week.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
- Soggy Tortillas? Be sure to lightly fry the tortillas before assembling to prevent them from absorbing too much sauce.
- Too Little Sauce? Don’t be afraid to use plenty of enchilada sauce to keep the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
- Uneven Baking? If your oven has hot spots, check halfway through and rotate the dish for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- With Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice adds a perfect side to complement the enchiladas.
- With Guacamole and Chips – Creamy guacamole and crunchy chips are a great match with enchiladas.
- Top with Fresh Toppings – Sour cream, salsa, or chopped green onions brighten up every bite.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner version of this dish.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day or two in advance, cover, and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking from cold.
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly in foil and freeze. To bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Tips & Tricks
- Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy enchilada, sprinkle a little more cheese on top before baking.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with green enchilada sauce for a different twist, or add a few chili peppers for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef enchiladas are one of those classic comfort foods that everyone loves. With layers of flavorful beef, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, they never disappoint. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.