Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 small flour tortillas; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups red enchilada sauce; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Hey y’all! If you love cheesy, comforting dinners with a punch of flavor, you’re in for a treat with these Ground Beef Enchiladas. Packed with savory ground beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients.
Customizable—make it mild or spicy to suit every palate.
Makes delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Crowd-pleasing comfort food everyone will love!

Ground Beef Enchiladas Ingredients List

1 pound (450g) ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 large (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 (19 oz) can red enchilada sauce
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Directions: How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Crumble in the ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour in the tomato sauce and add black beans (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld. Remove from heat.

2. Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread about 1/2 cup enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
On a clean surface, lay out a tortilla. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the beef mixture down the center, sprinkle with a tablespoon of each cheese, then roll up tightly.
Place seam-side down in the prepared dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

3. Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

4. Bake the Ground Beef Enchiladas

Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover, bake for 8-10 more minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Notes For Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas

Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave to make them easier to roll and prevent cracking.
Drain any excess fat from the ground beef for a less greasy filling.
For more tips on enchilada-making techniques, check out this comprehensive guide from Bon Appétit.

Ground Beef Enchilada Variations

Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra kick.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Swap out flour tortillas for low-carb tortillas or even large zucchini slices.

Required Equipment for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Skillet or frying pan
9×13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

How to Store Ground Beef Enchiladas & Shelf Life

Place cooled enchiladas in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat chilled enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For more storage tips, reference this food safety guide.

Best Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve these Ground Beef Enchiladas with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
A simple green salad with creamy avocado and lime makes a fresh complement.
Tortilla chips and fresh guacamole are always a hit for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas

Don’t overstuff the tortillas, as this can cause them to break or unroll during baking.
Lightly oil the baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture—see why it matters at The Spruce Eats.

FAQ: Ground Beef Enchiladas

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?: Yes! Corn tortillas add an authentic flavor and work wonderfully, but be sure to warm them first to prevent cracking.
Can I prep these Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?: Absolutely—assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Are these enchiladas freezer-friendly?: Yes, assemble up to the baking step, wrap tightly, and freeze for convenient homemade enchiladas anytime.