Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish featuring soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Serve with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides for a complete dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
• Full of bold, savory flavors
• Customizable with your favorite toppings and fillings
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
• Delicious leftovers that reheat well

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (divided)
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles (optional)
• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
   • Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the Beef:
   • Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce to the beef mixture.
   • Stir in diced green chiles, black beans, and corn (if using).
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
4. Fill and Roll the Enchiladas:
   • Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto each tortilla.
   • Sprinkle with a bit of shredded cheese, then roll up tightly.
   • Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese:
   • Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
   • Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
6. Bake:
   • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
7. Serve:
   • Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Omit the beef and add more beans, veggies, or a meat substitute.
• Cheesy Enchiladas: Mix extra shredded cheese into the beef filling for an even cheesier dish.
• Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicy enchilada sauce for a kick.
• Creamy Enchiladas: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture for a creamy filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work well in enchiladas. Warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking.

2. What kind of cheese is best for enchiladas?

A Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese melts well and adds great flavor.

3. How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling with sauce and preheat the tortillas to reduce moisture.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

5. Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Yes, homemade enchilada sauce offers fresh flavor and can be easily customized to your spice preference.

6. What sides go well with beef enchiladas?

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh green salad, or tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole.

7. Can I add vegetables to the beef filling?

Absolutely! Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients, including enchilada sauce and seasoning, are gluten-free.

9. How do I keep my enchiladas from drying out in the oven?

Cover with foil during baking, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to melt the cheese.

10. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works well with the same seasonings and sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender tortillas, savory beef filling, and a layer of melted cheese, this dish delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort. Whether served for a family dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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