Hey y’all! If you’re craving a comfort food classic that’s loaded with cheesy goodness and bold Tex-Mex flavors, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are about to become your new favorite meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or your next dinner party, they’re hearty, satisfying, and seriously easy to throw together. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will gobble these up!
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean dinner is on the table fast.
- Hearty and filling: Packed with juicy ground beef, beans, and cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Great for meal prep: Make ahead and reheat for delicious leftovers all week.
- Customizable: Swap in your preferred ingredients or spice level to make it your own.
Ground Beef Enchiladas Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inch size) or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onions; cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Beans and Green Chilies
Add black beans and green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas
Spread 1/4 cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Roll up tightly and arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Ground Beef Enchiladas
Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with cilantro and green onions, if using.
Notes on Making Ground Beef Enchiladas
- If you prefer, use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor—warm them first to prevent cracking. (How to make corn tortillas)
- For extra saucy enchiladas, add an additional can of enchilada sauce.
- Save prep time by using pre-shredded cheese or store-bought enchilada sauce. (Best store-bought cheese)
Ground Beef Enchiladas Variations
- Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a kick.
- Breakfast Enchiladas: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage in place of ground beef.
- Lighter Version: Use lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese for a healthier option.
Required Equipment for Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13″ baking dish
- Aluminum foil (optional, to cover while baking)
Storage Instructions for Ground Beef Enchiladas
Let leftovers cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, tightly wrap unbaked enchiladas and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes baking time.
Serving and Pairings for Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Pair with refried beans or a fresh green salad
- Top with sour cream, guacamole, or sliced avocados for extra creaminess
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier (How to roll enchiladas).
- For the cheesiest enchiladas, blend cheddar with Monterey Jack cheese.
- If freezing, bake uncovered straight from frozen for best texture—cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to finish.
Ground Beef Enchiladas FAQ
- Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
- Absolutely—homemade sauce adds wonderful flavor. Try this classic recipe from Cookie + Kate.
- Are Ground Beef Enchiladas gluten-free?
- They can be! Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check your enchilada sauce label for gluten ingredients.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
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3Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt; cook for 1 minute more.
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4Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
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5Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Top with remaining cheese.
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6Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and enchiladas are heated through. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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