Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of Ground Beef Enchiladas, hot out of the oven and smothered in melted cheese. With every bite, you’ll savor the perfect balance of seasoned beef, soft tortillas, and a rich, flavorful sauce.

I first fell in love with enchiladas during a family vacation to New Mexico, where the bold spices and vibrant flavors left an unforgettable impression. Over the years, I've refined this recipe to create an easy, family-friendly version that's become a regular at our dinner table. Let’s dive into what makes these enchiladas irresistible!

Why You'll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas

Get ready to make these Ground Beef Enchiladas your new go-to dinner. They’re packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

First, these enchiladas are quick and easy. With just 30 minutes of prep time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Next, they’re incredibly customizable. You can add your favorite toppings, adjust the level of spice, or even swap in alternative fillings like chicken or beans for a unique twist.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also budget-friendly. Using affordable, staple ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and enchilada sauce, this recipe is as kind to your wallet as it is to your taste buds.

Finally, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or a hungry crowd, these enchiladas will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Ready to make magic happen in your kitchen? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential.

Ground Beef: The star of the show! Choose 85/15 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef works too, but you may need to add a splash of oil to keep it juicy.

Taco Seasoning: This is where the bold flavor comes in. Use store-bought or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a personal touch.

Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, making them easy to roll, but corn tortillas are the traditional choice if you want a more authentic experience.

Enchilada Sauce: A rich, flavorful sauce ties everything together. You can use a canned version for convenience or make your own for a homemade touch.

Cheese: Shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese works best for that gooey, melty topping.

Onions and Garlic: These add a depth of flavor to the filling that takes your enchiladas to the next level.

Optional Add-ins: Feel free to include diced green chilies, black beans, or even corn kernels to make the filling even heartier.

No special equipment is needed—just a large skillet, a baking dish, and some foil to cover the dish during baking.

How To Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Making these enchiladas is a straightforward process, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure success.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Stir in taco seasoning, a small diced onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices bloom and the onion softens.

Optional: Mix in ½ cup of black beans or a small can of diced green chilies for extra flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese—about 1½ cups should do the trick.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once done, let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a burst of freshness.

These enchiladas take about 45 minutes from start to finish, making them a manageable yet satisfying weeknight meal.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? These enchiladas store beautifully, so you can enjoy them later.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the entire dish (wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap) for up to 3 months.

To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick meal or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it.

• Protein Swap: Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Cotija cheese for a unique twist.
• Sauce Upgrade: Use a green enchilada sauce or mole sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute traditional tortillas with low-carb or gluten-free tortillas.

Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand. Cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are everything you could want in a meal—flavorful, comforting, and easy to make. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to add your personal touch!

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