Name: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumi; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups enchilada sauce; 10-12 medium flour tortillas; 3 cups shredded cheese; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained (optional); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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I still remember the first time Mateo and I made enchiladas together in our tiny apartment kitchen, back before our girls were born. We didn’t have much counter space, but we had plenty of laughter and an abundance of hunger. Those early experiments taught us that Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas don’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

They just need love, good seasoning, and a willingness to get a little messy. Now, two decades later, this recipe has become our family’s weeknight hero. My daughters request these ground beef enchiladas at least twice a month, and I never refuse because they’re genuinely simple to prepare. Moreover, they fill our home with that irresistible aroma of cumin, chili powder, and melted cheese that makes everyone gather in the kitchen.

These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas represent everything we believe about home cooking. Furthermore, they prove that comfort food doesn’t need hours of preparation. Additionally, they’re flexible enough to accommodate whatever vegetables you have lingering in your crisper drawer.

My 19-year-old daughter now makes these herself when she’s home from college, and my 15-year-old has perfected the art of rolling the tortillas without tearing them. Consequently, this recipe has become more than just dinner—it’s a tradition that connects our family across generations.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas solve the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma. First, they come together in about 45 minutes from start to finish. Second, you probably already have most ingredients in your pantry. Third, they’re endlessly customizable based on your family’s preferences.

Unlike complicated recipes that demand specialized skills, these ground beef enchiladas welcome beginners with open arms. Additionally, they’re budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Meanwhile, leftovers taste even better the next day, which makes meal planning significantly easier. My husband Mateo always says that a great recipe respects both your time and your wallet, and these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas absolutely deliver on both fronts.

The texture contrast is simply divine. Specifically, you get crispy edges where the tortillas meet the pan, tender beef filling seasoned to perfection, and that glorious blanket of melted cheese on top. Furthermore, the enchilada sauce brings everything together with its rich, slightly spicy flavor. Honestly, this is comfort food at its absolute finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients beforehand makes preparing these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas much smoother. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground beef	1.5 pounds	80/20 blend works best
Yellow onion	1 medium, diced	White onion also works
Garlic cloves	3, minced	Fresh tastes best
Chili powder	2 tablespoons	Adjust to taste
Ground cumin	1 tablespoon	Essential for flavor
Paprika	1 teaspoon	Adds depth
Salt	1 teaspoon	Season to taste
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Freshly ground preferred
Enchilada sauce	3 cups	Store-bought or homemade
Flour tortillas	10-12 medium	Corn tortillas optional
Shredded cheese	3 cups	Mexican blend or cheddar
Black beans	1 can (15 oz), drained	Optional addition
Fresh cilantro	1/4 cup, chopped	For garnish

These ground beef enchiladas rely on pantry staples you likely already own. Consequently, you won’t need to make a special grocery run for obscure ingredients. The simplicity is precisely what makes this recipe so accessible.

Substitutions & Variations

One reason we love these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is their flexibility. Let me share some variations we’ve tried successfully over the years.

Protein swaps: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully if you prefer leaner meat. Additionally, vegetarians can substitute with extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. My eldest daughter often makes a lentil version that’s surprisingly delicious.

Tortilla choices: While we typically use flour tortillas for these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, corn tortillas provide authentic flavor. However, warm them first to prevent cracking. Alternatively, whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber.

Cheese variations: Mexican blend cheese is our standard choice, but sharp cheddar delivers bold flavor. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers mild taste. Furthermore, pepper jack adds pleasant heat.

Sauce alternatives: Red enchilada sauce is traditional, yet green enchilada sauce creates a different flavor profile. Moreover, you can mix both for complexity. Salsa verde also works wonderfully.

Add vegetables: Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or spinach boost nutrition in these ground beef enchiladas. Simply sauté them with the onions.

One reason we love these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is their flexibility. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to complement your meal, check out our Pumpkin Crunch Cake for a sweet finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas involves straightforward steps that anyone can master. Let me walk you through the process exactly as we do it in our kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the filling. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until browned, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Next, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Season generously. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly.

The spices will bloom in the residual heat, creating amazing aroma. If using black beans, add them now. Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble your enchiladas. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

This prevents the Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas from sticking. Take one tortilla and spoon about 1/3 cup of beef filling down the center. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cheese.

Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Add sauce and cheese. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over all the rolled tortillas. Make sure every ground beef enchilada gets coated.

Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it creates that beautiful golden crust we all love.

Step 5: Bake to perfection. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.

Let the Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set properly.

Pro Tips for Success

After making Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas countless times, we’ve learned several tricks that elevate this dish from good to extraordinary.

Warm your tortillas first. Cold tortillas crack when you roll them. Therefore, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.

Alternatively, warm them individually in a dry skillet. This simple step makes assembly much easier.

Don’t overfill. Resist the temptation to stuff too much filling into each ground beef enchilada. Overfilled tortillas won’t roll properly and might burst during baking. About 1/3 cup of filling per tortilla is perfect.

Layer your cheese wisely. Put cheese both inside the tortillas and on top. The inside cheese creates creamy texture, while the top cheese delivers that irresistible golden crust. This double-cheese method transforms these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas into something special.

Let it rest. Patience pays off here. Letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Consequently, your enchiladas won’t slide apart when you serve them. Additionally, this prevents burnt tongues at the dinner table.

Make ahead friendly. Assemble these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas completely, then refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Simply add 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights.

After making Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas countless times, we’ve learned several tricks that elevate this dish from good to extraordinary. For another quick and tasty option, try our Pizza Rolls Air Fryer recipe that your family will adore.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftover Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are genuinely a blessing. Store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, they freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months.

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, reheat the entire dish covered with foil at 350°F for about 20 minutes. The microwave is faster, but the oven maintains better texture.

When freezing ground beef enchiladas, wrap the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil. Label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Subsequently, bake covered at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until heated through.

Mateo often makes a double batch specifically for freezing. Having these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas ready in the freezer feels like having a secret weapon against hectic evenings. Simply pull them out in the morning, and dinner practically makes itself.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas shine as the main course, but perfect sides complete the meal beautifully. Here are our family’s favorite accompaniments.

Mexican rice is the classic pairing. Its fluffy texture and mild flavor balance the richness of these ground beef enchiladas. Furthermore, it soaks up any extra sauce beautifully. We make ours with tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a touch of cumin.

Refried beans add protein and creaminess to your plate. Moreover, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. Simply warm canned beans with a bit of garlic and cumin. Top with cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

Fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast. A simple mixture of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado with lime dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. Additionally, the crunch adds textural variety.

Chips and salsa make a fantastic starter while the Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas bake. Our daughters always grab tortilla chips and guacamole before dinner. Honestly, can you blame them?

Street corn (elote) brings sweetness and smokiness to the table. Grilled corn topped with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime creates an irresistible side. It’s particularly popular during summer months.

Cilantro lime rice offers a lighter alternative to traditional Mexican rice. The bright citrus notes complement these ground beef enchiladas wonderfully. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes.

These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas shine as the main course, but perfect sides complete the meal beautifully. To enhance your dining experience, consider serving them with our Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast for a delightful twist.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas provide authentic flavor for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas. However, you must warm them first to prevent cracking.

Dip each tortilla briefly in warm enchilada sauce before filling, or heat them in a dry skillet for 10 seconds per side. This makes them pliable and easy to roll.

How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?

Avoid soggy ground beef enchiladas by not over-saucing them. Use just enough sauce to coat the tortillas without drowning them. Additionally, drain excess fat from the beef thoroughly. Finally, don’t skip the resting period after baking, as this allows the sauce to thicken properly.

Can I make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect for meal prep. Assemble them completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Alternatively, freeze assembled unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What’s the best cheese for ground beef enchiladas?

Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas because it melts smoothly. However, sharp cheddar provides bolder flavor, while Monterey Jack offers mild creaminess. Pepper jack adds pleasant heat.

Furthermore, you can mix different cheeses for complexity. We typically use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

How do I know when enchiladas are done baking?

Your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfectly done when the cheese bubbles vigorously and develops golden-brown spots. The edges of the tortillas should appear slightly crispy, and the sauce should be bubbling around the sides. Typically, this takes about 30 minutes total—20 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered at 375°F.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a beloved dish that showcases the beauty of simple, home-cooked meals. These enchiladas are not only easy to prepare but also allow for endless variations, making them a favorite in many households, as seen in the culinary traditions of Mexican cuisine.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutrition information is approximate and based on one serving of Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas (recipe makes 10-12 servings).

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	385
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	780mg
Total Carbohydrates	32g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	4g
Protein	24g
Vitamin A	15% DV
Calcium	25% DV
Iron	18% DV

These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas provide substantial protein and calcium, making them a satisfying complete meal. Furthermore, adding extra vegetables increases the fiber content significantly. You can reduce calories by using lean ground beef and reducing cheese slightly, though we rarely do because these taste too good as written. Food is love, after all, and these enchiladas demonstrate that truth deliciously.