There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of Beef Enchiladas baking in the oven. The rich, savory smell of seasoned beef, the tangy red enchilada sauce, and the melted cheese bubbling to perfection make it impossible to resist. This dish is a surefire way to bring everyone to the table with excitement.
I first discovered my love for enchiladas during a family trip to Mexico. The flavors were bold, yet comforting—a balance of spices and textures I knew I had to recreate at home. Over the years, this recipe has become a staple for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Get ready to embrace your new favorite Mexican-inspired dish. These Beef Enchiladas are packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
First, they’re surprisingly quick to assemble. With just a bit of prep work, these enchiladas are oven-ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty but short on time.
They’re also incredibly budget-friendly. Using ground beef as the star ingredient and a handful of pantry staples, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without breaking the bank.
Let’s talk about the flavors—tender beef seasoned with aromatic spices, wrapped in soft tortillas, and smothered in a zesty enchilada sauce. Add a generous topping of melted cheese, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser every time.
Finally, these enchiladas are endlessly customizable. Want to add beans, corn, or even shredded chicken? The options are limitless, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Beef Enchiladas lies in their simplicity. A handful of well-chosen ingredients come together to create layers of rich, satisfying flavor.
Ground beef forms the base of the filling. I recommend using lean ground beef (85% lean is perfect) to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
Taco seasoning brings the filling to life with its bold blend of spices. You can use store-bought for convenience or whip up your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
Flour or corn tortillas serve as the wrapping. Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, making them easier to roll, while corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor. Either works beautifully, so choose what you love.
Red enchilada sauce ties everything together with its tangy, slightly smoky flavor. Opt for a medium spice level if you like some heat, or go mild if you’re serving kids.
Shredded cheese is the crowning glory. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts into a gooey topping, but you can use any cheese that melts well, like Colby or pepper jack for a spicier twist.
You’ll also need a baking dish large enough to hold your rolled enchiladas snugly, ensuring they bake evenly without drying out.
How to Make This Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Making these Beef Enchiladas is a straightforward process that will have you savoring their incredible flavors in no time. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, cook your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spices coat the beef and the mixture thickens slightly.
Next, warm your tortillas to make them more pliable. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30 seconds. This step helps prevent the tortillas from cracking as you roll them.
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of your baking dish to keep the enchiladas from sticking. Then, spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
Once all the tortillas are rolled and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Be sure to cover the edges to keep everything moist during baking. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though they’re so delicious, that’s rare!), these Beef Enchiladas store beautifully. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the enchiladas before baking. Assemble them as directed but skip the cheese topping. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
Reheating is simple—just pop individual servings into the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe means you can easily make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of beans and roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir some cream cheese or sour cream into the beef mixture for an extra creamy filling.
- Protein swap: Use shredded chicken, turkey, or even pulled pork as a delicious alternative to ground beef.
- Sauce variety: Try green enchilada sauce or a homemade salsa verde for a different flavor profile.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with variations, these enchiladas are bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
PrintBeef Enchiladas Recipe
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this Beef Enchiladas recipe. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and flavorful enchilada sauce, this dish is a must-try Mexican classic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced onion
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup canned black beans (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft.
- Add ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked. Stir in black beans if using.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll tightly.
- Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for chicken or turkey for a variation.
- Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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