There's nothing like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Ground Beef Enchiladas bubbling in the oven. These enchiladas are packed with savory, seasoned ground beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce topped with melted cheese. Every bite is a fiesta of flavors!
This recipe became a staple in my home when I needed a quick, satisfying dinner that could feed a crowd. It’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, offering the ultimate combination of convenience and deliciousness. Let’s dive into the details and get started!
Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Get ready to discover your new go-to dinner recipe. These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a total crowd-pleaser for so many reasons.
First, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes of prep, you can have these in the oven, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
The flavor is out of this world! From the seasoned beef filling to the bold, tangy enchilada sauce, and the gooey melted cheese on top, every element is designed to delight your taste buds.
They’re also versatile. Whether you want to swap the beef for another protein or experiment with different toppings, these enchiladas are endlessly adaptable to suit your preferences.
Lastly, they’re great for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a ready-to-go dinner on those nights you don’t feel like cooking.
So, grab your tortillas, and let’s get rolling—literally!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in their straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each component contributes to the dish's rich taste and satisfying texture.
Ground Beef: The heart of the recipe, ground beef provides a hearty, savory filling. I recommend using an 85/15 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. You can swap it with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives if needed.
Enchilada Sauce: The bold, tangy sauce ties everything together. Homemade enchilada sauce works beautifully here, but your favorite store-bought variety will do the trick in a pinch.
Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas work equally well for this recipe. Corn tortillas offer an authentic texture, while flour tortillas are easier to roll and hold up better.
Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top melts into gooey perfection. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices.
Spices and Aromatics: Garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder season the beef filling to perfection. Don’t skip these—they’re the key to authentic enchilada flavor!
You’ll also need a 9x13 baking dish for assembly, plus foil to cover the enchiladas while baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
How To Make This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Making Ground Beef Enchiladas is a straightforward process that’s as enjoyable as eating them. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the spices, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions soften.
Warm your tortillas to make them pliable. You can heat them in a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This step prevents them from cracking when rolled.
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
Once all the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, ensuring every tortilla is coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the sauce.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage Options
Ground Beef Enchiladas store beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
For refrigeration, place the enchiladas in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To freeze, assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Reheating is simple. Use the oven or microwave to warm individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of enchilada sauce if they seem dry.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic starting point for countless variations and substitutions.
- Protein Swaps: Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce if you like extra heat.
- Toppings Galore: Customize with sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives to make each serving unique.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or cotija for a tangy finish.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or zucchini slices in place of traditional tortillas.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your perfect version!
PrintGround Beef Enchiladas Recipe
This Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe is a simple, cheesy, and savory dish loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these enchiladas are easy to make and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Optional: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, sour cream for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix ½ cup of enchilada sauce into the beef mixture and remove from heat.
- Spread ¼ cup enchilada sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle with a little cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro or other toppings as desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For added spice, use hot enchilada sauce or mix in diced jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Can be prepped ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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