Ground Beef Enchiladas
Looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s bursting with flavor? These cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, every bite is irresistible!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeños (optional toppings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season the Meat
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to coat the beef in spices.
- Mix in half of the enchilada sauce (about ½ cup) and the green chilies if using.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread ¼ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture in the center of a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll it up tightly. 🌯
- Arrange seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle generously with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake Until Bubbly
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices.
- Serve warm with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
- Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze unbaked enchiladas tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes.
- Tortilla Trick: If your tortillas crack, warm them in the microwave for 20 seconds before rolling.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 enchilada | 370 | 18g | 28g | 19g | 3g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are hearty, cheesy, and loaded with bold Mexican flavors. They’re budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this recipe is a keeper!