Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Family Favorite!

Comfort arrives in a delightful Mexican-inspired classic with these mouthwatering cheesy ground beef enchiladas that promise pure culinary bliss.

Tender tortillas wrap around seasoned, juicy beef creating layers of pure deliciousness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spices, melted cheese, and rich tomato sauce that dance across your palate.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Mexico.

Sour cream and fresh cilantro add a bright, cool contrast to the warm, spicy filling.

Cheese bubbles and browns, creating an irresistible golden crust that beckons you closer.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing meal that feeds hunger and warms hearts with every single forkful.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Easily

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent sticking.

  • Brown the Meat Magic

Toss ground beef and diced onions into a hot skillet. Let them sizzle and dance until the meat is perfectly browned and onions turn soft and translucent.

  • Spice It Up

Splash in enchilada sauce, sprinkle taco seasoning, and add green chiles, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together until it’s simmering with flavor.

  • Roll and Create

Pour a bit of sauce in the baking dish. Scoop the meat mixture into tortillas, add a handful of cheese, then roll them up snugly. Line them up like delicious soldiers.

  • Sauce and Cheese Finale

Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining sauce. Shower generously with more cheese until they’re completely covered.

  • Bake to Perfection

Send the dish into the oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch the cheese melt and bubble into golden deliciousness. For extra pizzazz, broil briefly for a crispy top.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Let the enchiladas cool just a moment. Top with your favorite garnishes and dive into this flavor explosion!

Topping and Filling Ideas for Beef Enchiladas

  • Assemble enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Adjust heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick if you enjoy spicier meals.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels for sensitive diets.
  • Sneak extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture. Vegetarians can use black beans, lentils, or meat substitutes as primary protein.

Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Hot and Ready

  • Fiesta Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and sliced jalapeños on top for a burst of color and zesty flavor.
  • Cool & Creamy Companions: Serve with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or fresh pico de gallo to balance the rich, spicy enchiladas.
  • Hearty Plate Partners: Complement with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that keeps everyone happy.
  • Flavor Boosters: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the dish and enhance the overall taste profile with a tangy kick.

How to Store Leftover Enchiladas Without a Mess

  • Store leftover enchiladas in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in aluminum foil and freezer-safe plastic wrap, maintaining quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Restore crispy texture by warming enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Microwave works for quick single servings, heating 1-2 minutes on medium power.
  • Divide the batch into meal-sized containers before refrigerating, making grab-and-go lunches or dinners super convenient throughout the week. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Ground Beef Enchiladas

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
  • Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic base, select fresh firm onions without soft spots.
  • Garlic: Enhances savory notes and brings robust taste, pick firm cloves with no green sprouts.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: Creates signature Mexican-inspired taste, look for low-sodium blends.
  • Green Chiles: Introduces mild heat and tangy complexity, opt for fresh or canned varieties.
  • Black Beans: Adds protein and earthy texture, rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
  • Corn: Brings sweet crunch and color, frozen or canned work perfectly.
For Assembly and Topping:
  • Tortillas: Serves as wrapper, choose soft flour tortillas for easy rolling.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture and traditional flavor, red sauce recommended.
  • Shredded Cheese: Creates creamy richness and golden top, Mexican blend works best.

Tools to Build Bold Beef Enchiladas

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and mixing ingredients.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking enchiladas.
  • Nonstick spray: Helps prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
  • Spatula: Great for stirring beef mixture and spreading sauce.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
  • Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
  • Spoon: Helps fill and roll tortillas smoothly.
Print
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Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican comfort shines through these ground beef enchiladas, packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Spicy meat, melted cheese, and warm tortillas create a hearty meal that welcomes you to savor every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 8 (8-inch) flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning
  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cooking Arena: Warm the oven to 375F (190C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with nonstick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Craft Savory Filling: In a spacious skillet, transform ground beef and onions over medium flame until meat browns and onions soften. Eliminate excess grease, creating a lean protein base. Introduce minced garlic, taco seasoning, and initial enchilada sauce portion, stirring to harmonize flavors. Incorporate green chiles, black beans, and corn, allowing ingredients to meld and heat through.
  3. Assemble Enchilada Layers: Spread foundational enchilada sauce across baking dish bottom. Construct individual enchiladas by positioning beef mixture onto tortillas, sprinkling cheese, and rolling tightly. Arrange rolled tortillas seam-side down, creating a uniform layer.
  4. Finalize and Bake: Cascade remaining enchilada sauce over assembled rolls, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Generously crown with residual cheese. Transfer to preheated oven, baking uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, golden landscape. Optional: Activate broiler briefly for enhanced caramelization.
  5. Presentation: Allow enchiladas momentary rest after emerging from oven. Garnish with preferred toppings and serve immediately, celebrating the vibrant, layered culinary creation.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning beef to prevent soggy enchiladas and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Adjust taco seasoning and add green chiles according to personal heat preference, ensuring balanced flavor for all palates.
  • Briefly heat tortillas in microwave or skillet to prevent cracking and make rolling easier, creating smoother, more uniform enchiladas.
  • Sprinkle cheese inside and on top of enchiladas for richer melted flavor and optimal cheesy coverage throughout the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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