If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors, warming comfort, and simple ingredients, look no further than this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. It’s a beloved classic that brings the perfect balance of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce all wrapped up in soft tortillas. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or sharing a crowd-pleasing meal with friends and family, this recipe never fails to deliver that delightful combination of savory and cheesy goodness that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the delicious layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so unforgettable. From the hearty ground beef to the vibrant enchilada sauce and the blend of cheeses, every component works together beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular, but it should be fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning: Brings that signature zing and warmth to the filling.
- 2 cups Enchilada Sauce: This is what gives your enchiladas their iconic tangy and spicy finish.
- 8 tortillas, enchilada size: Soft and flexible, perfect for rolling and holding all the filling in place.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, it adds a wonderful contrast to the beef.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey texture.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s perfectly heated and ready by the time your enchiladas are assembled. This ensures a beautifully melted cheese topping and a warm, cohesive finish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and taco seasoning. Cook everything until the beef is no longer pink and the onions soften to release their natural sweetness. This mixture forms the flavorful heart of your enchiladas.
Step 3: Drain Excess Fat
It’s important to drain out any fat from the beef and onion mixture to keep the dish from becoming greasy. This step helps your enchiladas stay rich in flavor while remaining satisfying and not heavy.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Blend
Combine shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in a large bowl. This blend provides the perfect balance of sharpness and melty creaminess that compliments the savory beef filling wonderfully.
Step 5: Start Layering in the Baking Dish
Pour about half a cup of enchilada sauce into your baking dish to coat the bottom lightly. This prevents sticking and adds a first burst of saucy flavor to every bite.
Step 6: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a generous strip of the beef mixture down the middle, followed by a sprinkle of cheese—about an eighth of a cup per tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly, then place seam side down in the baking dish. This rolling technique keeps the filling nicely tucked in.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Once all the tortillas are snugly rolled and arranged, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the leftover cheese blend. This final layer guarantees a gooey, saucy, and cheesy crust once baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your enchiladas for 15 to 20 minutes until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step melds all the flavors together and finishes the dish with that irresistible golden top.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your enchiladas, add a fresh touch with some garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings bring brightness and creaminess that contrast beautifully with the rich, meaty layers.
Side Dishes
Ground Beef Enchiladas go wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. These accompaniments help balance the meal and make it feel even more complete without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just add a fun twist to your family dinner, serve each enchilada individually on colorful plates with a drizzle of extra enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cheese or herbs. You can also pair it with a vibrant salsa or a fresh pico de gallo for a lively presentation that bursts with color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 minutes, or use the microwave for a quicker option, covering the dish to keep moisture in. Either way, the cheese will melt back to that wonderful gooey consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, you can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack for a little heat, or even a Mexican cheese blend to suit your taste.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef?
Yes, draining the fat helps keep the dish from becoming too greasy, ensuring a cleaner, more balanced flavor and preventing an oily texture in your enchiladas.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use corn tortillas labeled gluten-free instead of flour tortillas, and double-check your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning for any gluten-containing ingredients.
How spicy is this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe?
The spice level depends largely on your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. You can choose mild or spicy seasoning blends to control the heat, making it family-friendly or a bit kickier depending on your preference.
Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas up to a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake right before serving. This makes it an excellent meal prep option or party dish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, comforting hug in every bite. With its simple yet bold ingredients and straightforward steps, it quickly becomes a go-to favorite for casual dinners or special gatherings. Once you taste those warm, cheesy layers with that flavorful beef inside, you’ll understand why this recipe is such a keeper in my kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef and onions wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this hearty meal is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
- 2 cups Enchilada Sauce
Tortillas and Cheese
- 8 tortillas, enchilada size
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the enchiladas later.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to break up meat.
- Drain Fat: Once cooked, drain the excess fat from the beef and onion mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Combine Cheeses: In a large bowl, grate and combine the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses thoroughly for topping the enchiladas.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of the baking dish to coat it, preventing sticking and adding flavor to the base.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Lay each tortilla flat on a surface, spoon a portion of the beef mixture down the center, and top with approximately 1/8 cup of the cheese mixture.
- Roll Tortillas: Roll up each tortilla tightly around the filling and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish, arranging them side by side.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake: Bake the assembled enchiladas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until hot throughout and the cheese has melted and started to bubble.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Leftover enchiladas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, ensuring the enchilada sauce is also gluten-free if needed.
- Optional garnish ideas include chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions.
