Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground Beef Enchiladas

What is ground beef enchiladas? What’s your favorite enchilada recipe? Is it the dish that magically appears on birthdays, special occasions, and frankly, any weeknight? When everyone is hangry? If you love lasagna, but you’re looking for something a little different, then this is the recipe for you. Is it faster (and, dare I say, tastier)? If you haven’t tried a shake, then you HAVE to try this. Seriously, it’s so good, and even better, is shockingly easy. I promise it will become your family’s new favorite, it has at my place.

Ground Beef Enchiladas final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is ground beef enchiladas?

What are some of the best ground beef enchiladas? It’s essentially seasoned ground beef, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, rolled up in tortillas. How do I cook tortillas with cheese? What is the beauty of enchiladas? What is the best ground beef enchilada recipe? What are some of the best meals to serve on a busy weeknight? What happens when all the flavors combine in the oven – the slightly spicy beef, the soft potato. The magic happens. What are the best tortillas, and the gooey cheese Is this a comfort food?

Why you will love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to make ground beef enchiladas? What is flavor? What is the perfect combination of ground beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese? Is it savory, slightly spicy, and oh-so- What I love most about these are how easy they are to make. Is it a lifesaver on those nights when you’re short on time but still want to eat? The ingredients list is short and sweet. The process is pretty straightforward. What are some of the best recipes on a budget? Is ground beef a good source of protein? What are some enchiladas that are versatile? Can you customize these with your favorite toppings, add different veggies, or even swap out the whole thing? Is it safe to substitute ground beef for black beans? What are some of the best recipes to make ahead of time?

How do you make ground beef enchiladas?

Quick Overview

How do you make ground beef enchiladas? How do I cook ground beef with taco seasoning? While that’s simmering, you can prepare the enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade, your choice!). Then, it’s just a matter of filling the tortillas with the beef mixture, rolling them up, and serving them. How do I arrange them in a baking dish? Smother with enchilada sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s so easy, I promise! What is a great recipe to get your kids involved with making enchiladas?

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Filling:
1 pound ground beef (I usually use 80/20 for flavor, but you can use leaner if you prefer).
1 packet taco seasoning (or your favorite homemade blend): 1 package tacto season.
1 medium onion, chopped.
1 clove of garlic, minced.
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained.
Can you freeze 1/2 cup corn?
Optional: 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

For the Enchiladas:
I usually prefer corn tortillas for authentic flavor. I like to make 10-12 corn or flour tortilla.
2 cans of red enchilada sauce (10 ounces) (or homemade)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese or a Mexican blend.

Ground Beef Enchiladas ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This is super important because it prevents the enchiladas from sticking to the bottom, which can be very painful. a real bummer when you’re trying to serve them.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. If the beef is browned, break it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Why do people like greasy enchiladas

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. This step adds flavor to the filling.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), corn (if using), and black pepper. What are beans (if using)? Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. What is the best way for flavors to meld together? How do tomatoes add moisture to meat?

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

If you want to make tortillas more pliable, you can use a microwave. What are some ways to do this by microwaving them for about 30 seconds, wrapping them in a damp paper towel. Alternately, you can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10 seconds per side. How do you prevent a roll from cracking?

Step 6: Assemble the Enchiladas

What is the best way to prepare enchilada sauce? Pour it into a baking dish and spread evenly over the top. How do you keep enchiladas from sticking? Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, placing them snugly next to each other in the dish.

Step 7: Sauce & Cheese

How do you pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas? Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. What makes cheese so good?

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent the cheese from burning.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them hold their shape. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions. And then, enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

These ground beef enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but they’re even better when paired with some delicious side dishes! My go-to is a simple Mexican rice and a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, try serving them with refried beans or black beans. If you’re looking for something a little different, a creamy cilantro-lime coleslaw or a grilled corn salad would be amazing. And of course, don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions are all great options. When I am serving these to a group I always make a big batch of guacamole and set out all the toppings in bowls so people can customize their plate.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Enchiladas

What is the best way to make ground beef enchiladas? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
Beef Flavor: For the most flavorful beef filling, use a blend of ground beef and ground chorizo. It adds a ton of depth and richness.
Sauce Matters: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of enchilada sauce. Red sauce is classic, but green sauce (salsa verde) is also delicious. I even sometimes mix the two!
Veggies: Add some extra veggies to the beef filling for added nutrition and flavor. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
Cheese:Use a blend of different cheeses for more complex flavor. What are some good substitutes for pepper jack?
What is rolling technique?Don’t overfill tortillas, or they’ll be difficult to roll. What is the perfect amount of filling to eat?
Don’t overbakDo not overbake enchiladas, or the tortillas will become dry and brittle. When the cheese is melted and bubbly, they’re done.
Homemade Touch: While store-bought enchilada sauce is fine, homemade sauce is SO much better. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the flavor is incredible. I also like to add a little bit of the sauce to the skillet while browning the beef. Trust me on this one, it elevates the dish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These ground beef enchiladas are perfect for meal prepping, storing, and reheating! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the tortillas may become a little soggy. So, to prevent them from becoming soggy add a paper towel to the bottom of your microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe. Just make sure to use a leaner ground turkey to avoid excess grease. You might also want to add a little extra seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor of the turkey.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these enchiladas vegetarian! Simply substitute the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute. You can also add extra veggies like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These enchiladas are perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble them as directed, but don’t bake them. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the enchiladas are cold.
My enchiladas are soggy, what did I do wrong?
Soggy enchiladas can be caused by a few things. First, make sure to warm the tortillas before rolling them. This will make them more pliable and less likely to absorb excess moisture. Second, don’t overfill the tortillas with the beef mixture. Third, don’t add too much enchilada sauce to the baking dish. And finally, make sure to bake the enchiladas until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which will help to evaporate some of the excess moisture. I have had that problem before too so I know your pain.
Can I add jalapenos to spice it up?
Yes! Add diced jalapenos to the ground beef mixture while it’s cooking, or add some sliced jalapenos on top of the enchiladas before baking for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Enchiladas slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it, my friends! My go-to ground beef enchilada recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your friends and family, these enchiladas are sure to hit the spot. If you love Mexican-inspired dishes, be sure to check out my recipe for Taco Tuesday Casserole! Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out! I can’t wait to hear about your own variations and creations. Happy cooking!

Ground Beef Enchiladas

A hearty and flavorful recipe for classic ground beef enchiladas. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin
  • 15 oz Enchilada Sauce
  • 12 corn tortillas Corn Tortillas
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add onion, chili powder, and cumin to the beef and cook until softened.
  • Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of beef mixture.
  • Roll up tortillas and place them seam-down in a baking dish.
  • Pour enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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