There's something undeniably satisfying about a plate of warm, cheesy beef enchiladas fresh from the oven. The aroma of seasoned beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and melted cheese wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone's mouth water.

I discovered this recipe while searching for a way to spice up our family dinners. With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, it quickly became a staple in our home. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or simply indulging in a hearty comfort meal, these enchiladas are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Why You'll Love This Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Get ready to make dinner a memorable experience with this delightful dish. These beef enchiladas are the perfect combination of bold flavors, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
First, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick. With just a handful of common ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Second, the flavors are irresistible. The seasoned ground beef, spiced to perfection, pairs beautifully with the smoky, tangy enchilada sauce. Add in melty cheese and soft tortillas, and you’ve got a combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate this dish as well. Using ground beef and pantry staples, you can feed a family of four for less than $20 – ideal for weeknight meals or entertaining without breaking the bank.
Finally, this recipe is highly versatile. Whether you want to swap out the beef for chicken or add extra veggies, it’s easy to customize to your liking. It’s also a hit with picky eaters, thanks to the comforting, familiar flavors.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this beef enchiladas recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes each one essential:
- Ground Beef: The star of the filling, ground beef brings rich flavor and hearty texture. For best results, opt for 80/20 ground beef, which has just the right balance of fat for flavor and moisture.
- Enchilada Sauce: This is where the dish gets its signature flavor. A smoky, slightly spicy enchilada sauce ties all the ingredients together. You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own for a more personalized touch.
- Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas serve as the perfect vehicle for the savory filling. Corn tortillas lend a more authentic flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.
- Cheese: Melty cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works beautifully. The cheese adds a gooey, satisfying finish to the dish.
- Spices: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder gives the beef filling its bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavor.
You’ll also need a large skillet, a baking dish, and some foil to cover the enchiladas while baking. These tools ensure everything cooks evenly and retains moisture.
How To Make This Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Making these delicious beef enchiladas is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dinner worth savoring.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices. Add a small amount of enchilada sauce to the beef mixture and stir until combined.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling easier, warm your tortillas in the microwave or on a hot skillet. This step prevents cracking and ensures they’re pliable enough to wrap around the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take one tortilla, add a spoonful of the beef mixture down the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re fully covered. Sprinkle generously with cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
This recipe takes about 40-45 minutes total, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals.
Storage Options
These beef enchiladas are just as delightful the next day, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze: To freeze, place enchiladas in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat in the oven to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy. Cover with foil to retain moisture while warming.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe’s versatility means you can adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the Protein: Use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Add Veggies: Include sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini in the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with queso fresco, pepper jack, or even a creamy queso blanco for a unique twist.
- Use Homemade Sauce: If you have time, whip up your own enchilada sauce for a fresher, more customized flavor.
These beef enchiladas are a tried-and-true favorite for good reason. The combination of bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients makes them a meal worth savoring. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make this recipe truly your own. Happy cooking!
PrintBeef Enchiladas Recipe
This beef enchiladas recipe features tender beef, bold Mexican spices, and gooey cheese, wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a savory enchilada sauce. Perfect for dinner, this easy recipe will bring authentic Mexican flavors to your table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced onions
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onions over medium heat until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Lay out each tortilla, fill with a portion of the beef mixture, and sprinkle some shredded cheese inside. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and black olives if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, add a spoonful of sour cream or guacamole on top before serving.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a variation.
- Make ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
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