There's something irresistible about Ground Beef Enchiladas, with their rich, cheesy goodness and perfectly spiced filling. As they bake, the savory aroma of seasoned beef, earthy chili sauce, and melted cheese fills your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.

I first made this dish as a cozy dinner for a family gathering, and it quickly became a staple. It's a lifesaver when you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that doesn’t take all day to prepare. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Let’s dive into what makes these enchiladas your next go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Get ready to embrace a dish that checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. These enchiladas are a guaranteed hit for every occasion.
First, they’re incredibly quick and easy to make. From start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour. Perfect for busy nights when time is of the essence.
Second, the flavors are out of this world. The combination of seasoned ground beef, hearty tortillas, tangy enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese is truly unbeatable. It's a meal that feels indulgent but is still straightforward to prepare.
Not to mention, this recipe is family-friendly. Even picky eaters can’t resist the savory, cheesy goodness. Plus, the customizable filling allows you to cater to everyone’s preferences.
Finally, these enchiladas are perfect for meal prepping. They reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Let’s move on to what makes this dish shine – the ingredients!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these enchiladas lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element is essential:
- Ground Beef: The heart of this recipe. Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for the perfect balance of flavor and minimal grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the beef its signature Tex-Mex flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Enchilada Sauce: This rich, tangy sauce ties everything together. Red enchilada sauce works beautifully for a classic flavor, but green sauce or a creamy white version can add a fun twist.
- Tortillas: Use flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Corn adds an authentic touch, while flour tortillas are soft and pliable, making them easier to work with.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully over the enchiladas. For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of pepper jack.
- Onions and Garlic: These aromatics add depth to the filling, making the beef mixture even more delicious.
No special equipment is needed—just a skillet for browning the beef, a baking dish for assembling the enchiladas, and an oven to bring everything together. Let’s walk through how to make this dish!
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Creating these Ground Beef Enchiladas is a breeze, even if you’re new to making enchiladas from scratch. Follow these steps for a fail-proof dinner:
- Prepare the Filling: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning, a splash of water, and diced onions and garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
- Prepare the Tortillas: While the beef is simmering, warm your tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable. This step prevents them from tearing as you roll them up.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Fill each tortilla with a scoop of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Add the Toppings: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they're fully coated. Sprinkle generously with the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for a pop of freshness and color. Serve with sour cream or guacamole for an extra treat.
From prep to plate, you’ll spend less than an hour making these mouthwatering enchiladas!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), storing and reheating these enchiladas is straightforward:
- Refrigerator: Place cooled enchiladas in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second increments.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Ground Beef Enchiladas is how versatile they are. Here are some ideas to customize your dish:
- Protein Swaps: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils.
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat. Alternatively, use mild enchilada sauce for a kid-friendly version.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture.
- Topping Options: Top with crumbled tortilla chips for a crunchy finish or drizzle with Mexican crema for a creamy touch.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. No matter how you tweak it, these enchiladas are bound to be a hit. Happy cooking!
PrintGround Beef Enchiladas Recipe
This Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, and gooey melted cheese baked in a rich enchilada sauce. Easy to make and loaded with Mexican flavors, it's the perfect meal for a family dinner or gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes and set aside.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
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