Ground Beef Enchiladas are the perfect combination of savory seasoned beef, rich enchilada sauce, gooey melted cheese, and soft tortillas baked to perfection. This dish brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or festive celebrations. Whether you’re new to cooking Mexican-inspired meals or you’ve been making enchiladas for years, this recipe will help you create a dish that tastes restaurant-quality—right at home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Ground Beef Enchiladas, including step-by-step instructions, variations, tips for perfect results, storage and reheating advice, and even serving suggestions that will impress your guests. Plus, we’ll dive into common mistakes to avoid, recommended sides, and nutritional information so you can enjoy every bite with confidence.
Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Flavor-packed – A delicious blend of spiced ground beef, zesty sauce, and melted cheese.
- Family-friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable – Swap proteins, change up the cheese, or make them vegetarian.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead and freeze for easy dinners.
- Comfort food at its best – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
To make a batch of 4 servings (about 8 enchiladas), you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Sour cream (for topping)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup black beans for extra protein and fiber
- 1/2 cup corn for a sweet crunch
- Fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until the onions are translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and desired garnishes.
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
- Prevent sogginess – Lightly fry tortillas in oil before filling to create a moisture barrier.
- Layer flavors – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper flavor.
- Control spice level – Adjust chili powder to taste or use mild enchilada sauce for a family-friendly version.
- Cheese variety – Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a richer flavor profile.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
While store-bought enchilada sauce is convenient, making it from scratch gives you full control over flavor and spice.
Ingredients for Homemade Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add chili powder and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Slowly whisk in broth and tomato sauce until smooth.
- Add cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt.
Serving Suggestions
Ground Beef Enchiladas pair beautifully with a variety of sides for a complete meal.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy, tomato-infused rice with spices.
- Refried Beans – Creamy, savory beans for a hearty side.
- Fresh Salad – Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado with a lime vinaigrette.
- Guacamole and Chips – Creamy avocado goodness with crunchy tortilla chips.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
- Make ahead: Assemble the enchiladas, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze: Wrap unbaked enchiladas in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to cooking time.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables.
- Chicken Enchiladas: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef.
- Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Enchiladas: Skip the meat entirely and fill tortillas with cheese and onions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold tortillas – Warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking.
- Overfilling tortillas – Too much filling makes rolling difficult and causes tearing.
- Skipping sauce coverage – Make sure all tortillas are fully covered in sauce to avoid dryness.
- Baking too long – Overbaking can dry out the beef and tortillas.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate Mexican-inspired comfort food—simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for entertaining. With just a handful of ingredients and some easy techniques, you can create a hearty, flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Experiment with different proteins, sauces, and toppings to make this recipe your own, and don’t forget to serve with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying dinner experience.
Whether you follow this recipe to the letter or put your own spin on it, one thing is certain: these enchiladas will quickly become a regular on your family’s dinner table.