Ground Beef Enchiladas

These ground beef enchiladas are a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Filled with savory beef, melted cheese, and a rich sauce, they’re easy to make and satisfying for everyone at the table. I like to prep the filling while the oven heats so dinner comes together quickly. They’re ideal for cold nights, simple lunches, or when you want a meal that doubles as leftovers for the week.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is cozy, flexible, and family-friendly. The savory ground beef pairs perfectly with melted cheese and soft tortillas, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s weeknight-friendly because it comes together in under an hour, and leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner later. Budget-friendly pantry staples keep costs low, while simple tweaks like adding beans or extra spices make it customizable. Ground beef enchiladas are freezer-friendly, comfort food at its best, and a dish you’ll want to save on Pinterest to keep coming back to for easy, satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Tip: Use lean ground beef (85% lean) for flavor without too much grease.

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 cup enchilada sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Optional: sliced jalapeños for topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop onion and garlic, shred cheese, and have tortillas ready. This ensures everything cooks smoothly without rushing.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until the beef is fully browned and fragrant, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Spoon beef mixture into tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly. Place enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle remaining cheese.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional jalapeños before serving. Let sit 5 minutes to set slightly.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Ground beef enchiladas are practical for busy households. You can prep the filling ahead and assemble just before baking. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, making it a ready-to-go lunch or dinner. Simple ingredients mean less shopping stress, and the dish feels homemade without taking all evening.

Tips & Tricks

Cheese Choice: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for gooey, melty enchiladas. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents—they melt less smoothly.
Tortilla Handling: Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave or skillet before rolling. Cold tortillas tear easily, which can make assembly messy.
Sauce Coverage: Pour sauce evenly over the enchiladas to keep them moist. Skipping this step can result in dry edges.
Spice Balance: Taste the beef mixture before assembling. Adjust chili powder or cumin to your preference to avoid bland flavor.

Variations

Meaty Version: Add cooked chorizo or diced cooked chicken to the beef for extra depth. Brown meat together with onions for a rich flavor base.
Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or lentils. Season well with chili and cumin to keep it hearty.
Ingredient Swap: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or try a blend of pepper jack cheese for a mild kick.
Flavor Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a few dashes of smoked paprika into the beef mixture for a smoky, richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Sides: Serve with Spanish rice and refried beans for a classic, filling meal.
Fresh Toppings: Add diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa for a fresh, colorful touch.
Protein Add-ons: Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for variety at the table.
Family-Friendly Presentation: Serve in individual baking dishes or on a large platter with garnishes for a cozy, shareable meal.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep sauce separate if possible to prevent soggy tortillas.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.
Freezing: Freeze assembled enchiladas before baking, wrapped tightly in foil, for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Make-Ahead Tips: Cook beef mixture and store in the fridge. Assemble tortillas and sauce just before baking for fresher texture.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 320–380 per serving
Protein: 20–25 grams
Fat: 18–22 grams
Values vary based on cheese type and tortilla choice.

FAQs

Yes, prepare and assemble the night before, store in fridge, and bake before serving.

Pour sauce evenly and avoid soaking them too long before baking.

Yes, chicken, turkey, or pork work well in place of beef.

Use shredded cheese without anti-caking agents and bake until bubbly.

Store in the fridge up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These ground beef enchiladas are a comforting, flexible dish for any night of the week. They’re easy to customize, simple to prep, and leftovers taste just as good reheated. I often tweak the filling or cheese based on what’s on hand, and it always turns out satisfying. Save this recipe on Pinterest for cozy family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or anytime you want warm, cheesy, flavorful comfort food that everyone enjoys.