Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

There's nothing like the comforting aroma of Ground Beef Enchiladas baking in the oven. With their savory filling, melty cheese, and perfectly spiced sauce, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have your family racing to the dinner table.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when hosting a casual dinner party and wanted something that felt festive yet easy to prepare. These enchiladas became an instant hit, and now they’re a go-to whenever we’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. Let me show you how to make these delicious enchiladas!

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this cozy, Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. These enchiladas check all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and versatility.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The straightforward steps ensure you’ll have a delicious dish on the table with minimal effort.

Secondly, this recipe is a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser. Using simple, inexpensive ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and canned enchilada sauce makes it accessible for any home cook without compromising taste.

These enchiladas are also wonderfully customizable. Whether you prefer a milder flavor profile or a spicy kick, you can adjust the seasonings and toppings to suit your family’s preferences.

Lastly, this dish is perfect for make-ahead meal planning. You can prepare the enchiladas in advance, refrigerate or freeze them, and bake them whenever you need a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a role in creating that signature, irresistible flavor.

Ground beef forms the base of the filling. I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer leaner meat, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken.

Taco seasoning brings the filling to life with a perfect blend of spices. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience or make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Enchilada sauce is the star of this dish, providing rich, savory flavor and a touch of tang. While canned enchilada sauce works wonderfully, homemade sauce will elevate the flavor even more.

Tortillas are the vessel for all the deliciousness. Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up well to the sauce, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture.

Cheese adds that irresistible gooeyness. A combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blend.

If you have it, a large baking dish is essential for assembling and baking your enchiladas evenly.

How To Make These Ground Beef Enchiladas

Making these enchiladas is as simple as layering delicious ingredients and baking them to perfection. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease, and stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Warm your tortillas to make them pliable and easy to roll. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds or warming them on a hot skillet.

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures the tortillas absorb all the saucy goodness as they bake.

Assemble your enchiladas by spooning a couple of tablespoons of the seasoned beef onto each tortilla. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, then roll them tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Once all the enchiladas are snugly nestled in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, ensuring every tortilla is coated. Sprinkle generously with more shredded cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving, and garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? These enchiladas store beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

To refrigerate, transfer cooled enchiladas to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap individual portions in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating is simple—just microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ideas to switch it up:

1. Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils instead of ground beef.
2. Add veggies: Stir in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for an extra dose of nutrients.
3. Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
4. Use different sauces: Try green enchilada sauce or mole for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
5. Experiment with toppings: Top your baked enchiladas with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or crumbled queso fresco for added texture and flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own and keep it fresh every time you prepare it. Enjoy these Ground Beef Enchiladas as a new staple in your meal rotation!

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