Hearty Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Sizzling Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Joy

Crafting the perfect ground beef enchiladas recipe brings comfort to any dinner table.

Simmering layers of savory ground beef dance between soft tortillas in this classic Mexican-inspired dish.

Melted cheese blankets these delectable enchiladas, creating a mouthwatering blend of flavors that tantalize taste buds.

Packed with robust seasonings and tender meat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Each bite promises a rich, satisfying experience that celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor every delicious morsel of these hearty enchiladas.

Prepare to be transported to a world of culinary delight with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Ingredient List

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein core of the dish; choose lean cuts for healthier option and better texture.
  • Taco Seasoning: Delivers bold southwestern spice blend that transforms ordinary meat into zesty filling.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Enchilada Sauce: Creates signature tangy base that keeps enchiladas juicy and adds authentic Mexican flavor profile.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Introduces subtle heat and moisture while adding complexity to meat mixture.
  • Sour Cream: Optional creamy topping that balances spiciness and adds smooth texture.
For Structure and Melting:
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold filling; choose fresh, pliable tortillas without cracks.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully creating golden, stretchy layer that binds enchiladas together; choose mild cheddar or monterey jack.
For Fresh Garnish:
  • Cilantro: Adds bright, herbal finish with refreshing flavor profile.
  • Green Onions: Provides crisp, mild onion accent that complements rich enchilada base.
For Optional Serving Companions:
  • Olive Oil: Used for initial meat browning, ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
  • Onion: Builds foundational savory depth in meat mixture.
  • Garlic: Introduces aromatic undertone enhancing overall dish complexity.

Tools You’ll Need For Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Large skillet: Perfect for browning beef and sauteing onions with garlic.
  • Spatula: Essential for breaking apart ground beef while cooking.
  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Ideal size for assembling and baking enchiladas.
  • Measuring cups: Helps measure beef mixture and sauce precisely.
  • Cheese grater: Useful if grating fresh cheese for topping.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and cilantro.
  • Sharp knife: Required for chopping ingredients and garnishes.
  • Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

How To Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into tiny pieces until perfectly cooked and no pink remains. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their aromatic flavors.

  • Spice Up the Filling

Sprinkle zesty taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring until everything melds together into a mouthwatering filling.

  • Roll and Arrange Enchiladas

Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Scoop generous spoonfuls of beef mixture into each tortilla, roll them up snugly, and nestle them into a baking dish painted with a thin layer of red enchilada sauce.

  • Cover with Cheesy Goodness

Drench the rolled tortillas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating. Shower the top with a blizzard of shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty blanket.

  • Bake and Serve

Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, slightly crispy layer. Pull out and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream. Pair with Mexican rice or a crisp salad for a flavor explosion.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Tips And Variations

  • Beef Enchiladas Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Meat Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein options and dietary needs.
  • Spice Control: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties, or create homemade seasoning blend to control sodium and flavor levels precisely.
  • Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or dairy-free cheese options for unique flavor profiles and dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas to make the dish suitable for ketogenic or low-carbohydrate diets.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking – perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners.

Serving Up Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Flavor Fiesta Platter: Arrange enchiladas with colorful Mexican-style rice, garnished with fresh lime wedges and sprinkled chopped cilantro for a vibrant presentation that pops with authentic southwestern colors.
  • Creamy Cool Companion: Dollop extra sour cream alongside the enchiladas, adding sliced avocado and a small bowl of fresh salsa for a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, spicy main dish.
  • Hearty Dinner Ensemble: Pair with black beans seasoned with cumin, a crisp side salad with light lime-cilantro dressing, and warm corn tortilla chips to create a satisfying, well-rounded meal that fills everyone's plate and appetite.
  • Fresh Finish Flourish: Top enchiladas with diced fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of queso fresco to add brightness, texture, and an extra layer of authentic Mexican flavor.

Storage Guide For Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed tightly, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. Frozen enchiladas remain tasty for up to 3 months, perfect for future meal planning.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy edges and melted cheese. Microwave works for quick reheating, but may soften tortilla texture slightly.
  • Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare beef filling and roll enchiladas ahead of time. Keep uncooked rolled enchiladas covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, making weeknight dinners stress-free and convenient.
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Hearty Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican cuisine shines through this ground beef enchiladas masterpiece, delivering rich flavors with minimal effort. Comfort and zest combine in each cheesy, spicy bite you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 8 (8-inch) flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until thoroughly browned, releasing deep flavors. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and meld seamlessly with the meat.
  2. Flavor Infusion: Introduce aromatic taco seasoning and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer the mixture until ingredients meld into a robust, harmonious filling.
  3. Tortilla Assembly: Warm tortillas to enhance pliability, then generously stuff with seasoned beef mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese and roll into compact cylinders, positioning seam-side down in a sauce-lined baking dish.
  4. Sauce and Cheese Coating: Drench enchiladas completely with enchilada sauce, ensuring full coverage. Cascade remaining cheese across the surface, creating a golden, enticing layer.
  5. Baking Transformation: Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake until cheese melts into a bubbling landscape and edges become slightly crisp, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  6. Final Touches: Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes creates a perfectly caramelized cheese topping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Serve alongside traditional Mexican sides like Spanish rice or refried beans.

Notes

  • Control Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent soggy enchiladas and ensure a concentrated, rich flavor profile.
  • Tortilla Temperature Trick: Warm tortillas briefly on a skillet or in microwave to prevent cracking and enhance rolling ease, creating perfectly sealed enchiladas.
  • Cheese Melting Strategy: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for complex flavor and optimal melting consistency, covering entire surface evenly.
  • Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter versions; use low-fat cheese and whole wheat tortillas for healthier alternative without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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