Craving a cheesy, comforting meal that comes together fast? These Ground Beef Enchiladas are your new go-to! With seasoned beef, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas, this one-pan dinner is a total crowd-pleaser—and it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend family dinners, or easy meal prep, this recipe delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite. Serve with your favorite sides like rice, beans, or a zesty salad for a full fiesta at home!
Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas
✔️ Quick & Easy: Dinner on the table in 30 minutes.
✔️ One-Skillet Beef Filling: Less cleanup, more flavor.
✔️ Cheesy & Flavor-Packed: Loaded with spices and melted cheese.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat all week long.
✔️ Versatile: Swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or even beans!
Ingredients (Makes 8 Enchiladas | Serves 4–6)
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup canned black beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
For the Enchiladas:
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- 1½ cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Make the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
- Optional: Mix in black beans and corn. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Lay out a tortilla, fill with 3–4 tbsp beef mixture and 1 tbsp cheese, then roll tightly.
- Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Step 3: Bake
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges. Pair with rice or salad for a complete meal!
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
- 🔥 Want More Heat? Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- 🧀 Creamy Option: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese to the beef mixture.
- 🌽 Add Texture: Black beans and corn make these extra hearty.
- 🌮 Use Corn Tortillas: For a more traditional flavor, try toasted corn tortillas.
- 🧂 Fresh Spices Matter: Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- 🧊 Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- ❄️ Freeze: Assemble (but don’t bake) and freeze for up to 3 months.
- 🔁 Reheat: Bake from frozen at 350°F for 30–35 minutes or microwave individual portions.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Enchiladas
- 🌮 Mexican Rice – Classic and satisfying.
- 🥑 Guacamole & Chips – Creamy and crunchy.
- 🌽 Street Corn Salad – Tangy and fresh.
- 🍹 Margaritas or Agua Fresca – Perfect drink pairings.
Variations to Try
- 🍗 Chicken Enchiladas: Use shredded rotisserie chicken.
- 🥬 Vegetarian Option: Try mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans.
- 🔥 Smoky Kick: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- 🧀 Extra Cheesy: Mix in queso fresco or add an extra layer of cheese on top.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
Nutritional info may vary depending on specific ingredients used.