Ground Beef Enchiladas are like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Imagine biting into a soft tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, topped generously with melted cheese and zesty enchilada sauce. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to a fiesta, making it impossible to resist.
I still remember the first time I made these enchiladas. My friends gathered around my dining table during a game night, and the moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up as if I had just revealed the secret to eternal happiness. These delightful bites of goodness are perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This ground beef enchilada recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The rich combination of flavors will leave your taste buds dancing
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors and textures, they make any meal feel special
- Versatile enough to adapt based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences
My friends couldn’t stop raving about these enchiladas; they even asked for seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas work best; look for fresh ones at your local market.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar adds richness; use more for extra cheesiness.
- Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought is convenient; however, homemade can elevate the dish significantly.
- Onion: Chopped onions add sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will enhance the overall taste profile of your enchiladas.
- Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth and authenticity; adjust according to your heat preference.
- Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the onion and mince the garlic while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef along with chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until browned and fragrant—about 7-10 minutes.
Add Spices: Sprinkle in cumin and chili powder while mixing well. Let everything simmer together for another minute until evenly coated in spices.
Assemble Your Enchiladas: Take a tortilla, spoon some beef mixture in the center, sprinkle cheese on top, then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Pour Sauce Over Enchiladas: Generously drizzle enchilada sauce over your rolled tortillas. Top with remaining cheese so it melts into gooey perfection while baking.
Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown—your kitchen will smell divine!
With every bite of these Ground Beef Enchiladas, you’ll find warmth wrapped in cheesy goodness that brings everyone together around the table. Enjoy them straight from the oven or let them cool slightly before serving alongside fresh toppings like cilantro or sour cream!
You Must Know
- Ground beef enchiladas are a delightful dish that combines comfort food with Mexican flair
- They are perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings
- The aroma of spices and cheese melting creates a fragrant atmosphere, making everyone’s mouth water
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef with onions and spices, then prepare the enchilada sauce while assembling ingredients. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is hot when serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for chicken or beans for a vegetarian twist. You can also add black olives, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil in an oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Avoid overfilling your tortillas; they’ll burst during baking, creating a cheesy mess
- Use fresh tortillas instead of stale ones for better texture and taste
- Always let your enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors
Memories of my first attempt at ground beef enchiladas still make me chuckle; I accidentally used sweet chili sauce instead of enchilada sauce!
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground beef in enchiladas?
You can use ground turkey or shredded chicken as delicious alternatives.
Can I freeze leftover enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking to enjoy later!
How do I know when my enchiladas are done?
Look for golden edges and bubbling cheese on top as signs they’re ready to enjoy!
Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a cheesy and flavorful Mexican classic, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. These enchiladas feature seasoned beef wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 soft corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack and cheddar cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat for 7–10 minutes.
- Stir in cumin and chili powder; simmer for an additional minute.
- Spoon the beef mixture into tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
