Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know a good enchilada night is exactly the comfort food fix we all need every now and then. This Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe hits that perfect balance of being super flavorful without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something warm, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing with minimal fuss.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Using ground beef keeps things affordable and quick, and the enchilada sauce ties all the flavors together in that classic, tangy, and a little spicy way. Trust me, once you get the hang of this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for hassle-free dinners that impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are super straightforward, which is why this Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is so approachable. Each one plays its part to create that rich, savory, and cheesy goodness you’re craving. I always recommend grabbing fresh produce and good-quality cheese for the best results.

• Lean ground beef: Using lean helps cut down on excess grease, so you can focus on those deep enchilada flavors without the mess.
• Flour or corn tortillas: I prefer corn for authenticity, but flour works great if you want a softer wrap. Make sure to warm them up to avoid cracking.
• Enchilada sauce: Store-bought works perfectly here, but once you’re comfortable, making your own will be a game-changer!
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts smooth and mild, cheddar gives a punchier flavor—totally up to your taste.
• Medium onion: Adds sweetness and texture—dicing finely helps it blend perfectly with the beef.
• Garlic cloves: A little garlic goes a long way in boosting that savory depth.
• Cumin: Essential for that warm, earthy flavor that screams Mexican comfort food.
• Chili powder: Adds just enough heat and smokiness—feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Sour cream: For topping! It cools the heat and adds creaminess that you’ll love.

Variations

I love how customizable this Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is. Whether you want to kick up the spice, make it lighter, or even swap protein, it’s a great base to experiment with. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Vegetarian variation: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or black beans. I sometimes do this when I want a lighter version and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
• Spicy enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture for that extra heat punch. My family loves the kick!
• Cheese blend: Try mixing in some queso fresco or pepper jack cheese for a twist on the classic melt.
• Make it gluten-free: Just grab gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your enchilada sauce. Easy peasy!

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning your lean ground beef. As it cooks, be sure to break it apart gently so you get nice crumbles. When the beef is mostly cooked through, add your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring everything together. This is where the house starts to smell AMAZING! Sprinkle in cumin and chili powder, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and the spices are fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm your tortillas slightly to make them flexible—this step prevents cracking when you roll them up. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds, or heating each briefly on a hot skillet. I like to keep them wrapped in foil to stay warm while I finish preparing the filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top. Roll them up tightly and place them seam side down in your baking dish. This keeps everything neat and helps the enchiladas stay together through baking—trust me, it makes serving a breeze.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled-up tortillas, making sure each one gets a nice coat. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—this will give you that delicious golden, bubbly finish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil the last 5 minutes to let the cheese brown beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for topping my enchiladas with a dollop of cool sour cream—it cuts through the richness perfectly. Fresh cilantro, some sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime are my go-to garnishes too. Sometimes I throw on a few slices of avocado when in season. These finishing touches really make the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite combos is serving this Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe with Mexican rice and refried beans. On busy days, I also like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the meal. And of course, some tortilla chips and salsa never hurt when you’re feeding a crowd!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve lined up individual enchiladas on a platter with a drizzle of crema and a sprinkle of finely diced red onion and radishes. It’s fun, colorful, and looks way more complicated than it is. You can also turn this dish into a layered casserole, which is a great twist when serving a larger group.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Yes, please! I store any uneaten enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days and honestly taste even better after the flavors have melded overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I usually assemble the enchiladas, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze before baking. When I’m ready to eat, I just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—add some extra baking time, and you’ll have fresh, tasty enchiladas anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftover enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out. I like sprinkling a little extra cheese on top before reheating for added gooeyness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe holds a little piece of my heart because it’s so reliably delicious and simple to make. I always feel like I’m offering a warm hug on a plate when I serve it to family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the kind of recipe that fits into your regular rotation because it’s just that good, easy, and satisfying.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★ 4.5 from 334 reviews

• Author: Any
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and simple Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a family dinner. Made with lean ground beef, aromatic spices, and melty cheese wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in enchilada sauce, they deliver comforting flavors with minimal effort and time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder

Assembly

• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Topping

• Sour cream, for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the cumin and chili powder to evenly coat the beef mixture with spices, then remove from heat.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable for rolling without cracking.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Take one tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center, sprinkle with some shredded cheese, and roll up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to cover.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for about 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and balance the spices.

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Notes

• Use either flour or corn tortillas based on preference or dietary needs.
• For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and assemble just before baking to save time.
• Homemade enchilada sauce can be used for a fresher taste if preferred.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: ground beef enchiladas, easy enchiladas, Mexican dinner, baked enchiladas, cheesy enchiladas