Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Ground Beef Enchiladas baking in the oven, filling your kitchen with the promise of a hearty, flavor-packed meal. This dish combines perfectly seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a rich, zesty enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas – it’s a fiesta on a plate!

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe when I needed a quick dinner idea that still felt special. With just a handful of ingredients and a little prep, it quickly became a family favorite. Ready to bring a little Tex-Mex magic to your table? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this easy-to-make and utterly satisfying Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe. It’s not just delicious – it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution.

First, it’s a time-saver. You can whip up these enchiladas in under an hour, making them perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal.

Second, the flavors are unbeatable. From the seasoned beef to the melty cheese and the tangy enchilada sauce, every bite is a burst of Tex-Mex goodness.

Third, it’s budget-friendly. With affordable ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and cheese, you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s versatile. You can customize this recipe to suit your family’s preferences, whether that means adding beans, using a different protein, or making it vegetarian.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in their simplicity, but each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef – The star of the dish. Opt for a lean ground beef (like 85/15) to keep things flavorful without too much grease. You can also swap this for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Tortillas – Soft flour or corn tortillas both work here, depending on your preference. Flour tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear, while corn tortillas offer a classic, authentic flavor.

Cheese – A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack works wonders, providing both tangy and creamy notes. If you love heat, try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick!

Enchilada Sauce – Store-bought works great, but if you have time, homemade enchilada sauce takes this dish to another level. Look for a rich, tomato-based sauce with a hint of chili.

Seasonings – Simple spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder transform the ground beef into a savory, flavorful filling.

You’ll also need a baking dish, a skillet, and some foil to cover the enchiladas while baking.

How To Make This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Making these Ground Beef Enchiladas is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a stress-free dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant.

1. Prepare the Beef Filling
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease, then stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add a splash of water to create a saucy consistency and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Warm the Tortillas
   Warming your tortillas makes them easier to roll. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or briefly heat them in a dry skillet.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
   Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a heaping spoonful of the beef mixture onto a tortilla, add a sprinkle of cheese, and roll it up tightly. Place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. Add the Sauce and Cheese
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle generously with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired!

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these enchiladas store beautifully. Here’s how:

• Refrigerator: Place the enchiladas in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual enchiladas tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: Add a little extra enchilada sauce before reheating to prevent them from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Change the Protein: Use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even pulled pork as the filling instead of ground beef.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
• Loaded Enchiladas: Add extras like cooked rice, refried beans, or even roasted sweet corn to the filling for a heartier dish.

Don’t be afraid to get creative – this recipe is a canvas for all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors!

Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser – easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, these enchiladas are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

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