Ground Beef Enchiladas

Looking for a comforting and delicious dinner idea? These Ground Beef Enchiladas are packed with bold flavors, a hearty filling, and a perfectly spiced sauce. This classic Mexican dish is easy to make, satisfying, and great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

With a flavorful ground beef filling, warm tortillas, and a rich enchilada sauce, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of spice, texture, and cheesiness. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Simple steps with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Full of Flavor – Rich, seasoned beef filling with a tangy enchilada sauce.
• Cheesy & Satisfying – Perfectly melted cheese inside and out.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for quick meals.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (or salsa for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling & Topping:

• 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 1 small avocado, sliced (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

6. In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
7. Add flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
8. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano, cooking for another 30 seconds.
9. Gradually add broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
10. Stir in the tomato sauce, then bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

12. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
14. Lay a tortilla flat, add a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center, then roll it up tightly.
15. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the baking dish.
16. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish.

Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas

17. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
18. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the enchiladas.
19. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
20. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

21. Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas cool slightly.
22. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and sour cream.
23. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Enchiladas

• Warm the Tortillas – Heating tortillas slightly makes them easier to roll without breaking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly chopped onions, garlic, and cilantro enhance the flavor.
• Don’t Overfill – Adding too much filling makes them difficult to roll.
• Customize It – Try adding bell peppers, jalapeños, or olives for extra flavor.
• Use a Good Cheese Blend – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and taste.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Serve with Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh tomato or avocado salad balances the richness.
• With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up any extra sauce with crispy tortilla chips.
• With a Refreshing Drink: Serve with homemade lemonade or iced tea.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze enchiladas (before baking) in a foil-covered dish for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works well with the same seasonings.

What’s the best type of tortilla to use?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef filling or sauce.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser, filled with bold flavors and topped with melty cheese. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to customize and always satisfying.

Try this recipe out and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: Mexican

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg

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