Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish, filled with seasoned beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, and topped with a rich, cheesy enchilada sauce. Every bite is a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and delicious flavor, making this dish a comforting go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these enchiladas are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. You can customize them by adding beans, rice, or extra toppings like avocado and jalapeños for even more flavor. This dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
- ½ cup sour cream (for garnish)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until onions soften.
- Stir in half of the enchilada sauce and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with a small amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic, comforting Mexican-inspired dish that has become a favorite in many households worldwide. This dish combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef, soft tortillas, and a bold enchilada sauce, all topped with melted cheese to create an irresistible meal. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of enchiladas, why this particular recipe stands out, the nutritional benefits, and tips to make it even better.
A Brief History of Enchiladas
The origins of enchiladas date back to ancient Mexico, where the indigenous people used corn tortillas as a staple in their diet. They would wrap tortillas around different fillings, primarily meats, beans, and vegetables, and serve them with flavorful sauces. Over time, this dish evolved, with influences from Spanish colonization introducing new ingredients like cheese, beef, and spices.
Today, enchiladas are enjoyed across Mexico and the United States in various forms, from traditional mole enchiladas to Tex-Mex versions featuring beef, chicken, or even seafood. The version we’re sharing today—Ground Beef Enchiladas—is a well-loved variation that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Why This Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe is the Best
There are many enchilada recipes out there, but here’s why this one stands out:
1. Perfectly Seasoned Beef
This recipe uses a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion to create a rich, well-balanced beef filling. The combination of these spices ensures that every bite is bursting with bold, authentic Mexican flavors.
2. Cheesy Goodness
We use a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to achieve the perfect melt and a creamy, gooey texture. This blend enhances the flavor and gives the enchiladas their signature cheesy topping.
3. A Balanced Enchilada Sauce
The enchilada sauce plays a crucial role in bringing everything together. Using a rich, tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of tanginess, spice, and smokiness.
4. Soft Yet Sturdy Tortillas
Flour tortillas hold up well to the filling and sauce, ensuring they don’t fall apart while baking. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can also use corn tortillas, which add a slightly different texture and flavor.
5. Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe requires only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and comforting on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Beef Enchiladas
While enchiladas are known for their rich flavors and cheesy goodness, they also provide some great nutritional benefits:
- Protein-Packed: The ground beef provides a good source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and overall health.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like tomatoes (in the sauce), onions, and garlic provide important vitamins like vitamin C and B6, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron.
- Fiber from Tortillas: If you opt for whole wheat or corn tortillas, you’ll get an extra dose of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Healthy Fats: Cheese contains healthy fats and calcium, which are beneficial for bone health. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can use a lighter cheese alternative or less cheese overall.
How to Customize Your Enchiladas
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to modify it to suit different dietary preferences:
1. Make It Healthier
- Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for added fiber and fewer carbs.
- Reduce the amount of cheese or use a light cheese option.
2. Make It Spicier
- Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Use a spicier enchilada sauce or add cayenne pepper to the beef seasoning.
3. Vegetarian Version
- Replace the beef with black beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients.
4. Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free tortillas (corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free).
- Ensure your enchilada sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas
To make sure your enchiladas turn out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:
1. Warm the Tortillas Before Rolling
Microwaving the tortillas for a few seconds or lightly toasting them on a skillet makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when rolling.
2. Don’t Overfill
Adding too much filling can make it hard to roll the tortillas properly and may cause them to break apart. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
3. Use Enough Sauce
Make sure to cover the enchiladas completely with sauce before baking. This keeps them moist and prevents them from drying out in the oven.
4. Bake Covered, Then Uncover for a Crispy Top
Covering the enchiladas with foil for the first 20 minutes helps them stay moist. Removing the foil for the last 10 minutes allows the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
5. Let Them Rest Before Serving
Allow the enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps them hold their shape when serving and prevents the sauce from being too runny.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Enchiladas
These enchiladas are delicious on their own, but pairing them with side dishes takes the meal to the next level. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Rice – A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the enchiladas.
- Refried Beans – Adds extra protein and a creamy texture to your meal.
- Guacamole – The creamy, fresh taste of avocado balances the richness of the enchiladas.
- Corn Salad – A refreshing and slightly sweet contrast to the spiciness of the dish.
- Chips and Salsa – A simple and crunchy appetizer to start the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas in the baking dish, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I freeze ground beef enchiladas?
Absolutely! Place the assembled enchiladas in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for about 45-50 minutes.
Q: What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile meal that the whole family will love. With a balance of spices, tender beef, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or customize it to fit your dietary needs, these enchiladas will always be a crowd-pleaser.