Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; Sour cream (for serving)

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If you’re anything like me, you love a dinner that’s equal parts cozy, flavorful, and simple to throw together. That’s exactly why these easy ground beef enchiladas have become a staple in my kitchen. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you get a pan full of hearty, cheesy goodness that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

What makes this recipe so lovable is its versatility—it works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, you can tweak it to fit your mood or dietary preferences, and it still turns out amazing. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

Let’s dive in—you’re just a few simple steps away from a comfort food classic.

Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing beef enchilada dish:

Ground Beef – Lean ground beef is ideal. It cooks quickly and stays flavorful without being greasy.
Tortillas – Flour tortillas are soft and flexible, but corn tortillas bring a traditional touch. Use what you love.
Enchilada Sauce – Store-bought works fine, but homemade sauce adds a deeper, more personal flavor.
Shredded Cheese – Cheddar or Monterey Jack are perfect melty options. A mix of both is even better!
Onion – Diced and sautéed for sweetness and depth.
Garlic – Freshly minced for that irresistible aromatic punch.
Cumin & Chili Powder – These spices bring authentic warmth and depth to your beef filling.
Sour Cream – Optional, but a cool dollop on top brings balance to the spice.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and onions are soft (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 more minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well blended.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over everything.

Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños if desired.

Variations to Try

Make it Spicy: Add diced green chiles or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Low-Carb Version: Swap tortillas for low-carb wraps or zucchini slices.
Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers instead of beef.
Add Rice or Beans: Mix cooked rice or refried beans into the filling for extra heartiness.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To Store:
Cool enchiladas completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:
Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:
Bake covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Conclusion

These ground beef enchiladas are simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Keep this recipe on hand—you’ll be glad you did!