If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings the perfect blend of savory and cheesy flavors, then this Ground Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes simple ingredients like seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and soft flour tortillas, then bakes them all beneath a rich, bold enchilada sauce to create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or a casual gathering with friends, these enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients sets the foundation for a fantastic enchilada meal. Each component plays a vital role, ensuring every bite delivers fantastic flavor, delightful texture, and vibrant color.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base of the filling, bringing savory flavor and protein.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Adds a perfectly spiced punch that makes the beef pop with authentic taste.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully inside and on top, providing creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 8 flour tortillas: Soft, flexible wraps that hold all the delicious fillings together.
- 1 cup enchilada sauce: The star sauce that coats the dish with rich, tangy flavor and keeps everything moist.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to perfectly bake the enchiladas to bubbly, melty perfection.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, stir in the packet of taco seasoning until the beef is well coated and deeply flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Warm the flour tortillas slightly so they’re easier to roll. Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef mixture onto each tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish to keep everything neatly sealed.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one is well covered. Then, sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust that’ll make your mouth water.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. This step seals in all those fantastic flavors and textures.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and extra dimension, top your enchiladas with a dollop of cool sour cream and sprinkle sliced green onions. The creaminess and crunch complement the warm flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these enchiladas alongside classic Mexican-inspired sides like Mexican rice or refried beans for a fully satisfying meal. A crisp green salad with lime dressing also balances the richness with a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual enchilada portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets to keep them warm at the table. Or top with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for an inviting and colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner option the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen with a little extra time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover enchiladas in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed through and the cheese is melted again, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave portions for a faster meal but the oven helps maintain that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a slightly different texture and a more traditional Mexican flavor, but they can be a bit more fragile. Warming them first helps prevent breaking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level comes from the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, which are typically mild to medium. You can adjust by choosing mild seasoning packets or adding extra chili powder if you love heat.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well and keeps the dish lighter while still offering that satisfying protein element. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and season well.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap out the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or black beans, and spice them up with the same taco seasoning to maintain that rich flavor.
What cheese is best for enchiladas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices because they melt beautifully and have a mild, creamy flavor. You can also experiment with a Mexican cheese blend for extra authenticity.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe is truly a kitchen hero—simple to prepare yet bursting with rich, comforting flavors that bring everyone to the table with smiles. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these enchiladas are sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that only homemade enchiladas can deliver!
Print
Ground Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
Description
Hearty and comforting ground beef and cheese enchiladas baked to perfection with a flavorful enchilada sauce. This easy Mexican-inspired dish combines seasoned ground beef with melty cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked until bubbly, making a satisfying dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Enchiladas
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- Additional shredded cheese for topping (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to warm up while you prepare the enchiladas, ensuring even baking later.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then mix in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Lay out each flour tortilla and spoon a portion of the seasoned beef onto the center. Sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish to keep everything secure during baking.
- Add the sauce and cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one is well coated. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese to create a delicious, melty crust.
- Bake until bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.
Notes
- For added freshness, top the enchiladas with sour cream and chopped green onions just before serving.
- You can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but flour tortillas provide the best texture for rolling.
- To spice things up, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftover enchiladas store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
