Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Sour cream (for topping)

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If you’ve been hunting for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly easy to pull together, this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Packed with spiced ground beef, melted cheese, and wrapped snugly in soft tortillas, it hits that perfect comfort food spot without demanding hours in the kitchen.

What I especially love about this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is how versatile it is — it works beautifully for casual family dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly. Plus, with a few simple pantry staples and a jar or two of enchilada sauce, you can whip up a dish that feels fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe come together to create that classic Tex-Mex vibe we all crave. Choosing fresh aromatics and the right spices makes a huge difference, so I always recommend sticking to fresh garlic and onions and quality enchilada sauce if you can.

Lean ground beef: I use lean to keep the dish from becoming greasy, but a bit of fat adds flavor if you don’t mind.
Flour or corn tortillas: I prefer flour for softness, but corn tortillas bring a nice traditional touch — just warm them before rolling to prevent cracking.
Enchilada sauce: You can go store-bought for convenience, but homemade sauce makes it taste extra special.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully, cheddar adds sharpness. Sometimes I mix both!
Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture to the beef filling.
Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that rich, savory base flavor.
Cumin: This spice lends an earthy warmth that’s key in Tex-Mex dishes.
Chili powder: Adds a gentle kick and depth without overpowering.
Sour cream: A cool, creamy topping that balances the spice perfectly.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is how flexible it is, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a lighter spin or want to kick up the heat, there’s room to adjust without losing that comforting enchilada feel.

Vegetable-packed version: Sometimes I throw in diced bell peppers or black beans for extra color and nutrition — it’s an easy way to sneak in veggies without changing the flavor much.
Spicy enchiladas: If you like it hot, I add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Just what I need for a little extra kick!
Make it gluten-free: Swap out wheat flour tortillas for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free, and double-check your enchilada sauce ingredients.
Cheese variations: Try pepper jack or a blend of cheese for different flavors and textures — I’ve found mixing cheeses keeps things interesting.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef with Aromatics and Spices

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your lean ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. This is where the magic begins — after the beef is browned and onions soft, sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder. Give it a good stir to let the spices bloom. I usually cook it until the mixture is fragrant and the beef is fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Just be sure to drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy!

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the cooked beef mixture right down the center. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the filling to help it bind everything when melted. Then, roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this with all the tortillas — I find a 9×13-inch dish fits about 8 nicely. Easy and neat!

Step 3: Pour Sauce and Cheese on Top

Once your rolled enchiladas are snug in the dish, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Don’t skimp here—it’s what keeps everything juicy and flavorful. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the sauce. This golden blanket is what transforms your tortillas and filling into that irresistible melty classic. Pop it into the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned around the edges.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

The image shows two rolled tortillas lying side by side in a white baking dish, each filled with a brown meat mixture. The tortillas are covered with melted yellow and white cheese that looks soft and slightly browned in places. There are small pieces of red tomato scattered on top of the cheese. Over this, there are three dollops of white sour cream evenly spread across the top. Fresh green cilantro leaves are generously sprinkled over the sour cream and cheese, adding a vibrant contrast. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping my enchiladas with a dollop of cool sour cream — it perfectly contrasts the spicy richness. I also like sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if I have them handy; they add a bright fresh note that really lifts the dish. Sometimes a squeeze of lime brings it all full circle.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side of Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad to keep things balanced. I often serve it alongside refried beans or a crisp green salad with avocado — it’s all about adding some freshness and texture to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I’ve served these enchiladas on colorful ceramic plates with a garnish of sliced radishes and avocado slices on the side. You could also assemble them in individual ramekins for a fun twist — it makes each portion feel special and great for sharing with guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pack leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop more, making the next day’s meal even tastier. Just make sure to refrigerate promptly after cooling.

Freezing

Freezing this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe works like a charm — I usually assemble the enchiladas in a foil tray, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. It’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping ahead!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the enchiladas loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings covered with a microwave-safe lid — although the oven keeps the texture better.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this enchilada recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef. Just adjust the seasoning a bit since turkey is milder, and cook thoroughly until no pink remains.
How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when rolling the enchiladas?

Warming the tortillas briefly before assembling softens them, making rolling easier. You can wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them on a skillet for a few seconds each side.
Can I make the enchiladas ahead and bake them later?

Yes! You can assemble everything and refrigerate the dish uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add a bit more cooking time if baking from cold.
What kind of cheese works best for enchiladas?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices because they melt well and have balanced flavors. You can also try a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for extra zing.
Is it better to use flour or corn tortillas for enchiladas?

Both work well! Flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier to roll, while corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor. Just warm either kind before assembling to prevent cracking.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen whenever I’m craving that cozy, comforting meal without fussing too much. It feels like a little party on every plate with layers of flavor and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again — perfect for busy nights, feeding friends, or whenever you want a reliable, satisfying dinner. I’m excited for you to give it a go and make it your own!