Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together tender tortillas, seasoned beef, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you crave homemade Mexican comfort food. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a hearty, restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.

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

Instructions

1-Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion for 5–7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3- Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and cook for another minute to enhance the flavor.
4- Spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
5- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
6- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
7- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Serving Tips

• Serve the enchiladas hot, straight from the oven for the best texture.
• Add toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado, or jalapeños.
• Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh salad, or chips and salsa.
• Drizzle extra enchilada sauce over the top if you like them extra saucy.
• Serve with lime wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals.
• To freeze, assemble the enchiladas without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Bake frozen enchiladas at 375°F for 40–50 minutes or thaw overnight and bake normally.
• Store extra enchilada sauce separately to keep tortillas from getting soggy.

Variations

1. Cheesy Enchiladas – Add extra cheese inside the tortillas and use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
2. Green Chile Enchiladas – Swap red enchilada sauce for green sauce and add diced green chiles to the beef.
3. Black Bean Beef Enchiladas – Mix 1 cup of black beans into the beef mixture for added protein and texture.
4. Spicy Chipotle Enchiladas – Add 1–2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo to the beef for smoky heat.
5. Creamy Beef Enchiladas – Stir 1/2 cup cream cheese into the beef mixture for a rich, creamy filling.
6. Veggie-Loaded Enchiladas – Add diced bell peppers, corn, and zucchini to the beef mixture.
7. Taco-Style Enchiladas – Season beef with a packet of taco seasoning instead of traditional spices.
8. Pinto Bean Enchiladas – Add 1 cup mashed pinto beans inside each tortilla before rolling.
9. Sour Cream Enchiladas – Mix sour cream into the sauce for a creamy, tangy finish.
10. Enchiladas Verde con Pollo – Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken and use green sauce.
11. Breakfast Enchiladas – Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese inside the tortillas.
12. Queso Enchiladas – Pour warm queso over the rolled tortillas instead of enchilada sauce.
13. Beef and Rice Enchiladas – Add cooked rice to the beef mixture for extra volume and texture.
14. Mild Kid-Friendly Enchiladas – Skip chili powder, use mild sauce, and add extra cheese.
15. Healthy Enchiladas – Use whole-wheat tortillas, lean ground beef, and a low-sodium sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
   Yes, corn tortillas work great. Warm them first to prevent cracking.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What cheese melts best?
   Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute.
5. Why are my tortillas getting soggy?
   Too much sauce or over-soaking the tortillas may cause sogginess. Add sauce right before baking.
6. How do I keep tortillas from tearing?
   Warm them in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable.
7. Can I freeze cooked enchiladas?
   Yes, but the texture is best when freezing unbaked enchiladas.
8. How do I make them spicier?
   Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers, or hot enchilada sauce.
9. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
10. What toppings go well with enchiladas?
    Sour cream, cilantro, green onions, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sliced olives all work well.

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly and delivers bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy to customize and guaranteed to become a staple in your home. Serve with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or your favorite sides for a complete meal everyone will love.

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