Juicy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting delectable ground beef enchiladas sparks a culinary adventure that connects you to authentic southwestern flavors.

Layers of seasoned meat nestle between soft tortillas, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Fragrant spices dance through each bite, promising comfort and satisfaction.

Mexican cuisine brings bold ingredients together in surprising harmony.

Melted cheese blankets the enchiladas, adding richness to every forkful.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will become your new favorite go-to meal.

FAQs

• What makes ground beef the best protein for enchiladas?

Ground beef provides rich flavor, affordable protein, and easy texture that absorbs spices perfectly. Its quick cooking time and ability to mix well with Mexican seasonings make it ideal for enchiladas.

• How can I ensure my ground beef is properly cooked?

Brown the meat completely, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and drain excess fat. This prevents soggy enchiladas and ensures food safety by reaching 160°F internal temperature.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as leaner alternatives. They absorb similar seasonings and provide comparable protein content. Just ensure you cook them thoroughly and maintain similar spice ratios.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Full Of Flavor

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: Ground beef enchiladas deliver maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This one-pan recipe transforms standard ingredients into a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and brings families together around the table.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the dish by adding favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños to match individual taste preferences.
• Quick Comfort Food: Minimal prep and cooking steps transform ground beef into a hearty, warm meal that provides maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen time.

Ingredients For Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the enchiladas.
• Tortillas: Soft, flexible corn or flour wraps that hold the beef filling and create the classic enchilada structure.
• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty, tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor to the dish.
• Cheese: A melty, creamy topping that adds richness and helps bind the enchiladas together.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the ground beef mixture.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Spices that create a complex, warm, and authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning blend.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add brightness, creaminess, and additional layers of flavor to the finished enchiladas.

How To Cook Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Brown the Beef Brilliantly

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.

Cook until the meat turns a rich, deep brown color and no pink remains. This develops incredible flavor and ensures food safety.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the spices to bloom and coat the meat perfectly. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Foundation

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom. This prevents sticking and adds an extra flavor boost to the entire dish.

Step 4: Roll Those Delicious Enchiladas

Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Place a generous scoop of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.

Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then roll tightly. Position each rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese across the top, covering every inch for maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and the edges start to crisp up slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

Tips For Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the enchiladas.
• Swap corn tortillas for whole wheat tortillas to increase fiber content and add nutritional value.
• Let the ground beef mixture cool slightly before filling tortillas to prevent soggy wrapping and maintain a crisp texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco for added flavor complexity.
• Prepare extra filling and freeze for quick meal prep on busy weeknights, saving time and effort.

Variations On Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Chicken Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option. Season chicken with same spices for consistent flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with black beans and add diced bell peppers for hearty plant-based version. Use vegetable enchilada sauce to complement filling.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Enchiladas: Substitute tortillas with thin zucchini slices as wrapping. Use corn tortillas if preferred and ensure gluten-free enchilada sauce for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Enchiladas: Replace tortillas with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower sheets. Keep spice mixture and cheese topping for keto-friendly alternative that maintains original recipe's essence.

What To Serve With Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Create a vibrant Mexican-style platter with colorful bell peppers, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges surrounding the enchiladas for a restaurant-worthy display.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Style: Set out small bowls of sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and chopped green onions so everyone can customize their enchiladas with their favorite toppings.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair the enchiladas with a simple Mexican rice or black beans to make a complete, satisfying dinner that comes together in under 45 minutes.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Chop up any remaining enchiladas and use them as a delicious filling for breakfast burritos or as a topping for nachos the next day.

Proper Storage For Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to keep them from drying out.
• Transfer cooled enchiladas to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican ground beef enchiladas combine hearty flavors from traditional southwestern cuisine. Melted cheese, spicy sauce, and tender meat create a delicious meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) red enchilada sauce
• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced olives

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking temperature.
2. Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat, breaking into small crumbles.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
5. Coat bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish with thin layer of enchilada sauce.
6. Warm tortillas slightly to increase flexibility for rolling.
7. Place beef mixture and shredded cheese in center of each tortilla, then roll tightly into compact cylinders.
8. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in prepared baking dish.
9. Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce over entire surface of rolled tortillas.
10. Generously sprinkle additional cheese across top of enchiladas.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly crispy.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

• Check ground beef’s fat content for optimal texture; leaner meat might need added moisture to prevent dryness.
• Consider using corn tortillas for authentic flavor and better structural integrity when rolling.
• Prep extra spices to customize heat level, allowing each person to adjust according to their preference.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 468 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg