Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Try Our Hearty Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Tonight

Crafting delectable ground beef enchiladas brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of savory meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

Authentic Mexican flavors dance across your palate with each carefully rolled tortilla.

Spices blend seamlessly, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together.

Rich, hearty fillings promise satisfaction in every single bite.

Warm up your kitchen and hearts with this irresistible enchilada recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ground Beef Enchiladas with Bold and Tasty Flavors

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: Ground beef enchiladas are a surefire hit for family dinners and casual gatherings, bringing everyone together with their irresistible flavors and comforting appeal.
  • Customize with Ease: This recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or add extra toppings to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: Prepare a delicious, hearty dish in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master confidently.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Ground beef enchiladas deliver maximum flavor without breaking the bank, using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Classic Ground Beef Enchiladas

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of the enchilada filling.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: A robust spice mix that adds depth and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor to the beef.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that provide a rich, savory foundation for the beef mixture.
  • Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and fresh pepper flavor to the enchilada filling.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
  • Enchilada Sauce: A traditional red sauce that provides moisture and authentic Mexican taste.
  • Tomato Paste: Helps to thicken the sauce and intensify the tomato flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Adds extra moisture and deepens the meaty flavor of the filling.
Wrapper and Topping:
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that hold the beef filling and create the classic enchilada shape.
  • Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness to the dish.
Cooking and Garnish:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and beef.
  • Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Ground Beef Enchiladas Step-by-Step

How to Prepare Ground Beef Enchiladas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect cozy environment for your enchiladas to bake beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and heat over medium flame.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they release their fragrant magic.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Drop ground beef into the skillet and break it apart.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Sprinkle in these flavor boosters:
  • Tomato paste
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Create Flavor Depths

Pour beef broth and diced green chilies into the meat mixture.

Let everything simmer and meld together, creating a tantalizing filling.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a thin, welcoming layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 6: Roll the Enchiladas

Warm tortillas slightly for easier handling.

Spoon beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese onto each tortilla.

Roll them up snugly and nestle them into the sauce-lined dish.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Drench the rolled enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce.

Shower generously with extra cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top.

Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Pro Tips for Flavorful Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • After browning ground beef, remove extra grease to prevent greasy enchiladas and maintain a cleaner, lighter dish.
  • Briefly heat tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier rolling.
  • Spread a thin sauce layer on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor to the entire enchilada base.
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting and serving easier.
  • Adjust chili powder and green chilies to match your preferred heat intensity, making the recipe adaptable for different taste preferences.

Variations to Spice Up Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Vegetarian Bean Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, maintaining the same spice profile for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Chicken Enchiladas: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, keeping the original seasoning and cooking method intact.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all spices and sauces are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Enchiladas: Substitute tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini strips as a wrapper, creating a lighter, vegetable-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Fresh Fiesta Plating: Arrange enchiladas on a colorful ceramic plate with vibrant garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Tangy Side Kick: Serve with zesty Mexican-style rice, creamy guacamole, or tangy sour cream to complement the rich, spicy beef enchiladas and balance the flavors.
  • Cool Crunch Companion: Top with crisp shredded lettuce, diced red onions, or quick pickled jalapeños to add refreshing texture and extra zing to each delicious bite.
  • Weekend Gathering Star: Perfect for family dinners or casual game night, these enchiladas create a festive, shareable meal that brings everyone together around the table.

Storage Tips for Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they stay fresh and safe to eat.
  • Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What are the key spices used in this Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe?

The key spices are chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano, which provide a rich, authentic Mexican flavor profile and enhance the ground beef’s taste.

  • Can I use a different type of meat for these enchiladas?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef for a different protein option while maintaining the recipe’s core technique.

  • How do I prevent my enchiladas from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, ensure you don’t oversaturate the tortillas with sauce, drain excess liquid from the beef mixture, and use fresh, high-quality tortillas that can hold the filling without falling apart.

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Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mexican ground beef enchiladas combine savory meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce in a comforting dish. Spicy flavors and hearty ingredients make this classic meal a perfect dinner for family gatherings and casual weeknight meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Tortillas and Base:

  • 810 flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauces and Liquids:

  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth

Cheese and Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Toppings:

  • Jalapeños, sliced
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
  2. Sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
  4. Incorporate tomato paste and spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano) into the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and enhance the flavor profile.
  5. Pour beef broth and diced green chilies into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld the flavors for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial moisture.
  7. Take tortillas and fill each with the seasoned beef mixture and a portion of cheese, carefully rolling them into compact cylinders.
  8. Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a tight formation.
  9. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese across the surface of the enchiladas.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
  12. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, fresh finish.
  13. Serve immediately with optional toppings like sour cream or salsa.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Toast tortillas briefly before filling to prevent sogginess and enhance their texture, creating a more crisp and authentic enchilada experience.
  • Drain excess fat from beef after browning to reduce greasiness and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated meat filling that lets spices shine.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a mix of cheddar and monterey jack to add complexity and personal flair to the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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