Say hola to these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas! This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy night in. What makes these enchiladas stand out is their melty cheese, savory ground beef, and zesty red enchilada sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: These enchiladas are easy to prepare, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and rich enchilada sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Customizable Toppings: Top your enchiladas with fresh ingredients like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños for added zest.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these enchiladas are sure to please.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and flavor, they’re a complete meal that satisfies hunger.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother and quicker.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly while allowing you to mix in other ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect size for holding all the rolled enchiladas while they bake deliciously together.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping onions and garlic for added flavor.
Ingredients
For these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 2 small onions (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 cups Mexican cheese
- 20 oz red enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas (8-10 inch size)
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
* Brown the ground beef with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
* Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add in one cup of enchilada sauce:
* Bring it to a light simmer.
* Turn off the heat and add one cup of cheese.
* Stir until the cheese has melted and is well combined.
Step 4: Prepare Tortillas
Arrange the tortillas on a large cutting board:
* Divide the ground beef mixture evenly between the 8 tortillas (about 2/3 cup per tortilla).
* Place the filling on the lower third of each tortilla and roll it up tightly.
* Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down into the baking dish.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour any remaining sauce over the tortillas:
* Brush it evenly on top of all tortillas.
* Sprinkle on the remaining two cups of cheese.
Step 6: Bake Enchiladas
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil:
* Bake for about 15 minutes.
* Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas warm:
* Add your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
Enjoy this delightful dish with family or friends!
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your meal with some great serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to make your enchiladas even more delightful.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the spiciness of the sauce.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color to your dish.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices provide a rich taste and healthy fats.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add brightness and freshness to every bite.
- Jalapeños: For those who love heat, sliced jalapeños can spice up your enchiladas.
Sides
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the enchiladas perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty side that balances the meal.
- Guacamole: Rich guacamole is a delicious dip that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds crunch and sweetness to each bite.

How to Perfect Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Making the perfect Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and cheese enhance the flavor and texture of your enchiladas.
- Don’t overfill tortillas: Avoid tearing by using about 2/3 cup of filling per tortilla for easy rolling.
- Bake covered initially: This helps melt the cheese thoroughly without burning it on top, ensuring a beautifully gooey texture.
- Let them rest before serving: Allowing them to sit for a few minutes lets the flavors meld together nicely.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Pairing your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder for a zesty kick.
- Cabbage Slaw: A light slaw made with cabbage and lime dressing adds crunch and freshness.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds a vibrant contrast with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a great appetizer or side dish.
- Black Bean Salad: A healthy mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing provides fiber and protein.
- Spanish Rice: Seasoned rice cooked in tomato sauce gives an authentic touch to the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the ground beef can lead to bland enchiladas. Always add salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance flavor.
- Overfilling tortillas: Overstuffing can cause tortillas to break. Stick to about 2/3 cup of filling per tortilla for easy rolling.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cheese or meat can affect melting and texture. Allow ingredients to come to room temperature before cooking.
- Not covering while baking: Failing to cover enchiladas with foil can result in dry edges. Always cover them during the initial bake for moisture retention.
- Choosing the wrong tortillas: Using corn tortillas instead of flour can make rolling difficult. Opt for soft flour tortillas for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Enchiladas can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that works well in this recipe. It will give you a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
What toppings go best with Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I make these enchiladas spicier?
To add heat, consider using spicy red enchilada sauce or adding jalapeños into the beef mixture. Adjust according to your taste!
Final Thoughts
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or add different ingredients like beans or veggies. Try this recipe for a comforting meal that your family will love!

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Discover the joy of cooking with these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, a comforting dish that brings warmth to family dinners and casual gatherings. Bursting with flavor, each enchilada features seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty red enchilada sauce, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Perfect for any occasion, these enchiladas can be customized with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro or spicy jalapeños. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or served at a festive gathering, your family will love this deliciously simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 2 small onions (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 cups Mexican cheese
- 20 oz red enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas (8–10 inch size)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- Stir in one cup of enchilada sauce and simmer. Add one cup of cheese and mix until melted.
- Divide the beef mixture among tortillas, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas and top with two cups of cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes; uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 195g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Don’t overfill tortillas to prevent tearing. Let the enchiladas rest before serving to enhance flavor melding.