Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas offer everything you want in a classic, comforting Mexican-inspired dish—soft tortillas, a rich beef filling, and plenty of melted cheese all wrapped in a flavorful enchilada sauce. This recipe delivers bold flavor without requiring advanced cooking skills, and it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and gooey cheese is consistently satisfying. I once prepared these using almond milk in the sauce base to test a dairy-light variation, and it surprisingly worked well, keeping the filling creamy without altering the overall taste. These enchiladas reheat wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep. Whether you pair them with rice, beans, or enjoy them on their own, this recipe offers a reliable, hearty main dish that appeals to nearly everyone at the table.
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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Comforting Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting, flavor-packed Mexican-inspired dish made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 10–12 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to soften.
- Spoon a small amount of enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
- Add black beans or corn to the filling for more texture.
- For extra flavor, mix a little cream cheese into the beef filling.
- Double the batch and freeze one pan for later.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Seasoned ground beef provides the hearty foundation of the filling, offering rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Onion
Diced onion adds savory depth and helps enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
Garlic
Fresh garlic contributes aromatic warmth and complements the spice blend.
Taco Seasoning
A blend of taco seasoning infuses the filling with familiar spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Tomato Sauce
Smooth tomato sauce forms part of the enchilada sauce base, adding acidity and richness.
Enchilada Sauce
A robust enchilada sauce—either red or mild—provides the signature flavor and coats the tortillas beautifully.
Tortillas
Soft tortillas, either flour or corn, wrap around the cheesy beef mixture. Flour tortillas tend to roll more easily.
Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey filling.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Mild, melty Monterey Jack cheese enhances the richness and ensures every bite is ultra-creamy.
Olive Oil
A bit of olive oil is used for sautéing and adds gentle flavor.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir well, then add a spoonful of tomato sauce to moisten the mixture. Let the filling simmer for a few minutes until thickened slightly.
Warm your tortillas briefly to make them pliable. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture into each tortilla, followed by a handful of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish. Once all enchiladas are arranged, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly on top and finish with a generous layer of cheese.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Allow the enchiladas to rest for several minutes before serving so they hold their shape. Serve with fresh toppings such as green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
A large skillet, a mixing spoon, a cutting board, a sharp knife, a baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, and a spatula for stirring and filling. Foil is helpful if you prefer to cover the dish during baking.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation requires about 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of baking time and a brief 5-minute resting period before serving.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. They may also be reheated in the microwave, though the tortillas will soften more.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Enchiladas
Add chopped jalapeños or use a hot enchilada sauce for extra heat.
Creamy Beef Enchiladas
Stir a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture to enrich the filling.
Veggie-Boosted Version
Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture.
Chicken Enchiladas
Replace the beef with shredded chicken for a lighter option.
Dairy-Free Enchiladas
Use dairy-free cheese and almond milk–based sauce for a fully dairy-free dish.
Bean and Beef Combo
Mix black beans or pinto beans into the beef mixture for added texture and protein.
Corn Tortilla Classic
Use corn tortillas for a more traditional take, softening them in a warm skillet first.
Smoky Variation
Add smoked paprika or chipotle peppers for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Mild, Kid-Friendly Version
Reduce the seasoning and use mild enchilada sauce.
Extra-Cheesy Topping
Layer additional cheese between rolled enchiladas before saucing for a richer result.
FAQs
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
Can I freeze cooked enchiladas?
Yes, they freeze well and reheat nicely in the oven.
Are flour tortillas better than corn?
Flour tortillas roll more easily, but corn offers traditional flavor.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully, but pepper jack adds heat.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely; season it well to enhance flavor.
How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?
Avoid overfilling and do not oversaturate the tortillas with sauce.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and check the enchilada sauce label.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
It is not necessary, but covering halfway through helps prevent overbrowning.
Can I add rice inside the enchiladas?
Yes, adding a small amount of cooked rice can extend the filling.
Why do my tortillas crack?
Warm them before rolling to make them more flexible.
Conclusion
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas provide a satisfying, flavorful meal suitable for any night of the week. Their rich filling, generous cheese, and comforting sauce create a dish that feels both special and wonderfully familiar. With plenty of options for customization, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences and becomes a reliable favorite for family dinners and gatherings.
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