There’s something truly special about enchiladas that warms the soul and brings back the fondest memories of family get-togethers and cozy dinners. I remember the first time I tasted these delicious rolled tortillas filled to the brim with savory goodness; it was like a comforting hug for my taste buds. Over the years, I’ve perfected my ground beef enchiladas recipe—a dish that not only delights but also allows for endless creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself after a long day, this recipe will not let you down.
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes this ground beef enchiladas recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and the sheer ease of preparation, that’s what! The combination of seasoned ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese all packed into soft tortillas is a shimmering beacon of comfort food. Just imagine pulling that bubbling, cheesy dish out of the oven—golden brown and sizzling, wafting hints of cumin and chili in every bite.
There’s also something delightfully customizable about this dish. Want it spicier? Throw in some jalapeños. Prefer a lighter take? Swap in ground turkey or chicken. Each plate is just begging for your own twist, making it uniquely yours. Plus, it’s perfect for a crowd—just double the batch, and you’ll still have time for a glass of wine before dinner!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s get into the heart of the dish—the ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
1 lb lean ground beef: The star of our show. You want something that cooks up tender and juicy but lean enough to keep things light. If you’d like, ground turkey or even beans can make great substitutes.
8 flour or corn tortillas: Flour ones tend to be softer and easier to roll, while corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor. Choose what your taste buds fancy!
2 cups enchilada sauce: This can be store-bought or homemade. If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend a homemade version—it’s remarkably simple and oh-so-satisfying!
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Cheese is life, am I right? Feel free to mix up the cheeses here; a blend of pepper jack adds a delightful kick!
1 medium onion, diced: Sweet, aromatic, and the perfect foundation to our beef mixture. It caramelizes beautifully, adding depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible oomph! Garlic is the unsung hero that magically transforms any dish.
1 tsp cumin: This spice brings warmth and earthy notes. When you toast it for a few seconds before adding it to the mixture, it enhances its aroma—trust me!
1 tsp chili powder: Perfect for a subtle, smoky heat. You can adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Sour cream (for topping): A dollop on top after baking adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the tangy sauce.
How to Make It
Now, let’s get our hands a little dirty! Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring your enchiladas in no time.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Sauté for another minute, allowing those spices to bloom.
Take a tortilla and spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture onto it. Roll it tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Repeat until all your tortillas are filled and nestled together in the dish.
Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, covering them generously. Don’t skimp on this—sauce is life!
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Best way to enjoy it
Serving these enchiladas is a little celebration in itself. For the ultimate experience, offer a side of homemade guacamole or a light and zesty salad loaded with fresh veggies. A side of Spanish rice can also round out the meal beautifully, soaking up every last bit of the sauce. And let’s not forget the star of the show—sour cream. When you add a dollop on top just before serving, it’s like adding a frosting to a cake; it ties everything together.
Storage and reheating tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, rarely happens!), you’ll want to store them properly. Allow the enchiladas to cool completely, then cover them tightly with foil or transfer them into an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
For reheating, simply pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack, but remember to cover them to retain moisture.
Pro chef tips
Let me share a few golden nuggets with you. First, when browning the beef, don’t just toss it in and walk away—stir it occasionally for even cooking. Toast the spices for a deeper flavor and try to build layers of taste throughout. Also, let your enchiladas rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This waiting game allows the flavors to settle, and trust me, it’s worth it!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? There are endless ways to jazz up this recipe! Consider adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture. If you’re a veggie lover, sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms would make fantastic additions. Want a touch of sweetness? Try adding a layer of roasted sweet potatoes. You can even switch out the cheese entirely—feta or goat cheese brings a tangy twist that’s simply divine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 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)
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until translucent (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Your questions answered
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian option will work perfectly!How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?
A simple recipe involves sautéing onions and garlic, adding canned tomatoes, and spices. I can share that if you’re interested!What sides pair well with enchiladas?
Consider serving with Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, or a crisp salad.How do I freeze enchiladas?
Assemble them without sauce, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, pour the sauce over and bake frozen, adding extra time as needed.Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day ahead, cover tightly, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
If you’re still reading, it means you’re ready to dive into this flavor-packed adventure! Ground beef enchiladas are not just a recipe; they’re an expression of love and creativity. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Don’t be afraid to add your flair—experiment and enjoy! I can’t wait to hear about your versions, so share your experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Ground Beef Enchiladas
Description
Delicious rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until translucent (5-7 minutes).Add Spices
Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute.Assemble Tortillas
Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.Bake
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 10 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 0 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 0 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
