Ground Beef Enchiladas

Recipe By:
Ruth
Updated:

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm tortilla filled with perfectly seasoned ground beef, enveloped in rich, spicy sauce, and crowned with a blanket of gooey cheese. The aromas wafting through the kitchen could make even the grumpiest cat purr. These ground beef enchiladas are not just a meal; they are an experience that brings families together and fills hearts with joy.

Picture this: it’s Friday night, the week is finally over, and you’re ready to kick back with something delicious. You gather your crew around the dinner table as you dish out these cheesy delights. Trust me; your taste buds will be dancing like no one’s watching by the end of this culinary adventure.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These ground beef enchiladas are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
  • The explosion of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds
  • Their vibrant colors and enticing aroma make them a feast for the eyes too
  • Plus, they can easily be tailored to suit different tastes or dietary needs!

Family members once declared this dish a “culinary hug,” sparking laughter and smiles all around the dinner table.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease while still enjoying that rich flavor.
  • Tortillas: Use flour tortillas for a softer bite or corn tortillas for a more authentic texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds a delightful kick when melted.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade brings extra love to the dish.
  • Onion: Diced onion caramelizes beautifully, adding depth and sweetness to each bite.
  • Garlic: Adding minced garlic elevates the flavor profile significantly.
  • Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds brightness and balances out the richness of cheese.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s hot and ready when your enchiladas are assembled.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Once it’s shimmering like a disco ball at 70s party time, toss in diced onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.

Add Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly before adding your ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly while breaking it up with a spatula—around 7-10 minutes should do it!

Season It Up: Once browned, sprinkle in taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought works wonders) along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.

Assemble the Enchiladas: Grab a tortilla and place some of that glorious meat mixture in the center. Roll it up tightly like you’re wrapping a precious gift—place seam-side down in your baking dish.

Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour enchilada sauce generously over your rolled tortillas before sprinkling shredded cheese on top like you’re decorating a cake!

Bake Until Golden Brown: Slide that masterpiece into your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top—trust me; it’ll smell divine.

Now that you’ve reached the final step of cooking your ground beef enchiladas, let them cool slightly before serving them alongside sour cream or guacamole if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every cheesy bite as you reminisce about how these little bundles of happiness have transformed your dinner into a fiesta!

You Must Know

  • Ground beef enchiladas are perfect for meal prep
  • They freeze well and taste even better after a night in the fridge
  • The rich layers of cheese, meat, and sauce create a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then prepare your sauce while the beef cooks. Assemble your enchiladas with fillings and cheese before baking them to perfection.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian version. You can also add jalapeños or extra cheese for a flavor boost that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the best flavor, season your ground beef with spices as it cooks to enhance its richness
  • Use fresh tortillas instead of stale ones for a better texture
  • A sprinkle of cilantro before serving adds freshness and color to your dish

Sharing my first attempt at ground beef enchiladas was nerve-wracking, but their delighted smiles made every moment worth it!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other meats for ground beef enchiladas?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken or turkey also works wonderfully in this recipe.

How do I make enchiladas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa to amp up the heat.

Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Print

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal, featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in tortillas and topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners, these enchiladas are easy to make and full of flavor.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 8 flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned and crumbly, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Season with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
  5. Spoon the meat mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
  6. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada (180g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or shredded chicken. Add diced jalapeños for extra spice or use different cheeses for varying flavors. These enchiladas freeze well; simply reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

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