These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a warm and comforting dish! Made with tasty ground beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas, they are perfect for any meal.
I love how quick and fun they are to make! Just fill, roll, and bake. Plus, they make great leftovers—if there’s any left, that is! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of the dish! I prefer 80/20 ground beef for its balance of fat and flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness. Yellow or white onions are great here. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder as a substitute—about 1 teaspoon will do!
Enchilada Sauce: For a homemade touch, you can blend tomatoes, chili powder, and a bit of broth. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, use a red salsa instead!
Cheese: I love using shredded cheddar for its sharp flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend adds creamy goodness too.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are easy to roll, but if you want a corn option, just make sure to warm them well to avoid cracking.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Rolled Enchiladas?
Rolling enchiladas can be tricky, but here are some helpful tips. First, warming the tortillas makes them more flexible and easier to roll.
- Heat tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or briefly on a dry skillet.
- Don’t overfill – about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture is perfect. Too much filling makes rolling hard!
- Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the pan. This helps them hold together while baking.
With these tips, your enchiladas will be neat and delicious! Enjoy making them!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for mild heat)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for 20-25 minutes. Overall, you can have this delicious dish ready in about 40 minutes, making it the perfect quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure your enchiladas cook evenly and the cheese gets nice and bubbly!
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, making sure it’s fully browned.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add Flavor:
Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced green chilies (if you’re using them), ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes so all the flavors blend together!
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds until soft and pliable.
7. Fill and Roll the Tortillas:
Take about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture and spoon it onto each tortilla. Sprinkle a little cheese on top, then roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
8. Add Sauce:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Make sure they’re well covered for maximum flavor!
9. Top with Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the enchiladas, creating a delicious, melty layer.
10. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve:
Once they’re done, remove from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro if you’d like, and serve with sour cream on the side. Enjoy your delightful Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make great alternatives. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the skillet to prevent overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Tortillas?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are perfect! Just make sure to warm them to make rolling easier. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Enchiladas?
Yes! You can freeze these enchiladas either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover them tightly with foil and bake them directly from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
