The Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe For Cozy Dinner Nights

Every home cook knows ground beef enchiladas spark serious dinner excitement and bring authentic Mexican flavors right to your kitchen table.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create an irresistible combination that makes everyone eagerly gather around.

Authentic recipes like this transform simple ingredients into something magical and deeply satisfying.

Warm tortillas wrapped around seasoned beef promise comfort in every single bite.

Chilies and spices dance together, creating a meal that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and bold southwestern tastes.

Oven Baked Beef Enchiladas – Cheesy and Irresistible

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation and straightforward ingredients make this dish incredibly quick to assemble, perfect for busy families seeking delicious dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using turkey instead of beef, adding different peppers, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
• Feed a Hungry Crew: Packed with protein and bold Mexican-inspired flavors, these enchiladas satisfy big appetites and work wonderfully for casual gatherings, potlucks, or family meals.

Ground Beef Enchilada Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the main filling for the enchiladas.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and richness to the ground beef mixture.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that wrap the savory beef filling.
• Mexican Cheese: Provides a melty and creamy topping for the enchiladas.

• Tomato Paste: Gives a rich and concentrated tomato flavor to the enchilada sauce.
• Canola Oil: Used as a base for creating the sauce.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Water: Helps to adjust the sauce's consistency.

• Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder: These spices create a warm and complex flavor profile for the enchiladas.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

Roll, Fill, and Bake: Enchilada Guide

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet and cook over medium heat until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown delight.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things lean and mean.

Step 3: Veggie Magic

• Chopped onion
• Diced green bell pepper
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Craft the Magical Sauce

Heat canola oil in a saucepan and whisk in flour, creating a smooth base.

Let it dance for a minute.

Step 5: Sauce Transformation

• Tomato paste
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper

Keep stirring until the sauce thickens into a luscious liquid.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a whisper-thin layer of sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 7: Roll and Tuck

Scoop the beef mixture into tortillas, roll them up snugly, and nestle them seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 8: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and shower with Mexican cheese.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese becomes a molten, bubbly masterpiece.

Tips for Cheesy, Saucy Enchiladas

• Remove as much fat as possible from ground beef to prevent greasy enchiladas and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Experiment with different Mexican cheese blends like queso fresco or pepper jack for unique taste variations.
• Prepare enchiladas in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Replace ground beef with black beans or shredded chicken for alternative protein options and dietary needs.

Enchilada Swaps & Additions

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a plant-based protein option.
• Turkey Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that maintains great flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour in the sauce.
• Spicy Southwest Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in some cayenne pepper for extra heat and kick.

Classic Serving Ideas for Enchiladas

• Mexican Fiesta Plate: Arrange enchiladas alongside vibrant Mexican rice and fresh cilantro garnish for a colorful, traditional presentation.
• Cool & Creamy Companion: Top enchiladas with dollops of sour cream and fresh guacamole to balance the spicy, rich flavors and add creamy texture.
• Fresh Side Kick: Serve with a crisp cabbage slaw or chopped salad with lime vinaigrette to provide a light, tangy contrast to the hearty enchiladas.
• Southwest Brunch Twist: Serve with a sunny-side-up egg on top and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a delightful breakfast-style variation.

Enchilada Storage Hacks

• Seal leftover enchiladas in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and tasty.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) is ideal as it provides good flavor while reducing excess grease during cooking.

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas and will work well, but they might need to be briefly heated in oil first to prevent cracking.

• How can I make the enchiladas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or increase the amount of chili powder in the sauce to boost heat levels according to your preference.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare enchiladas ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or advance meal planning.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican cuisine comes alive with ground beef enchiladas, a mouthwatering dish packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. Melted cheese, zesty sauce, and perfectly seasoned meat create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150 grams) onion, chopped
• 1 cup (150 grams) green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Bread and Dairy:

• 8 soft taco flour tortillas or king corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) Mexican cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any excess fat.
3. Incorporate chopped onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper into the meat. Sauté until vegetables soften and become translucent.
4. Create the enchilada sauce by heating canola oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for one minute to develop flavor.
5. Blend tomato paste, cumin, oregano, chili powder, water, salt, and black pepper into the roux. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Spread a thin layer of prepared sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
7. Fill each tortilla with the seasoned beef mixture, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
8. Generously pour remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle Mexican cheese blend evenly across the top of the enchiladas.
10. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent soggy enchiladas and maintain a crisp texture.
• Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition.
• Customize heat level by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for spice lovers.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 332 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg