These delicious ground beef enchiladas are a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and wrapped in soft tortillas, they’re full of flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
I love making these enchiladas when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The combination of savory beef and gooey cheese just hits the spot every time. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that even picky eaters look forward to.
My favorite way to serve these enchiladas is with a simple side of refried beans or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. They’re also great topped with a little sour cream or sliced avocado for an extra creamy touch. These enchiladas always make the table smile, and they’re so easy to whip up whenever hunger calls!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein and flavor base. For leaner options, try ground turkey or chicken. For more richness, 80/20 beef works best.
Enchilada Sauce: Red enchilada sauce adds the classic tang and spice. If unavailable, use salsa roja or a mix of tomato sauce with chili powder.
Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend melts nicely and adds gooey texture. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can work if you prefer milder cheese.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll. Corn tortillas are great too, but warm them up first so they don’t break.
How Can You Make Sure Your Enchiladas Are Perfectly Rolled and Melty?
Rolling enchiladas tightly prevents filling from spilling and makes baking easier. Here’s how:
- Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave to make them flexible.
- Spoon filling down the center, don’t overfill—it should be about 2-3 tablespoons to avoid bursting.
- Add a bit of cheese inside for gooey surprise.
- Roll firmly but gently and place seam side down in the pan to keep them closed.
- Pour sauce evenly over rolls to keep them moist and melt cheese on top for that golden crust.
These tips help you get cheesy, tender enchiladas that hold together well and taste delicious every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking ground beef and sautéing onions evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps break up the beef and stir ingredients without scratching your pan.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough for all enchiladas to fit without crowding.
- Measuring spoons – handy for accurately adding spices and sauce.
- Cheese grater – if you buy block cheese, grating melts better and faster than pre-shredded.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken for a lighter, tender filling.
- Mix in black beans or corn with the beef for extra texture and fiber.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a little kick of heat in the melted topping.
- Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the beef for smoky depth.
How to Make Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce, plus extra for topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Cooking oil (1 tablespoon)
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple and tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time on the stove, plus 15 minutes baking in the oven. From start to finish, you can enjoy cheesy ground beef enchiladas ready to serve in just 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Filling:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as you go, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the enchilada sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes to combine all the flavors, then remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Take one tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling, then roll the tortilla tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, covering all the enchiladas.
3. Bake and Serve:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Before serving, add dollops of sour cream on top, then garnish with diced tomato, diced avocado, and freshly chopped cilantro.
Serve your delicious ground beef enchiladas warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can! Just warm the corn tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.
How Can I Make These Enchiladas Spicier?
Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Can I Prepare the Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and cover the baking dish with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
