Enchiladas with ground beef are a classic comfort food that brings bold flavors and cheesy goodness to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’ve been wondering how do you make enchiladas with ground beef, you’re in the right place! Let’s walk through an easy, step-by-step recipe that anyone can follow, plus some tips to make your enchiladas extra tasty.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas
– 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 8-10 flour or corn tortillas (10-inch size works best)
– 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder
– Optional: garlic, diced green chilies, beans, corn, and fresh toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or pico de gallo
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef Enchiladas
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and pour about half a cup of enchilada sauce to coat the bottom. This will keep your enchiladas moist and flavorful as they bake.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasy enchiladas. For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic or diced green chilies at this stage. Then, stir in about 1 cup of enchilada sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and mix in a handful of shredded cheese to bind the filling.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle a little cheese on top. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with all tortillas until the dish is full.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese on Top
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese generously on top. This layer of sauce and cheese will create that irresistible bubbly, golden crust once baked.
5. Bake Until Perfect
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The enchiladas should be heated through and the sauce slightly thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or fresh pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Variations for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas
– Make your own enchilada sauce: For a richer taste, try making a homemade sauce with chili powder, tomato paste, chicken broth, and spices like cumin and oregano. This adds a fresh, authentic touch.
– Use different cheeses: American cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work beautifully. Mixing cheeses can give you a great balance of flavor and meltiness.
– Add beans or corn: For extra texture and nutrition, stir in some black beans or corn with the beef filling.
– Make ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
– Try a casserole style: If rolling tortillas feels tedious, layer beef, tortillas, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish for a deconstructed enchilada that’s just as delicious and easier to make.
Why Ground Beef Enchiladas Are a Family Favorite
Ground beef enchiladas combine simple ingredients with bold Mexican flavors, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. They’re hearty, cheesy, and customizable to suit your taste. Plus, they use pantry staples and can be made quickly, yet feel like a special treat. This dish brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
Ground beef enchiladas are straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and loved by all ages. Once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to in your dinner rotation!