Ground beef enchiladas are a classic Tex-Mex favorite that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together. They combine savory, seasoned ground beef with melty cheese and rich enchilada sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. If you’ve ever wondered how to make ground beef enchiladas from scratch, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through a simple, flavorful recipe that you can whip up in about 30 to 45 minutes, using ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Filling:
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for flavor)
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchilada Sauce:
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
– 6 ounces tomato sauce or tomato paste diluted with water
For Assembly:
– 8 to 12 flour or corn tortillas (8-inch size)
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, seasoning with taco seasoning or your spice blend. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from getting greasy.
2. Make the Enchilada Sauce
While the beef cooks, prepare the homemade enchilada sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and smells nutty—this is your roux. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and toast the spices briefly to bring out their flavor.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Warm the Tortillas
To prevent cracking when rolling, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel until pliable.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
Pour about half a cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay a tortilla flat, spoon a generous amount of the ground beef mixture down the center, and sprinkle with a little cheese. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Once all enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese generously over everything.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top your enchiladas with fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or green onions for extra flavor and color. Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas
– Use a mix of cheeses: Combining sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a nice balance of flavor and meltiness.
– Make your own sauce: Homemade enchilada sauce tastes fresher and more vibrant than canned versions.
– Don’t overfill: Too much filling makes rolling difficult and can cause the tortillas to tear.
– Try corn or flour tortillas: Both work well; flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, while corn tortillas add authentic texture.
– Add beans or veggies: For extra nutrition and bulk, mix in refried beans or sautéed peppers with the beef.
Ground beef enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and quick to prepare. With this straightforward recipe, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy, saucy dish ready to enjoy in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners, these enchiladas will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the tasty results!
Ready to make your own? Gather your ingredients and start cooking — your family will thank you!