Name: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 10 corn tortillas (warmed); 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 packet taco seasoning; 3/4 cup water; 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); 3 10 oz cans enchilada sauce

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Introduction

These easy ground beef enchiladas are a delicious weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Packed with savory beef, melty cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

The image shows two folded yellow-orange enchiladas covered with a thick, rich red sauce, garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. There is a neat dollop of white sour cream sitting on the middle enchilada with a small cilantro leaf on it. A close-up view reveals the firm texture of the tortilla layers and the visible ground meat filling inside, peeking from one end. The dish is served on a clean white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth visible underneath the plate. The sauce looks glossy and slightly thick, pooling around the edges of the enchiladas. A metal fork is partially visible at the right bottom corner next to the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 corn tortillas (warmed)
1 pound lean ground beef

1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 packet taco seasoning

3/4 cup water
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

3 (10 oz) cans enchilada sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef and chopped onions together in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then cook until the liquid is fully absorbed and the mixture is well combined.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C).
Step 4: Pour one can of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Dip each warmed tortilla lightly into the enchilada sauce, then fill it with about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture and 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.

Step 6: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cumin to the beef mixture.

Try using flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier melt.

Storage

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350º F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can also freeze the enchiladas before baking for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white baking dish filled with three layers of enchiladas. The first layer at the bottom is a red sauce with a slightly thick texture, covering the base of the dish. The second layer shows soft corn tortillas folded and filled with a ground meat mixture, peeking out from under the sauce. The top layer is a bright orange melted cheese spread unevenly across the enchiladas, with scattered pieces of fresh green cilantro leaves adding a fresh pop of color. The dish is placed on a blue cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. This makes meal prep easy for busy days.

What can I use if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with salsa or a homemade sauce made from tomato sauce and chili powder, though the flavor will be slightly different. Store-bought enchilada sauce is recommended for the best traditional taste.