Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re craving something hearty for a weeknight dinner or planning a meal for a crowd, these ground beef enchiladas bring all the rich, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. This recipe has a special place in my heart—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, reminding me of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table.
With a balance of perfectly seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a savory sauce that ties it all together, these enchiladas are irresistible. And the best part? They’re so easy to make! You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this delicious dish. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen beginners.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will rave about the cheesy goodness.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or tweak the seasonings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick dinner or a potluck dish, these enchiladas never fail to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as you go. Stir in the chopped onion and let it soften for about 2 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, then add the water. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook until the liquid has reduced, leaving you with a flavorful filling. Remove from heat and set aside. - Preheat Your Oven
While the beef filling cools slightly, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface. Scoop a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly, then place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef filling. - Add the Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. - Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or your favorite toppings before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the sauce and cheese.
- Cheese Options: If you don’t have a Mexican cheese blend on hand, cheddar or Monterey Jack works just as well.
- Extra Toppings: Don’t be shy with the extras! Diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate this dish even more.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Notes:
- For a spicier kick, opt for a medium or hot enchilada sauce.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for a lighter option.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Absolutely! Once assembled, wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Corn tortillas add a more authentic flavor, but they can be a bit more delicate. Warm them briefly to make them easier to roll.
3. What should I serve with enchiladas?
Try pairing them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delig
Conclusion:
There’s something magical about a tray of freshly baked enchiladas. From the sizzling cheese to the zesty filling, every bite is a little celebration of flavor. Whether it’s your first time making them or your hundredth, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table. Gather your loved ones and dig into these easy ground beef enchiladas—you’ll find they’re not just food, but a reason to smile.
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Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Family Favorite
Description
Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re craving something hearty for a weeknight dinner or planning a meal for a crowd, these ground beef enchiladas bring all the rich, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. This recipe has a special place in my heart—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, reminding me of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table.
With a balance of perfectly seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a savory sauce that ties it all together, these enchiladas are irresistible. And the best part? They’re so easy to make! You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this delicious dish. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as you go. Stir in the chopped onion and let it soften for about 2 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, then add the water. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook until the liquid has reduced, leaving you with a flavorful filling. Remove from heat and set aside. - Preheat Your Oven
While the beef filling cools slightly, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface. Scoop a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly, then place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef filling. - Add the Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. - Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or your favorite toppings before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, opt for a medium or hot enchilada sauce.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for a lighter option.
