Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Sour cream (for topping)

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Welcome the Flavors of Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Whenever I’m craving a meal that feels like a warm, bubbling hug, I turn to my trusty Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its tender, spiced beef filling wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in rich, tangy enchilada sauce. Perfect for family dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly—you’ll enjoy the satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every golden crisp bite.

This recipe is one of those gems that feels homemade yet is quick enough for weeknights. I love how the savory beef blends with the smoky spices, and that bubbly baked cheese on top? Absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these enchiladas are your ticket to easy, delicious comfort food.

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Daisy’s Top Tips

Flavor Builder: For a deeper smoky taste, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
Texture Magic: Lightly toast the tortillas before assembling to prevent sogginess.
Budget Friendly: Swap out Monterey Jack for a blend of shredded mozzarella and cheddar—you’ll still get great melty cheese without the extra cost.
Time Saver: Use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder when you’re in a hurry—it won’t sacrifice much flavor.

Market Basket & Pantry Picks

Three rolled tortillas filled with cooked ground meat in a rich red sauce, placed side by side on a white plate. The tortillas are covered with melted golden-yellow cheese. On top, there is a line of white sour cream, scattered chopped red tomatoes, and fresh green cilantro leaves. Some cilantro leaves are also placed around the edges of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making this Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe shine. I always go for lean ground beef to keep it juicy without excess grease, but feel free to use ground turkey for a lighter option. For tortillas, both flour and corn work wonderfully—just pick what you love or have on hand. Using a good quality enchilada sauce, whether store-bought or homemade, makes a huge difference in flavor depth.

1 lb lean ground beef: Look for 90% lean for hearty flavor without too much fat.
8 flour or corn tortillas: Fresh or day-old will both work, but warming them helps with rolling.
2 cups enchilada sauce: Choose a medium heat level unless you want to turn up the spice.
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and crunch to the meat mix.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings that fragrant punch everyone loves.
1 tsp cumin: Key for earthy warmth.
1 tsp chili powder: Lends a gentle heat and smoky undertone.
Sour cream: Optional but recommended for topping and cool contrast.

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Smart Shopping Ideas

If you’re near a Hispanic market, check their tortilla and enchilada sauce selections—you might find fresher, authentic options that jazz up this dish. When buying cheese, opt for blocks to shred yourself, as they melt creamier and taste fresher. For spices, fresh cumin and chili powder packets ensure a lively flavor punch. If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic paste works well too.

Cook Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Step by Step

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a fiesta? This straightforward Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe will have you rolling out a delicious meal with confidence. Here’s exactly how I do it:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for that final bubbly bake.
Brown the Beef & Onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions until the onions are translucent and the beef is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the base of flavor.
Spice it Up: Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, then sauté everything together for an additional minute. You’ll smell those fragrant spices bloom beautifully here.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Scoop a generous spoonful of the beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them tightly to keep the filling snug and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish so they don’t unravel during baking.
Top with Sauce & Cheese: Pour 2 cups of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Then sprinkle 1 cup of your shredded cheese on top, coating them in that luscious, golden promise.
Bake: Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese turns a light golden crisp. This is my favorite moment—it smells amazing!
Serve & Enjoy: Let the enchiladas rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Dollop with sour cream to add that creamy, cooling contrast that’s just perfect.

Serving the Dish with Flair

The image shows a white bowl filled with four rolled tortillas lying side by side, stuffed with a rich brown cooked meat mixture. Each tortilla is covered with a layer of melted golden-yellow cheese with a slightly crispy texture on top. Around the tortillas, there is a reddish-orange sauce that partially soaks into the edges. In the center on top, there is a dollop of white sour cream topped with small, bright red diced tomatoes and sprinkled with fresh green cilantro leaves, adding color and freshness. There is a black spoon placed on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Now that your Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is all melty and golden, it’s time to share the love! Serve with a side of vibrant salsa or a fresh green salad for balance. I love watching my family’s eyes light up with every bite. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on top—it’s the cozy finishing touch that brings out all those rich flavors.

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Serve It Up Right

Perfect Pairings: Try Mexican rice and refried beans for hearty sides, or a crisp cactus salad for a light contrast.
Plating Magic: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a lime wedge to add color and brightness.
Leftover Love: Store enchiladas in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat covered in the oven to keep that cheese bubbly.
Occasion Twist: For parties, serve mini enchilada bites in muffin tins for fun finger foods.

Fun Variations with Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Add black beans and corn to the beef mix for extra texture and nutrition.
Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a different protein twist.
Mix a little chipotle in adobo into the sauce to kick up smoky heat.
Top with pickled jalapeños for an exciting tangy bite.
Use pepper jack cheese for a creamier, spicy finish.
For a vegetarian take, replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Assemble enchiladas in the baking dish and cover tightly with foil; keep in the fridge for 24 hours before baking.
Freeze: Wrap the unbaked dish in plastic wrap and foil; freezes well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying, about 15-20 minutes.