If you’re craving a comforting, satisfying, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas. These cheesy, saucy, flavor-packed enchiladas are a Tex-Mex favorite for a reason. Whether you’re serving family dinner or prepping a freezer-friendly meal, this recipe brings bold taste with minimal effort.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making perfect enchiladas at home—ingredients, step-by-step instructions, customizations, and tips to make them your own.
🌮 What Are Ground Beef Enchiladas?
At their core, enchiladas are tortillas stuffed with a flavorful filling—often meat or beans—rolled and baked in a chili-based sauce. In this version, we’re focusing on Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, which feature seasoned beef, shredded cheese, and store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce.
This dish is:
- Quick and accessible – made with pantry staples
- Totally customizable – adjust the heat, fillings, or toppings
- Crowd-pleasing – perfect for family meals or potlucks
- Comfort food bliss – cheesy, saucy, and satisfying
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list for the best Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas:
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tbsp homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Fillings:
- Black beans
- Diced green chilies
- Corn
- Jalapeños
Toppings (choose your favorites!):
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sliced green onions
- Extra enchilada sauce
- Cotija or feta cheese crumbles
👨🍳 How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup enchilada sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Optional: Add beans or corn at this stage for extra texture.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and pour a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Warm tortillas slightly so they’re pliable.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture to each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly.
- Place seam-side down in the dish.
3. Add Sauce & Cheese
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
4. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Let cool slightly, then top with your favorite garnishes: sour cream, avocado, cilantro—you name it!
🍴 Serving Ideas
Serve your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or charro beans
- A crunchy side salad with lime vinaigrette
- Tortilla chips and homemade guacamole or pico de gallo
🔁 Variations & Substitutions
Want to make these enchiladas your own? Here are some ideas:
- Make them spicy: Add chipotle powder, chopped jalapeños, or use spicy enchilada sauce.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions to the filling.
- Use other proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even lentils.
- Make them gluten-free: Use corn tortillas and check that your sauce and seasoning are GF-labeled.
- Dairy-free option: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free blend—just be sure to add extra seasoning to boost flavor.
📦 Storage & Freezing Tips
Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until hot.
Freezer Instructions:
- Assemble enchiladas but don’t bake.
- Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen, covered, at 375°F for about 40–45 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A Mexican blend or cheddar works great. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick!
Q: Should I use corn or flour tortillas?
Both work! Flour is easier to roll, but corn adds an authentic texture and flavor.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Whether it’s your first time making enchiladas or you’re just craving something cozy, Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are here to save dinner. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and tons of flavor, they’re perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
So grab your skillet and a baking dish—these enchiladas are calling your name!