Name: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 enchiladas
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 8 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Sour cream (for topping)

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a true weeknight wonder, promising a hearty, flavor-packed meal that satisfies everyone at the table without the usual culinary marathon. Imagine sinking your fork into tender, seasoned ground beef rolled in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich, zesty sauce, and blanketed under a bubbling layer of melted cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, made surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious.

While traditional enchiladas boast a long and storied history in Mexican cuisine, evolving from simple corn tortillas wrapped around various fillings and bathed in chili sauce, our recipe respects that heritage while thoughtfully streamlining the process for modern kitchens. I know many of you cherish the vibrant, comforting flavors of Mexican-inspired dishes, but sometimes the preparation can seem daunting. That’s precisely why I’m thrilled to share this particular recipe. It captures all the beloved elements—the savory, perfectly spiced beef, the distinctive kick of the enchilada sauce, and the irresistible gooey cheese—but significantly cuts down on the complexity. This method for creating truly Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas ensures you can enjoy that authentic, comforting taste with minimal fuss, making it a perfect addition to your family’s favorite rotation.

Ingredients:

For the Savory Ground Beef Filling:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1/2 cup of the prepared enchilada sauce (see below)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For the Rich Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth, low sodium
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (plain, not seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For Assembling the Enchiladas:
- 12-15 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping and extra flavor)
- Vegetable oil for lightly frying tortillas (optional, but highly recommended for flexibility)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Diced red onion
- Sliced jalapeños

Preparing the Rich Enchilada Sauce

Making your own enchilada sauce might seem like an extra step, but trust me, the depth of flavor it brings to these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is absolutely worth it! It’s surprisingly simple and far superior to most canned versions. If you’re really pressed for time, you can certainly use a good quality store-bought red enchilada sauce, about 20-24 ounces, but I encourage you to try this homemade version at least once.

Heat the Oil and Bloom Spices: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a light roux and smells slightly nutty. This quick roux helps to thicken our sauce.
Build the Flavor Base: To the roux, add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the spices to “bloom” in the hot oil. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen – this step is crucial for developing a rich, complex flavor in your sauce. Be careful not to burn the spices!
Whisk in Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken or beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a lovely, pourable consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra broth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. Remember, the sauce is a cornerstone of our Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, so ensure it’s seasoned perfectly to your liking. Remove from heat and set aside.

Crafting the Savory Ground Beef Filling

The heart of our Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in its delicious and well-seasoned filling. This section walks you through creating a flavorful ground beef mixture that will make these enchiladas truly irresistible. We’re aiming for a moist, savory filling that complements the rich enchilada sauce beautifully.

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently until it is no longer pink and is beautifully browned. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes. It’s crucial to ensure the beef is thoroughly cooked and any excess fat is drained off before proceeding. We want to avoid greasy enchiladas! Once browned, carefully drain off any accumulated fat. You can use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels, then pour out the fat from the pan, or simply tilt the pan and use a spoon to hold the beef back while draining.
Sauté Aromatics: Return the drained beef to the skillet (if you removed it). Add the finely diced yellow onion. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The sweetness of the cooked onion will add a wonderful layer of flavor.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. Now, it’s time to build the robust flavor profile! Add the 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir the spices into the beef and onion mixture, cooking for about 1 minute more, allowing them to toast and release their incredible aromas. This step really infuses the beef with authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
Incorporate Green Chiles and Sauce: Stir in the undrained can of diced green chiles. The liquid from the chiles will add moisture and a subtle tang. Next, add 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce you prepared earlier to the beef mixture. This helps bind the filling and adds another layer of flavor and moisture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing everything to heat through and the flavors to meld.
Season the Filling: Season the ground beef filling with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, a touch more chili powder, or a pinch more cayenne if you like a spicier kick. The goal is a well-balanced, flavorful filling that stands on its own. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the filling aside.

Assembling Your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

This is where the magic happens and your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas start to take shape! Proper assembly ensures evenly cooked, delicious enchiladas that hold together beautifully. Pay attention to warming your tortillas; it’s a small step that makes a huge difference in the final texture.

Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. We’ll start by spreading a thin layer of the prepared enchilada sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of the baking dish. This helps prevent the enchiladas from sticking and adds extra moisture and flavor to the bottom layer.
Warm the Tortillas: This is a crucial step! Cold tortillas will crack and break when rolled. You have a few options for warming:
- Microwave Method: Wrap about 5-6 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until pliable. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Quick Fry Method (Recommended for Best Texture): Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, quickly dip each corn tortilla into the hot oil for about 10-15 seconds per side. You don’t want them crispy, just softened and pliable. This creates a barrier that prevents the tortillas from getting soggy and adds a fantastic flavor. Place the softened tortillas on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Be careful as you do this, as the oil can splatter.
- Sauce Dip Method: Dip each tortilla into the warm enchilada sauce briefly. This also softens them and adds flavor, but they can be a bit messier to handle.
Choose the method that works best for you, but don’t skip warming them!
Dip in Sauce (Optional but Recommended): Once your tortillas are warm and pliable, you can briefly dip each one into the remaining warm enchilada sauce. This adds another layer of flavor and helps keep the tortillas moist during baking. Let any excess sauce drip off before filling.
Fill and Roll the Enchiladas: Lay a softened tortilla flat on your work surface. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the ground beef filling in a line down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a small amount of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons) over the filling. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one end. You want a snug roll that will hold its shape. As you roll each enchilada, place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly side-by-side. Continue this process until all the filling and tortillas are used, or until your baking dish is full. You should be able to fit 12-15 enchiladas, depending on how tightly you pack them.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are neatly arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Make sure every enchilada is generously covered with sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and all of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauced enchiladas. We want a beautiful, cheesy crust! Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s an essential component of truly satisfying enchiladas.

Baking and Finishing Touches

The final phase in creating your magnificent Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is baking them to golden, bubbly perfection. This step brings all the incredible flavors together and melts the cheese into a glorious, gooey blanket. Patience is key for a perfectly baked dish.

Bake the Enchiladas: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the enchilada sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on the cheese towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Rest Before Serving: Once baked, carefully remove the enchiladas from the oven. Allow them to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is important because it allows the sauce and filling to set, making the enchiladas easier to serve without falling apart. It also prevents any residual heat from overcooking the cheese and allows the flavors to truly settle.
Garnish and Serve: These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot, directly from the baking dish. Garnish with your favorite toppings: a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds brightness, a dollop of cool sour cream or Mexican crema provides a lovely creamy contrast, and a few diced red onions can offer a nice bite. Sliced jalapeños can be added for those who love an extra kick. These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the grand finale, and I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about what you’ve just learned! If there’s one dish that consistently brings smiles to faces and warmth to the soul, it’s a platter of perfectly baked enchiladas. And this particular recipe? It’s not just any enchilada recipe; it’s truly a game-changer. I’ve designed it specifically to cut down on fuss without ever compromising on that deep, rich, authentic flavor we all crave. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary wizard, even on the busiest of weeknights. The combination of perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and that vibrant, savory sauce wrapped in soft tortillas creates an experience that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. Trust me when I say, once you try these, they’ll become a regular fixture in your meal rotation. They are, without a doubt, a testament to how incredible homemade comfort food can be.

What makes this recipe for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas an absolute must-try isn’t just its simplicity, though that’s a huge bonus. It’s the way every single component comes together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The ground beef, seasoned to perfection, provides a hearty and savory base, while the enchilada sauce adds that indispensable tangy and slightly spicy kick. Then, you have the glorious cascade of melted cheese, binding everything together in a gooey, irresistible embrace. It’s truly a dish that speaks to the heart, reminiscent of cherished family dinners and joyous gatherings. I promise you, the aroma alone as it bakes in your oven will have everyone clamoring for a taste. It’s the kind of dish that garners compliments and requests for seconds, making you feel proud of your kitchen prowess without having spent hours slaving over the stove. This balance of simplicity and profound deliciousness is why I wholeheartedly stand by this recipe.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

While these enchiladas are certainly robust enough to stand on their own as a complete meal, I always love to offer a few suggestions to truly round out the dining experience. For a classic Mexican-inspired feast, consider serving your enchiladas alongside a generous helping of fluffy cilantro-lime rice. The bright, zesty notes of the rice cut through the richness of the enchiladas beautifully. A side of perfectly cooked black beans, perhaps seasoned with a touch of cumin and garlic, also makes for an excellent accompaniment, adding an extra layer of protein and fiber. And for that essential fresh component? A crisp, vibrant salad with a light vinaigrette or a simple chopped avocado salad provides a lovely contrast. Don’t forget the garnishes! A dollop of cool sour cream or a swirl of Mexican crema, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime for an optional squeeze of citrus are non-negotiable in my book. For those who love a bit of heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce on top can really take things up a notch. These small additions truly transform a great meal into an extraordinary one.

Creative Variations for Endless Possibilities

One of the things I adore most about this recipe is its incredible versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, the possibilities for customization are virtually endless. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some finely diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn kernels to your ground beef mixture for an extra burst of flavor and texture. For a vegetarian twist, you could easily swap the ground beef for a hearty mix of black beans, corn, and roasted sweet potatoes. Different cheeses can also introduce new dimensions; a Monterey Jack or a blend with Colby can offer a different melt and flavor profile. If you like a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper in your beef seasoning or a spicier enchilada sauce will certainly do the trick. And for those busy days when you need to get ahead, remember that these enchiladas are fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble them entirely the day before, cover, and refrigerate, then simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready for a warm, delicious dinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe truly your own!

So, my friends, there you have it. My heartfelt recommendation for a recipe that I truly believe will become a cherished staple in your home. I really, truly hope you give these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas a try very soon. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a meal from scratch that brings so much joy and comfort. When you do, please, please share your experience with me! I absolutely love hearing about your kitchen adventures, your successes, and any fun twists you put on the recipe. Did you add extra cheese? A secret spice? A unique topping? Tell me all about it! Your feedback and creations inspire me, and I can’t wait to hear how this delicious dish transforms your next mealtime. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!