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Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

This classic Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe combines seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and melted cheddar cheese rolled inside soft corn tortillas and baked to perfection. A comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, served with optional sour cream and fresh cilantro for added creaminess and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
  • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce

Assembly

  • 10–12 corn tortillas
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Serving Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, diced green chilies (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors. Add about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce to the beef mixture, stir, then remove from heat.
  4. Prepare the Tortillas: Lightly heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolled.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  6. Assemble the Enchiladas: Take each warmed tortilla and fill it with a generous spoonful of the beef mixture. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged.
  7. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
  8. Bake the Enchiladas: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a slightly crispy cheese topping.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired for added creaminess and freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
  • Warming the tortillas makes them more flexible and prevents cracking during rolling.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free tortillas.

Keywords: Ground Beef Enchiladas, Mexican Dinner, Baked Enchiladas, Cheesy Enchiladas, Easy Dinner Recipe