Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas have been my weeknight savior more times than I can count because they’re hearty satisfying and come together with just a few pantry staples. The first time I made them I had leftover ground beef and a jar of enchilada sauce sitting around so I wrapped it all up in tortillas threw on some cheese and hoped for the best and it turned out to be one of those “accidental genius” dinners.

Now it’s one of my family’s most-requested meals because the beef is savory the cheese is melty and the sauce brings everything together in the coziest way. I love how customizable it is too depending on what I have in the fridge and it always comes out bubbling and irresistible.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – The hearty base that brings savory flavor and texture.
• Onion – Adds a little sweetness and depth to the beef filling.
• Garlic – Brings warmth and aromatic goodness to the mix.
• Taco seasoning – Infuses the beef with bold classic Tex-Mex flavor.
• Enchilada sauce – The rich tangy element that ties everything together.
• Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese – Melts into gooey perfection over the top.
• Flour tortillas – The perfect vessel for wrapping up all the filling.
• Fresh cilantro – Optional but adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Skillet – I use this to cook the ground beef mixture until it’s well browned and flavorful.
• Mixing spoon or spatula – Great for stirring and breaking up the beef.
• Baking dish – Holds all the rolled enchiladas snugly for baking.
• Grater – If you’re shredding cheese from a block it makes it extra melty.
• Oven mitts – Keeps things safe when pulling the hot bubbly dish out of the oven.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

I begin by heating a skillet over medium heat then I add the ground beef and cook until browned breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink I add diced onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant then stir in taco seasoning and a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce to coat.

Step 2: Prep the Tortillas

I like to warm the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave or skillet so they’re more pliable and easy to roll without tearing.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

I spoon some of the beef filling into the center of each tortilla then roll them tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all the enchiladas are in the dish I pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake

I bake the dish at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot throughout.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving I like to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro on top for a fresh finish.

Tips

If you like a little heat add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture. For an extra creamy touch I sometimes stir a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese into the filling. You can also swap out the beef for ground turkey or black beans for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Ways to Serve

These enchiladas are amazing on their own but I often serve them with a side of Mexican rice a simple green salad or chips and guacamole. They’re also fantastic with sour cream or a drizzle of lime crema for a tangy contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes just assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.

What kind of cheese melts best for easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas?

I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the perfect melt and flavor but pepper jack or Colby work great too.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Absolutely! Assemble and freeze before baking then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas soon! They’re the kind of meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort and I promise they’ll become a regular on your dinner table too. Let me know how yours turn out or how you like to customize them!

Happy Cooking!

Print