Masters of kitchen
If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor, Ground Beef Enchiladas are the answer. This classic Tex-Mex dish delivers comfort in every bite—warm tortillas wrapped around savory seasoned beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with bubbling melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, planning a casual dinner party, or prepping freezer-friendly meals ahead of time, ground beef enchiladas are always a hit. They’re budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with both kids and adults.
Tip: Ground beef enchiladas are a budget-friendly comfort food that still feels like a treat—especially when served with rice, beans, or a crisp salad on the side.
What Are Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Enchiladas are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine—rolled tortillas filled with a flavorful stuffing, usually smothered in a savory sauce and baked until bubbly. While they come in many variations, ground beef enchiladas are especially popular thanks to their simplicity and heartiness.
What makes them unique? It’s all about the satisfying combination of seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, and a rich enchilada sauce, topped with generous amounts of gooey melted cheese. The textures and bold flavors blend perfectly, creating a comforting dish that feels homemade and indulgent.
Traditionally, Mexican enchiladas use corn tortillas and a red chili sauce. Tex-Mex versions often feature flour tortillas, a tomato-based enchilada sauce, and lots of melted cheese. Ground beef enchiladas lean more Tex-Mex, but you can easily tweak the ingredients to reflect your preferred flavor profile—whether spicy, smoky, mild, or cheesy.
Key Ingredients for Making Ground Beef Enchiladas at Home
Let’s break down the key components that make ground beef enchiladas such a satisfying dish.
Tortillas
Both corn and flour tortillas work well, but they offer different textures. Corn tortillas are more traditional and slightly firmer, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll. For a heartier bite, go with corn. For ultra-soft rolls, choose flour.
Ground Beef
Choose 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef. This keeps the filling juicy without becoming greasy. For added richness, you can mix in a little chorizo or ground pork, but plain seasoned beef is classic.
Enchilada Sauce
You can use store-bought enchilada sauce for convenience, or make your own. Red enchilada sauce adds a mild, smoky flavor, while green sauce brings a tangy, herby twist. Both are great—just match the flavor to your preferences.
Cheese
Use a combination for the best results. Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, Monterey Jack melts like a dream, and queso fresco adds a salty finish. Pre-shredded is fine, but freshly grated melts better.
Add-ins
Sautéed onions, green chilies, garlic, or black beans make excellent additions. Spice it up with taco seasoning, cumin, paprika, or chipotle powder.
Use lean ground beef (85/15) for a flavorful yet not greasy filling.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making ground beef enchiladas is easier than you think. Here’s how to bring this Tex-Mex classic to life.
Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in finely diced onions, garlic, and taco seasoning. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until fragrant. Add a splash of enchilada sauce or tomato paste to bind the mixture and deepen the flavor.
Soften Tortillas
Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, quickly pan-fry them with a bit of oil, or steam them briefly. This step helps prevent cracking during assembly.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef filling onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
Add Sauce & Cheese
Pour your enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them generously. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top—don’t be shy! A good cheese layer ensures a golden, bubbly finish.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.
Tip: Bake uncovered for a crispy top or cover with foil for extra melty cheese.
Best Cheese and Sauce for Ground Beef Enchiladas
Pairing the right cheese and sauce takes these enchiladas from good to unforgettable.
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Bold cheddar adds sharpness and color.
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Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
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For a touch of authenticity, crumble in queso fresco or cotija after baking.
When it comes to sauce:
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A smoky red enchilada sauce gives deep, rich flavor.
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Prefer something tangy? Try a green enchilada sauce made with tomatillos.
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For a Tex-Mex twist, go bold with a chipotle enchilada sauce.
The key is balance—choose cheese and sauce that complement the beef without overpowering it.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe for Beef Enchiladas
Want to level up your enchiladas? Make your own sauce!
In a saucepan, whisk together:
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2 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons oil
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Add 3 tablespoons chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, cumin, and oregano
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Stir for 1 minute, then whisk in 2 cups beef or chicken broth
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Add 6 oz tomato paste
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Simmer for 10–15 minutes, until thickened
This homemade red enchilada sauce is bold, smoky, and preservative-free. If you’re in a rush, you can make a quick enchilada sauce using canned tomato sauce and taco seasoning—it still packs plenty of flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas
Want your ground beef enchiladas to taste like a restaurant-quality dish at home? These tips make all the difference:
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Don’t overstuff the tortillas. It’s tempting, but too much filling leads to tears and unrolling.
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Use fresh tortillas. Older tortillas are prone to cracking. Warm them slightly to make them flexible and roll-ready.
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Toast your spices while cooking the beef to bring out deeper flavors.
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Let the enchiladas rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
Also, don’t skip lightly greasing your baking dish—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. And for that perfect finish? A final sprinkle of cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking adds a golden, bubbly top.
Pro tip: Layer a little sauce on the bottom of your dish before adding rolled enchiladas to keep them from drying out.
Creative Variations of Ground Beef Enchiladas to Try
Ground beef enchiladas are super flexible! Try these tasty twists based on your mood, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge:
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Low-carb version: Swap tortillas with thin-sliced zucchini or eggplant for a veggie-forward meal.
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Kid-friendly version: Skip green chilies and go light on the spice. Add some shredded carrots or rice to mellow the flavor.
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Spicy beef enchiladas: Add minced jalapeños, chipotle in adobo, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
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Casserole style: Layer tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish like a Tex-Mex lasagna—it’s easier to assemble and great for a crowd.
These variations are great for meal prepping, freezer meals, or customizing your enchiladas for picky eaters or bold-flavor lovers alike.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to create your own signature enchiladas!
What to Serve with Ground Beef Enchiladas
Enchiladas are delicious on their own, but sides can round out the meal beautifully. Here are a few Tex-Mex favorites:
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Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice for a hearty, flavorful base.
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Refried beans or black beans add protein and fiber.
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Mexican street corn (elote) adds a creamy, spicy crunch.
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Don’t forget the garnishes: guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
A simple chopped salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette is also a refreshing balance to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.
Tip: Serve with guacamole or avocado slices for cool contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas
Leftovers? No problem—enchiladas keep really well and are easy to reheat.
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered loosely with a damp paper towel.
Tip: Freeze unbaked enchiladas and bake directly from frozen—just add an extra 15–20 minutes to the cook time.
Make-Ahead Ground Beef Enchiladas Tips for Busy Nights
Ground beef enchiladas are a meal-prepper’s dream. You can save tons of time by prepping ahead:
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Assemble the enchiladas the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready.
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Freeze in advance for easy weeknight dinners—either baked or unbaked.
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Store sauce separately and add right before baking to prevent sogginess if refrigerating for more than a day.
This make-ahead flexibility makes them perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal trains for friends.
Busy night coming? Prep now, bake later!
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely. Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, but they can get soggier faster. Choose medium-sized tortillas and go easy on the sauce.
What’s the best ground beef to use?
Stick to 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef. It’s flavorful without being too greasy. Avoid 70/30 blends—they release too much fat during baking.
How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?
Lightly fry or steam tortillas before assembling. Also, don’t oversaturate with sauce—just enough to coat is perfect.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with black beans, pinto beans, lentils, or a meatless crumble for a satisfying vegetarian twist.
Are ground beef enchiladas spicy?
They don’t have to be! You control the spice level by adjusting the enchilada sauce, seasoning blend, and chili additions. Use mild sauce for a family-friendly version or kick it up with chipotle or jalapeños.
More Recipes to Try
If you loved these Ground Beef Enchiladas, here are a few more cozy, satisfying recipes packed with flavor and perfect for your next dinner plan:
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White Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe – Creamy, cheesy, and made in just one pan!
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Baked Salsa Chicken – A quick, zesty dish with minimal prep.
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Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe – Layered comfort with Tex-Mex flair.
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Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe – Bold, cheesy, and totally irresistible.
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Poor Man’s Husband Casserole Recipe – A budget-friendly, beefy classic.
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Slow Cooker Beef Burritos – Set it and forget it for the most tender, flavorful burritos.
These dishes are easy to make, full of Tex-Mex personality, and great for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 10 oz can red enchilada sauce
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional: green chilies black beans, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic to the beef. Cook until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add ¼ cup enchilada sauce to the meat and stir well. Remove from heat.
- Warm tortillas in a microwave or skillet to make them flexible.
- Fill each tortilla with about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or green onions.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor or flour tortillas for a softer bite.
- Add a handful of black beans or green chilies to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, ground beef enchiladas are one of those go-to recipes you’ll make again and again. They’re:
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Affordable and easy to adapt to pantry staples
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Customizable for any spice level or dietary preference
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Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
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A guaranteed crowd-pleaser
From weeknight dinners to meal prepping and hosting taco nights, this dish fits any occasion. Plus, the warm flavors and melty cheese hit all the comfort food notes. Once you master this recipe, it’ll become a permanent favorite in your rotation.
Bring Tex-Mex joy to your kitchen with every cheesy, beefy bite.