These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are packed with flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Wrap seasoned beef in soft tortillas, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Honestly, the cheese pulls on these enchiladas are enough to make anyone smile! I love serving them with a side of sour cream for dipping—it’s the perfect touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For flavor, I love using lean ground beef. However, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just be sure to season well since they are milder in taste.
Onion and Garlic: These two add a great depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can work in a pinch! But fresh is always best for that aromatic kick.
Taco Seasoning: Pre-made seasoning is super convenient. If you want to customize, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a bit of salt for your own blend. It’s a great way to adjust spice levels!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll, but corn tortillas are gluten-free and also delicious. If using corn, make sure to warm them properly to avoid cracking.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix things up! A blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack can add a nice twist. Vegan cheese options can also be used for dairy-free variations.
How Do You Ensure Your Enchiladas Don’t Fall Apart?
To keep your enchiladas together during cooking, proper assembly and techniques are key:
- Warm your tortillas before filling to make them more pliable. This helps prevent cracking.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas! About 1/4 cup of the beef mixture is just right. Too much filling can lead to messy rolls.
- Lay the filled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish. This helps them stay rolled during baking.
Lastly, a good amount of sauce on top helps keep everything moist and binds the enchiladas together during cooking!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 8 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (10 oz/280g) red enchilada sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, sour cream, diced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, for a total of around 45 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent your enchiladas from sticking.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring until it’s soft. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it to keep your enchiladas from being greasy.
3. Season the Mixture:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute to let its flavor develop. Then, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the beef and pour in the water. Stir to combine everything well. Let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. After that, turn off the heat and set it aside.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or a skillet. Place a tortilla on a flat surface, spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and roll it up. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step with the rest of the tortillas and beef mixture.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Once all the tortillas are rolled and placed in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the sauce to create a cheesy crust.
6. Bake the Enchiladas:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
After baking, let your enchiladas cool for about 5 minutes. This will make them easier to serve! Garnish with fresh cilantro, black olives, sour cream, or diced tomatoes if you like. Dive in and enjoy your cheesy, delicious ground beef enchiladas!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just ensure you season it well, as it has a milder flavor compared to beef. The cooking method remains the same!
How Do I Store Leftover Enchiladas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Freeze Enchiladas for Later?
Yes, you can freeze enchiladas! Assemble them as instructed but do not bake. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, cook from frozen for about 40-45 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Red Enchilada Sauce?
If you don’t have red enchilada sauce on hand, you can use green enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile, or even salsa. Just be sure to adjust the spice level to your preference!
