Beef enchiladas are a classic and comforting Mexican dish that is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. These flavorful enchiladas are filled with seasoned ground beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This recipe is easy to follow and will leave everyone craving for more. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large flour or corn tortillas
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for serving (optional)
Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using corn tortillas, warm them in the microwave or in a dry skillet to make them more pliable. This helps prevent them from cracking when you roll them.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce (about ½ cup) on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center.
- Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas, making sure each one is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Note:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider using homemade enchilada sauce. Also, you can customize the spiciness of the dish by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture if you like it spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these beef enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A simple side salad with avocado and lime dressing also pairs well.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the enchiladas ahead of time. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Beef enchiladas freeze well. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for added texture and nutrition.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately 8 enchiladas. Adjust the ingredients proportionally if you need to make more or fewer servings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 980mg
Conclusion:
Beef enchiladas are a delectable and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table. With their savory beef filling, rich sauce, and melted cheese, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy your culinary journey with these delicious beef enchiladas!

Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish featuring ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner. Serve with rice and beans for a complete meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour ½ cup of enchilada sauce into the beef mixture and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place about ¼ cup of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and place seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make it spicier by adding chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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