Why Make This Recipe
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a fantastic choice for anyone who loves flavorful, satisfying meals. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they also combine delicious ingredients that make for a delightful dinner option. This dish is great for feeding a family, perfect for gatherings, or even for meal prepping to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe can be easily followed, and the results will leave everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Directions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your enchiladas will cook evenly and thoroughly.
Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, place the ground beef and the diced onion. Cook this mixture until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being too greasy.
Season the Beef: After draining the fat, add the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to your beef mixture. Stir everything well to combine, allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes. This step will infuse your meat with delicious flavors.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a small amount of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This will help prevent the tortillas from sticking and keep them moist.
Fill the Tortillas: Take each tortilla and fill it with a scoop of the beef mixture along with a sprinkle of cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Be sure to lay them close together for best results.
Add More Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas. Make sure they are well covered. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top, which will melt beautifully during baking.
Bake the Enchiladas: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Once done baking, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
These enchiladas are best served warm right from the oven. You can serve them directly in the baking dish for a family-style meal, or plate them individually for a more formal presentation. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete dinner. Adding a fresh salad can also help balance the flavors and provide a refreshing crunch.
How to Store Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy! Allow the enchiladas to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Tortilla Choice: Use flour tortillas for a softer taste or corn tortillas for a more authentic crunch. Some people even prefer a mix of both for texture variety.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar or a Mexican blend works great, feel free to experiment with other types like pepper jack for a spicy kick or queso fresco for a fresh taste.
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans into the ground beef mixture.
Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, you can add diced jalapeños into the beef mixture or opt for a spicy enchilada sauce.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and keep them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them with foil and add some extra baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Variation
To mix things up, consider trying a shredded chicken or bean version of these enchiladas. Simply substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken or sautéed beans for a meatless option. You can also add different spices or change the type of cheese for new flavor profiles.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a healthier alternative and works great in this recipe. Just be mindful to drain any excess liquid during cooking, as turkey can be a bit more watery.
2. How can I make these enchiladas milder for kids?
To make the enchiladas less spicy, use a mild enchilada sauce and reduce the amount of garlic powder and cumin. You can also omit any additional spicy seasonings.
3. Can I freeze the unbaked enchiladas?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly, and freeze them uncooked. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add extra time to the baking process if they’re still cold.
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful way to bring comfort food to your table. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this dish not only pleases the palate but also simplifies mealtime. Enjoy making these enchiladas and share them with those you love!
Print
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Flavorsome enchiladas filled with ground beef and cheese, topped with enchilada sauce, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over filled tortillas and sprinkle with leftover cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving with optional toppings.
Notes
Use flour tortillas for a softer taste or corn for a crunch. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: enchiladas, beef, Mexican food, quick dinner, comfort food