Are you ready to thrill your taste buds and your family with these Ground Beef Enchiladas? This recipe will delight you with its savory, cheesy goodness wrapped in warm tortillas, all smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to share over and over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Satisfying: Each bite is bursting with rich, seasoned ground beef, and a cheesy, saucy delight.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: It’s a dish the whole family will love, perfect for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing you the ultimate Tex-Mex experience right at home, from the seasoned beef to the creamy cheese.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose a higher fat content for juicier, more flavorful results.
- 1/2 white onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture that complements the beef.
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning: This blend gives the beef that authentic, rich Mexican flavor.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps create a sauce that coats the beef mixture thoroughly.
- 10-14 corn tortillas, warmed: Warming them makes rolling a breeze and prevents cracking.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce: The key to keeping these enchiladas moist and packed with flavor.
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese, grated: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Sour cream & Fresh cilantro: For serving, these added garnishes enhance the overall flavor profile.
Variations
The beauty of making Ground Beef Enchiladas at home is the flexibility to tweak them to your liking. Here are some fun and delicious variations you can try to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for those who love some heat.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, mushrooms, or lentils for a hearty veg-friendly version.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your tortillas and taco seasoning are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced white onions. Stir occasionally until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep your enchiladas from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Seasoning and Simmering
Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water to the beef. Stir well, ensuring all the beef is coated. Allow it to simmer until the water reduces completely, blending the flavors perfectly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assembling the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay one tortilla flat and fill with a generous portion of beef mixture and cheese. Roll it tightly and place seam side down in the dish. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Baking
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered to prevent drying. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and perfectly melted.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Perfect Roll: Make sure to warm tortillas before assembling to keep them pliable and prevent cracking.
- Sauce Coverage: Keeping the tortillas covered with sauce ensures they remain moist during baking.
- Cheese Selection: Feel free to combine Cheddar with some Monterey Jack for extra meltiness and a more authentic flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture a day in advance to speed up the preparation process on busy days.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Garnishes
Top your Ground Beef Enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these enchiladas with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy filling with refreshing and complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and creative presentation, try arranging your enchiladas in a circular pattern in a round baking dish, then garnish with colorful slices of avocado and radish for a visual feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, helping you enjoy them again without any fuss.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the enchiladas but hold off on the sauce and cheese topping; wrap the dish tightly. Add sauce and cheese when ready to bake, straight from the freezer at a lower temperature, until thoroughly heated.
Reheating
Reheat your Ground Beef Enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until bubbling again. Microwave a shorter portion if you’re in a rush; just cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute with flour tortillas if you prefer their texture. Just note that they may absorb more sauce, so you might need to add slightly more enchilada sauce to keep them moist.
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How can I make my enchiladas less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, choose a mild enchilada sauce and use less taco seasoning. Adding a bit more cheese can also help balance the spicy flavors.
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What cheese works best for enchiladas?
Cheddar is commonly used for its meltability and flavor, but Monterey Jack and Queso Fresco can also be great options for adding authentic Tex-Mex flair.
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Can I make the enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance, or assemble the enchiladas up to the baking step, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a delightful and fulfilling dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. These Ground Beef Enchiladas are just what you need to bring the flavors of the Southwest to your home, so gather your loved ones and dig in!
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These delicious ground beef enchiladas are a comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned beef rolled in warm corn tortillas, topped with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty dinner or casual gathering, they are baked to perfection and served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
1 lb ground beef
1/2 white onion, diced
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
For the Assembly
10-14 corn tortillas, warmed
2 cups enchilada sauce
3 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
Sour cream, for serving
Fresh cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with diced onions until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Season Beef: Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water to the skillet. Stir well and simmer until the water reduces completely, creating a flavorful filling. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill Tortillas: Place some of the seasoned ground beef and a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese along the center of each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling.
- Arrange Enchiladas: Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in the baking dish, fitting them closely together. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring all tortillas are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Warming tortillas makes them easier to roll without tearing.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave individual portions or re-bake in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (about 2.5 oz meat and filling, plus tortilla and toppings)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
