Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas: Quick, Cheesy, and Delicious

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor, Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the perfect choice. This recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a comforting, homemade Mexican-inspired meal on the table that your whole family will love.

What makes these enchiladas especially great is how simple they are to prepare without sacrificing flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is adaptable, fast, and always satisfying. The combination of gooey cheese, seasoned beef, and tangy enchilada sauce is irresistible, and every bite is packed with flavor.

Preparation is easy, and the recipe allows for plenty of variations. From adding extra vegetables to swapping out cheese, you can customize it to suit your tastes. If you’ve been searching for a tried-and-true, quick, and family-friendly Mexican dish, these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a must-try.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Serving Size: 4-6 servings

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What Makes These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Special?

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.

• Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, loved by kids and adults alike.

• Customizable: Add beans, corn, or different cheeses for your own twist.

• One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup with baking in a single dish.

• Rich flavor: Savory beef, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce come together perfectly.

This recipe is a go-to for busy nights because it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, but it still delivers the comfort and taste of a homemade Mexican meal. Quick tips like browning the beef properly and warming the tortillas before rolling will make a big difference in texture and flavor.

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Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef (1 pound): Provides the main protein and flavor. Choose 85% lean for a balance of juiciness and minimal grease. Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.

• Onion (1 small, diced): Adds depth and sweetness. Green onions can be a lighter substitute.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances savory flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch.

• Enchilada sauce (1 can, 10 oz): Key for authentic flavor and moisture. Use homemade or store-bought.

• Tortillas (8-10, flour or corn): Softens when baked and holds the filling. Corn tortillas are traditional.

• Cheese (1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend): Provides gooey, melty texture. Can swap for mozzarella or pepper jack.

• Spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper): Essential for seasoning the beef and giving the dish its signature flavor.

• Optional add-ins: Black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.

Special equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, nonstick skillet for browning beef.

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How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a bit of oil.

2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink (about 6-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add aromatics and spices: Stir in diced onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

4. Prepare tortillas: Warm tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make rolling easier.

5. Assemble enchiladas: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, roll tightly, and place seam side down in the baking dish.

6. Pour enchilada sauce over top: Spread evenly to coat all enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Look for golden edges and a bubbly sauce.

8. Serve and garnish: Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado if desired.

Tips: Avoid overfilling tortillas to prevent tearing. Use a spatula to lift carefully into the dish.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Not recommended; keep covered in the fridge.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

• Freezing: Wrap individually in foil or store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating tips: Cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even reheating.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian version: Use black beans or lentils instead of beef.

• Cheese options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for mild flavor.

• Low-carb adaptation: Use low-carb tortillas or large lettuce leaves.

• Spicy variation: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

• Seasonal veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms add extra flavor and nutrition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well but may need slightly longer cooking to brown properly.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble enchiladas in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed.

3. How do I prevent tortillas from tearing?
Warm them slightly in the microwave or skillet before rolling. Avoid overfilling with beef.

4. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are warmed and slightly flexible to roll without breaking.

5. Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

6. What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?
A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar works best for melty, flavorful results.

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Warm Conclusion

These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate weeknight comfort food—quick, cheesy, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that feels homemade but is ready in less time than you might expect. Give it a try, customize it to your taste, and enjoy the smiles around your dinner table. Don’t forget to share your results and favorite variations with friends and family—it’s a recipe everyone will love coming back to.

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