Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas: Easy Weeknight Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 flour tortillas; 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

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Ground beef enchiladas have a magical way of making any night feel special, a true taste of comfort food that always brings a smile to my face. I remember the first time I successfully made these from scratch; the aroma of spices filling my kitchen was incredible, and the ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness was absolutely divine. This recipe for classic ground beef enchiladas is my go-to for those busy evenings when I crave something deeply satisfying but need it to be an easy weeknight ground beef enchiladas meal. They’re hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up, delivering that authentic, homemade taste that’s hard to beat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas

You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy:

Unbeatable flavor that tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Perfectly seasoned ground beef and a rich, homemade enchilada sauce.
A truly easy ground beef enchiladas recipe that’s manageable even on busy weeknights.
Budget-friendly ingredients make this a fantastic meal for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
Kid-approved and family-favorite, ensuring happy eaters all around the table.
Minimal prep time means you can get this delicious meal on the table quickly.
This easy ground beef enchiladas recipe is incredibly versatile for customization.
It’s pure comfort food that warms you from the inside out!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Gathering these ground beef enchilada ingredients is the first step toward pure comfort food bliss. I’ve found that using good quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final flavor, and this list is designed for that perfect balance. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended) – for the best juicy filling
1 medium yellow onion, diced – about 1 cup, adds a sweet base
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory aroma
1 tablespoon ground cumin – a warming, earthy spice
1 teaspoon chili powder – for a touch of heat and color
1 teaspoon paprika – adds depth and a mild sweetness
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick
1/4 cup vegetable oil – for sautéing and making the sauce
1/4 cup all-purpose flour – to thicken our rich enchilada sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder – doubling up for robust sauce flavor
1 teaspoon garlic powder – more garlic goodness!
1 teaspoon ground cumin – for that classic enchilada taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds a lovely herbal note
2 cups chicken broth – the liquid base for our smooth sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste – for richness and color in the sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt – to season the sauce
8 flour tortillas – warmed slightly to prevent tearing
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – for that melty center
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for extra gooeyness on top
2 green onions, chopped – for a fresh garnish
1/4 cup fresh cilantro – adds a bright, herbaceous finish

How to Make Classic Ground Beef Enchiladas

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make ground beef enchiladas that will impress everyone. This process is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through each step to guarantee success. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these flavorful, comforting dishes right in your own kitchen.

Making the Enchilada Sauce

First, we’ll whip up a luscious enchilada sauce from scratch. In a medium saucepan, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for just about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth paste. This step is crucial for thickening our sauce. Next, stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Let these spices bloom in the heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, ensuring you get rid of any potential lumps. Stir in 1/4 cup tomato paste and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, slightly thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon beautifully. For more sauce inspiration, check out this homemade tomato sauce recipe.

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

While the sauce simmers, let’s get the star of our dish ready: the filling. Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is nicely browned, add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, usually around 4 minutes. Then, stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until you can smell its amazing aroma. Now, it’s time to season! Add 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the spices to meld with the beef. This seasoned beef is the heart of how to make ground beef enchiladas.

Ground Beef Enchiladas: Easy Weeknight Comfort - Ground Beef Enchiladas - additional detail

Assembling and Baking the Enchiladas

It’s time to bring it all together! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. This prevents the bottom tortillas from sticking and adds moisture. To prepare the tortillas, I like to warm my 8 flour tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds; this makes them pliable and less likely to crack when rolling. Place about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each warm tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of the 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef. Roll each tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Once all the enchiladas are nestled in, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring they’re all covered. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Following these steps for how to make ground beef enchiladas guarantees a delicious outcome.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate these ground beef enchiladas from good to absolutely phenomenal. Follow these tips for a truly amazing dish:

Don’t skip warming your tortillas; it’s key to preventing them from cracking when you roll them up.
For extra flavor, toast your spices briefly in the oil before adding the flour for the sauce.
Reserve some of the shredded cheese to sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking for a beautiful, golden finish.
Using 80/20 ground beef really helps keep the filling moist and flavorful.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas?

The secret to truly authentic ground beef enchiladas lies in the balance of spices in both the filling and the sauce, plus using slightly warmed flour tortillas to keep them from breaking. Don’t overcook the beef filling either!

Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas (fill, roll, and place in the baking dish) up to a day in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Enchiladas?

The most common pitfall is dry enchiladas. This is often because the beef is overcooked or the tortillas aren’t pliable enough, causing them to break and leak. Ensure you use a good fat content in your ground beef and warm your tortillas! For more tips on cooking beef, you might find this article on beef helpful.

Ground Beef Enchiladas: Easy Weeknight Comfort - Ground Beef Enchiladas - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

These ground beef enchiladas are a showstopper on their own, but I love serving them with a few classic sides that complement their rich flavor perfectly. A dollop of cool sour cream or a spoonful of fresh guacamole really cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce. For a complete meal, I often pair them with a side of fluffy Mexican rice and some seasoned black beans. If you’re looking for a simple pairing that highlights the deliciousness of ground beef enchiladas with red sauce, a simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette is also fantastic. It’s all about creating a balanced and satisfying plate! Consider pairing with a refreshing mint raspberry julep.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Enchiladas

When I make these ground beef enchiladas, I like to know what I’m putting into my body. These nutritional values are based on the recipe as written, providing a good estimate for each serving.

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Enchiladas

Once your delicious ground beef enchiladas have cooled slightly, it’s time to think about storing any leftovers. Properly storing them ensures you can enjoy that amazing flavor again later. For short-term storage, let the ground beef enchilada bake cool completely, then transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best method is to thaw them overnight in the fridge first. Then, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Enchiladas

What makes the best ground beef enchiladas?

The key to the best ground beef enchiladas is a combination of flavorful, well-seasoned beef filling, a rich and smooth homemade enchilada sauce, and perfectly pliable tortillas. Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a moist filling, and warming your flour tortillas before assembling prevents them from cracking. Don’t be shy with the cheese, either!

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for ground beef enchiladas?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you prefer ground beef enchiladas with corn tortillas, just be sure to warm them slightly in oil or the microwave to make them more pliable. They offer a slightly different texture and flavor that many people love. For a different take on tortillas, explore bread options.

How do I make simple ground beef enchiladas that are still full of flavor?

Even for simple ground beef enchiladas, the secret is in the seasoning. Make sure your beef filling has plenty of cumin, chili powder, and a touch of paprika. For the sauce, using good quality chicken broth and tomato paste makes a big difference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little extra heat.

Why are my ground beef enchiladas dry?

If your ground beef enchiladas are coming out dry, it’s often because the beef filling was overcooked, or you didn’t use enough moisture in the sauce or filling. Using ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) helps a lot. Also, ensure your tortillas are warmed and pliable so they don’t crack and leak, and don’t skimp on the sauce!

Variations of Ground Beef Enchiladas You Can Try

While this classic recipe is amazing, there are so many fun ways to switch things up with your ground beef enchiladas! I love experimenting to find new favorites, and these variations are always a hit:

Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Delight: Elevate the cheesy factor by adding a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with a little sour cream and lime juice inside the tortillas before adding the beef. This makes for incredibly rich and creamy, cheesy ground beef enchiladas.
Corn Tortilla Twist: If you prefer a slightly different texture or are looking for a gluten-free option, try using ground beef enchiladas with corn tortillas. Just be sure to warm them in a little oil or the microwave before filling and rolling to prevent them from breaking.
Spicy Kick Version: For those who love a little heat, add a finely diced jalapeño to the beef filling along with the onions and garlic. You can also stir a pinch of cayenne pepper into the enchilada sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Ground Beef Enchilada Bake: For an even easier assembly, layer the tortillas, beef filling, and cheese in a baking dish like you would a lasagna, then top with sauce and bake. This deconstructed approach is perfect when you’re short on time but still crave that classic flavor.