Ground Beef Enchiladas – Simple, Cheesy Family Favorite

Ground Beef Enchiladas are one of those magical dishes that manage to hit every craving in one bite—meaty, cheesy, saucy, and comforting. If you’re a busy mom juggling homework help and dinner time, or just someone who’s craving a seriously satisfying dinner with minimal fuss, this recipe is about to become your go-to.

With a homemade enchilada sauce that brings the heat (but not too much), savory seasoned ground beef, and loads of melty cheese, Ground Beef Enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser every single time. They’re perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Bonus? You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or still figuring out the difference between cumin and cinnamon (don’t worry, it happens), this recipe is easy to follow and delivers bold flavor with very little guesswork. Let’s get into it, because these Ground Beef Enchiladas are calling your name.

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What are Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a Tex-Mex classic that combines ground beef, cheese, and a savory red enchilada sauce all rolled up in soft tortillas and baked until bubbly. Think of them like cozy flavor-packed burrito cousins that get all gooey and golden in the oven. The base is simple: seasoned ground beef is combined with green chiles, cheese, and taco spices, then wrapped in flour tortillas, covered with homemade enchilada sauce and even more cheese. The result? A pan of saucy, cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

This dish takes its cues from traditional Mexican enchiladas, but it’s been adapted for American kitchens using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for feeding a group, storing for later, or just treating yourself after a long day, Ground Beef Enchiladas offer the kind of satisfying, homey meal that rarely leaves leftovers behind (and when it does, the next day’s lunch is gonna be epic).

Reasons to Try Ground Beef Enchiladas

If you’ve been stuck in a dinner rut lately—chicken breast, rice, repeat—it’s time to mix things up with Ground Beef Enchiladas. Here’s why you need these beauties in your life. First, they’re weeknight-friendly. Yes, there’s a homemade sauce involved, but it comes together in minutes and tastes way better than anything from a can.

Second, Ground Beef Enchiladas are family-approved. Even picky eaters (we’re looking at you, 4-year-old who only eats beige foods) tend to go for cheesy tortillas filled with seasoned meat. You can adjust the spice level too, so no one gets overwhelmed. Third, they’re freezer-friendly. Make a double batch and freeze one for a lazy day—you’ll thank yourself. Finally, they’re just really comforting. There’s something about a warm, cheesy dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. So whether you’re trying to impress dinner guests or just survive Tuesday, Ground Beef Enchiladas are here to help.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

For the homemade enchilada sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons dark chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1½ cups unsalted chicken stock
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

For the enchiladas:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1½ tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, jalapeños (optional)

Instructions to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas (Step by Step)

Making Ground Beef Enchiladas from scratch might sound like a project, but it’s actually pretty straightforward—especially with this step-by-step guide. We’ll break it down to make dinner practically foolproof and super tasty.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This helps the enchiladas not stick and makes clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt, and let it cook for another 30 seconds. Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking (think: no lumps allowed). Stir in the tomato sauce and sugar. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened. This sauce is where a lot of flavor lives, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Start the Ground Beef Filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease. Add the diced green chiles and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheese until melted. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with a little extra cheese (roughly 1 tablespoon). Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this with all eight tortillas.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re all well coated. Top with the rest of the shredded cheese—it’s okay to be generous here. Cheese is never a bad idea.

Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until everything is bubbly and melty. The edges should be golden and the cheese on top beautifully melted.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if you like, and serve with your favorite toppings—sour cream, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. Boom. Dinner is done.

For more easy dinners, check out our Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole for another fuss-free favorite.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Enchiladas

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a full meal on their own, but adding a few easy sides makes it feel like a restaurant-quality spread. Start with something light and fresh like our Zesty Italian Pasta Salad or Rainbow Orzo Salad. A crisp green salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the enchiladas. Craving something warm and hearty? Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice is a classic sidekick. Don’t forget refried beans or black beans for extra fiber and protein. And if you’ve got extra tortillas? Warm them up and use them to scoop up the extra sauce. For dessert, keep it sweet and easy with something like No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna or Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls to really treat yourself.

Key Tips for Making Ground Beef Enchiladas

Tip one: don’t skip the sauce. Yes, you could buy store-bought, but this homemade version comes together fast and tastes ten times better. Tip two: warm the tortillas slightly before filling—they’ll roll easier and won’t crack. Tip three: drain that ground beef. No one likes soggy enchiladas. Tip four: cheese matters. Cheddar is classic, but a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a meltier, creamier texture. Tip five: customize to your liking. Swap beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a meatless version. Tip six: want more heat? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling. And here’s a bonus tip—double the recipe and freeze one pan before baking. That way, future-you has a ready-made dinner with zero effort.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store any remaining enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (cover loosely with a damp paper towel), or bake in a covered dish at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot. If you’re planning ahead, these freeze beautifully. Assemble everything in a foil pan, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed (or add 10–15 minutes if baking straight from frozen). They’re a total lifesaver for busy nights. Just make sure to label them clearly—freezer mystery meals are a risky game.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Just note that corn tortillas are smaller and tend to tear, so heat them before rolling and expect to use a few more.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Totally. Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. When ready, thaw and bake as usual.

What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even pulled pork all work well.

Do I have to make the sauce from scratch?
Nope. Store-bought sauce works too, just use about 1½ cups and maybe jazz it up with a little extra seasoning.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free tortillas and check your seasonings and broth to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Enchiladas are one of those comforting, always-satisfying meals that deliver on flavor without demanding too much from you. They’re the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your people come running to the table. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a reliable hit that never gets old. Customize it, freeze it, dress it up or down—it’s all delicious. Looking for more savory dinner ideas? Try our Best Loaded Potato Taco Bowl or Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini next. Now grab your tortillas and get cooking—Ground Beef Enchiladas are waiting.

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