These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are packed with yummy flavors! They feature soft tortillas rolled up with savory beef and lots of melted cheese. Who can resist that?
Making these enchiladas is a breeze! I love throwing them together for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, they make great leftovers—if there are any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for balance between flavor and lean meat. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Onion and Garlic: These are key for flavor, but if you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can work too. Just adjust to taste. I often add more garlic because I love that strong flavor!
Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought works well, but homemade is always the best! If you want less spice, opt for a milder sauce or make your own with tomato sauce and spices. Canned diced tomatoes can also be a substitute.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll, but corn tortillas add authentic flavor. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortillas. Just remember, corn tortillas might need a little more care when rolling.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are delicious! However, feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Pepper Jack can add a nice kick if you like spicy dishes.
How Do I Roll Enchiladas Without Them Breaking?
Rolling tortillas can be tricky! Here are some simple tips to avoid breaking them:
- Warm the tortillas! Heating them makes them flexible. Wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds is a quick solution.
- Don’t overfill! Use about 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla. It makes rolling much easier.
- Roll snugly but not too tight; give the filling some room. Starting from the edge closest to you helps get that nice roll.
If a tortilla does break, no big deal! Just patch it up with some extra sauce when arranging them in the dish. Happy cooking!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce, plus more for topping
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchiladas:
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6-8 inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
For Baking:
- Cooking oil for greasing baking dish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can have these delicious enchiladas ready to enjoy in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with some cooking oil. This will help prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything until the beef is browned and fully cooked, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet, so your filling won’t be greasy.
3. Mix in the Enchilada Sauce:
Now, stir in the red enchilada sauce, diced green chilies (if you’re using them), ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through and well mixed. Remove the skillet from the heat when you’re done.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. To make your tortillas easier to roll, warm them up slightly—wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Next, take a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef filling down the center. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling, then roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step until all the tortillas and filling are used up.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Once all the tortillas are in the dish, pour any remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over everything. Yum!
6. Bake the Enchiladas:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s hard to resist that cheesy goodness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for that extra kick! Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful ground beef enchiladas!!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if needed based on the meat type.
What If I Don’t Have Enchilada Sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing tomato sauce with some chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Adjust the spices to your taste to get a similar flavor profile.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of sauce before reheating to keep them juicy!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature before popping them in the oven to ensure even cooking.
