Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Have you ever craved a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to prepare? Something that brings the whole family to the table with eager anticipation rather than the usual “what’s for dinner” sigh?

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. Packed with seasoned ground beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, and smothered in a rich, tangy sauce with melted cheese, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families or anyone looking to expand their Mexican food repertoire without the complexity.

Ingredients List

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended for less grease)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (optional for creamier filling)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided (or use cheddar and monterey jack)
• 8-10 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 cans (10 oz each) red enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot based on preference)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sour cream for serving

For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat tortillas for added fiber, or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. The Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

This recipe comes together in under an hour, which is approximately 30% faster than traditional enchilada recipes that often require making sauce from scratch. The efficiency makes it perfect for weeknight cooking when time is precious but you still want something delicious and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour about ¼ cup of enchilada sauce to coat the bottom of the dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the tortilla bottoms.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Add green chilies and cook for 2 more minutes. If using refried beans, fold them in now for a creamier texture. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Set up an assembly line with your tortillas, meat mixture, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and prepared baking dish.

Place about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons per enchilada). Roll the tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Continue with remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish. For extra-large tortillas, you may need to trim them or use a larger baking dish.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover all exposed areas. This prevents the tortillas from drying out during baking and infuses them with flavor.

Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage for that perfect cheesy pull when serving.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the enchiladas to heat through without over-browning the cheese.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden at the edges. For an extra golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to portion.

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream. Additional toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or pico de gallo can elevate the presentation and add fresh flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 enchiladas, based on 4-5 servings total):

Calories: 520

Protein: 30g

Carbohydrates: 42g

Dietary Fiber: 6g

Sugars: 4g

Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 12g)

Cholesterol: 85mg

Sodium: 980mg

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas provide approximately 25% of your daily protein needs and 24% of your recommended daily fiber intake when made with refried beans. The dish is rich in calcium from the cheese, providing about 35% of your daily requirements.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a lighter version without sacrificing flavor, try these modifications:

1. Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat by approximately 40%.

2. Use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas to increase fiber content by 3-4 grams per serving.

3. Replace half the cheese with a reduced-fat version to cut calories while maintaining the gooey texture.

4. Boost vegetable content by adding finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture.

5. Make your own enchilada sauce to control sodium levels, which can reduce the sodium content by up to 30%.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas with these complementary side dishes:

• Cilantro-lime rice makes an excellent base that soaks up extra sauce while adding bright, fresh flavors.

• A simple green salad with avocado and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the enchiladas.

• Black beans with a hint of cumin and lime juice provide additional protein and authentic Mexican flavor.

• For a complete fiesta, serve with homemade guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and crisp tortilla chips.

• A refreshing beverage like horchata or a classic margarita can complete the meal for adult gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the tortillas: This leads to splitting and difficult rolling. Stick to about ⅓ cup of filling per enchilada for the perfect ratio.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas crack when rolled. Warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or on a dry skillet to make them pliable.
• Skipping the sauce on the bottom: Without sauce underneath, enchiladas can stick to the dish and become dry on the bottom.
• Not covering with foil initially: Baking uncovered the entire time can result in dried-out tortillas and overbrowned cheese.
• Serving immediately: Allowing enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes helps them set and makes serving neater and easier.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making day-two enchiladas even more delicious than fresh ones.

Freezing: These enchiladas freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking:

• For unbaked enchiladas: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t add the sauce or cheese. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add sauce and cheese, then bake as directed.

• For baked enchiladas: Cool completely, then portion into individual servings for easier reheating. Wrap in plastic and foil or use freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top during the last 5 minutes for a freshly melted finish.

Conclusion

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas bring restaurant-quality Mexican flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and tangy sauce creates a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With options to customize based on spice preference and dietary needs, this versatile recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Have you tried making these enchiladas? Share your experience in the comments below! Did you add any special ingredients or serving suggestions? We’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. And if you’re looking for more simple yet satisfying dinner ideas, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!