These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a warm hug on a plate! Filled with tasty beef and melted cheese, they’re covered in rich sauce and baked to perfection.
Making these is really fun! You can even get the kids to help roll them up. Quick, easy, and so cheesy—these enchiladas will have you coming back for seconds!
I love serving them with a side of sour cream and fresh salsa. That little extra touch makes them even yummier! Trust me, you won’t want to stop eating!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef for a classic flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great too. You could also try plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian twist.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a deliciously sharp flavor. I love using a Mexican blend for extra zest. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese options that melt well to keep that creamy texture.
Enchilada Sauce: Red enchilada sauce is essential for that authentic taste. If you can’t find it, you can use green enchilada sauce or even a homemade version with tomatoes, chili powder, and spices.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easiest to roll, but corn tortillas can be used too for a more traditional flavor. Just remember to warm them first to prevent cracking.
How Do I Roll Enchiladas Without Making a Mess?
Rolling enchiladas can be tricky, but here’s how to do it without a mess. First, warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds. This makes them flexible and less likely to break.
- Lay each tortilla flat on your workspace.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center.
- Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up tightly from one end to the other.
- Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in your baking dish.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfect enchiladas ready to bake without any filling spilling out!
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 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
For Assembly:
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have delicious, cheesy enchiladas ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when your enchiladas are assembled.
2. Cook the Beef Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it carefully.
4. Season and Combine:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for flavor. Mix well, then add the black beans and corn (if you’re using them). Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes, then take it off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
5. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spread a few tablespoons of the enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet until they’re pliable. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re well covered. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, covering the sauce evenly.
7. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve:
Take the enchiladas out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty, cheesy ground beef enchiladas!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season it well, as turkey can be a bit milder in flavor than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make these enchiladas vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using black beans or crumbled tofu instead. Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition!
Can I Prepare These Enchiladas in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop them in a preheated oven, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Enchiladas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for quicker results!
