These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a tasty treat! With flavorful beef and melty cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, they make for a simple and satisfying meal!
Honestly, who can resist the cheesy goodness? I love loading them up with toppings like sour cream and salsa—because more cheese is always a good idea, right? 😄
Making these enchiladas is a breeze! Just brown the beef, roll it up, and pop it in the oven. They’re perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun night with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! I like using 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or plant-based meat can work too.
Cheese: I use cheddar cheese because it melts beautifully and adds great flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick! Vegan cheese also works for a dairy-free version.
Enchilada Sauce: A can of red enchilada sauce is super convenient. If you prefer homemade, combine crushed tomatoes, chili powder, and spices to whip up a quick version. For a milder taste, use green enchilada sauce.
Tortillas: I prefer flour tortillas for their softness and flexibility. Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option—just warm them before rolling to avoid cracking.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Rolled Enchiladas?
Rolling enchiladas can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! Start by lightly warming your tortillas in a pan or microwave. This makes them more pliable.
- Spoon the filling into the center of the tortilla, leaving some space at the edges.
- Roll it up tightly but gently, placing the seam-side down in the baking dish to hold it closed.
- Don’t overfill—too much filling can make rolling difficult!
As you stack them in the dish, make sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. Enjoy the process; practice makes perfect!
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 (or about 1 cup)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 8-10 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
For Serving (optional):
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooking oil or spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, for a total of around 45-50 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but still hearty and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will help the enchiladas come out easily later on.
2. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of cooking oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it’s nice and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Time to add the star of the show! Add in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out.
3. Flavor It Up:
Now stir in the enchilada sauce, green chilies (if you’re using them), cumin, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes so all those delicious flavors come together. Remove the skillet from heat, then mix in about 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese!
4. Assemble the Enchiladas:
To start assembling, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Now, it’s time to fill those tortillas! Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll it up tight, and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat this step until you’ve filled all the tortillas!
5. Top It Off:
After you’ve lined them up in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let your enchiladas cool for a few minutes, then serve them up with sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your melty, savory Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas!
FAQ about Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthier alternative, and it works perfectly in this recipe. You may want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.
How Do I Prevent My Tortillas From Cracking?
Warming your tortillas before filling them is key! You can do this by briefly heating them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 20 seconds. This will make them more pliable and less likely to crack when rolled.
Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving. If baking from the fridge, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The best way to reheat enchiladas is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), cover the enchiladas with foil to retain moisture, and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can add a splash of enchilada sauce on top before heating to keep them moist!
