The Best Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Taco Night

Crafting delectable ground beef enchiladas brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Mexican cuisine offers such delightful combinations of flavors and textures.

Tender meat wrapped in soft tortillas creates a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Spices dance through each bite, promising rich and complex sensations.

Home cooking lets you control ingredients and customize according to personal taste preferences.

Layers of cheese, seasoned beef, and zesty sauce make this dish irresistibly appealing.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making these incredible enchiladas that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Questions Answered

• What makes these ground beef enchiladas different from other recipes?

These enchiladas stand out because they use simple ingredients and create a quick, flavorful meal. The combination of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies adds extra zest to the beef filling, making them more exciting than traditional versions.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just keep the cooking method and seasoning similar for the best results.

• How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level is mild to medium, depending on the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies you choose. If you want more heat, add some extra diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, use a mild taco seasoning blend.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! These enchiladas are perfect for families. The flavors are not too complex, and kids typically enjoy the cheesy, meaty filling wrapped in soft tortillas. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Why Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Are A Weeknight Hero

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This enchilada recipe delivers delicious Mexican-inspired dinner in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight meals that satisfy hungry families.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Even novice cooks can confidently prepare this dish with simple step-by-step instructions, requiring minimal culinary skills and basic kitchen equipment.
• Customize with Convenience: Versatile recipe allows easy ingredient swaps like ground turkey instead of beef, adapting to dietary preferences or what's available in your pantry.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Dish: Enchiladas work brilliantly for casual gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy and appreciate.

What You’ll Need For Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base for the enchiladas, provides hearty protein and robust flavor. Best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juiciness.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds authentic Mexican-inspired spice blend to enhance meat's flavor. Pre-mixed packets work well for convenience.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the filling. Flour tortillas provide more flexibility and softer texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, rich flavor. Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese recommended.

• Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture and traditional Mexican sauce flavor. Red sauce works best for classic taste.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and mild heat to the filling. Rotel brand works great for consistent flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown meat and prevent sticking. Neutral cooking oil can be substituted.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic base and depth of flavor. Fresh ingredients preferred over dried.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs for bright, final garnish. Optional but recommended for fresh flavor.
• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy topping that balances spice. Optional finishing touch.

How To Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Fast

Step 1: Craft the Hearty Beef Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and pour diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything dance together for a few minutes until the mixture looks irresistibly delicious.

Step 2: Roll Up the Flavor Bombs

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Splash enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Take soft tortillas and stuff them with your spicy beef mixture. Shower each tortilla with cheese, then roll them up tight like little flavor packages. Nestle these rolls seam-side down in the saucy dish.

Step 3: Cheese and Sauce Celebration

Drench the rolled tortillas with remaining enchilada sauce. Blanket everything with a generous snowfall of shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Want extra pizzazz? Flip on the broiler for 1-2 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese top.

Step 5: Create a Flavor Fiesta

Sprinkle fresh cilantro and green onions over your enchiladas. Add a dollop of cool sour cream. Serve alongside Spanish rice or a crisp salad for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips For Better Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef on high heat to develop a rich, caramelized taste that adds depth to your enchiladas.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning and choose mild or spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies to customize heat intensity for different preferences.
• Perfect Tortilla Rolling: Warm tortillas slightly before filling to prevent cracking and make rolling easier, ensuring neat and tight enchiladas.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese fresh for better melting and more even coverage, creating a deliciously gooey top layer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal planning convenient and stress-free.

How To Store Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Refrigerate leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Properly stored enchiladas will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap each portion individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Freeze enchiladas for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or sealed freezer bag, where they'll keep well for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, thaw frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave is an option for quick reheating, but the oven helps maintain the crispy cheese and tortilla texture.
• Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for food safety before serving reheated enchiladas.

What Goes Well With Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Pair Zesty Mexican Margaritas: Blend fresh lime margaritas with a salt rim to complement the spicy ground beef enchiladas. The citrusy, tangy cocktail cuts through the rich, cheesy filling and refreshes your palate.
• Serve Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona Extra to balance the enchiladas' robust flavors. The beer's crispness helps cool down the mild spiciness and enhances the overall meal experience.
• Match Fresh Pico de Gallo: Create a bright pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice as a vibrant side dish. This fresh salsa adds a zesty contrast to the warm, hearty enchiladas and provides a cool, crunchy texture.
• Offer Tangy Sangria Twist: Prepare a red sangria with fresh fruits like oranges and apples to provide a sweet and slightly acidic drink. The fruity beverage complements the savory beef and cuts through the rich cheese, creating a balanced dining experience.

Tasty Variations Of Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Spicy Jalapeño Blast: Replace taco seasoning with diced fresh jalapeños and add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Swap regular cheese with pepper jack for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Swap: Substitute ground beef with black beans and roasted bell peppers. Use vegetable enchilada sauce and add corn kernels for texture and flavor.
• Chicken Southwest Remix: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken. Mix in green chiles, cumin, and a splash of lime juice. Top with crispy corn strips for added crunch.
• Breakfast Enchilada Style: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs to the beef mixture. Include crumbled bacon and serve with a side of salsa verde for morning zest.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling ground beef enchiladas bring Mexican comfort straight to your dinner table with layers of spicy meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. Crispy tortillas wrapped around savory filling create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Sauce and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) red enchilada sauce
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 8 (8-inch) flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ½ cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Craft the Savory Beef Base by sizzling ground beef in a skillet until thoroughly browned, releasing rich flavors. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and meld with the meat.
2. Elevate the filling by introducing aromatic taco seasoning and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer the mixture briefly, ensuring all ingredients harmonize into a robust, flavorful foundation.
3. Warm tortillas briefly to enhance pliability, then generously stuff each with the seasoned beef mixture. Sprinkle a modest layer of shredded cheese before carefully rolling into compact cylinders.
4. Prepare the baking vessel by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom, creating a moist cooking environment. Arrange the rolled enchiladas snugly, seam-side down, to prevent unraveling.
5. Lavishly drench the enchiladas with remaining sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Cascade the remaining cheese across the surface, creating a tempting golden blanket.
6. Slide the assembled dish into a preheated oven, allowing the enchiladas to transform. Bake until the cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing landscape and edges become slightly crisp.
7. Optional: Activate the broiler momentarily to achieve a perfectly caramelized cheese topping, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Finish with vibrant garnishes of fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a generous dollop of cool sour cream. Complement the dish with traditional Mexican sides like Spanish rice or refried beans.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the enchiladas without compromising flavor.
• Experiment with alternative protein sources like ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary flexibility and variety.
• Swap traditional flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or use low-carb tortillas to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Make the dish spicier by adding diced jalapeños or using a hot taco seasoning blend for those who enjoy extra heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg