Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Cheesy Delight for Dinner
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground beef; 1 Small white onion (diced); 1 Garlic clove (minced); 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning (1 packet); 1/2 teaspoon Cumin; 1/4 cup Water; 8-10 Corn tortillas; 28 ounces Red enchilada chile sauce; 2-3 cups Freshly shredded cheddar jack cheese; Optional Toppings: sour cream, pico de gallo, diced avocado, fresh cilantro

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. Picture seasoned ground beef rolled in soft corn tortillas, drenched in rich red sauce, and blanketed with melted cheese. It’s a delightful meal that can easily become a family favorite, perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Enchiladas

This Beef Enchilada Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and satisfying. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick to prepare, making it ideal for quick ground beef enchiladas.
Customizable with different toppings like sour cream and avocado.
Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, pleasing both kids and adults.
Can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
Rich in flavor with a combination of spices and cheese.
Easy to make with everyday ingredients, including ground beef tortillas.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Gather these items:

1 pound Ground beef
1 Small white onion (diced)
1 Garlic clove (minced)
2 tablespoons Taco seasoning (1 packet)
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/4 cup Water
8-10 Corn tortillas
28 ounces Red enchilada chile sauce
2-3 cups Freshly shredded cheddar jack cheese
Optional Toppings: sour cream, pico de gallo or salsa, diced avocado, fresh cilantro

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 2: Add the diced onions and cook, stirring frequently until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook beef, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink; 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease or soak up with paper towels.
Step 4: Sprinkle taco seasoning and cumin over the beef and stir in 1/4 cup of water. Continue to cook, stirring often, until water is absorbed.
Step 5: Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour 1/2 a cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 6: Heat remaining sauce in a small-medium size skillet, just until it begins to bubble, then remove from heat.
Step 7: Wrap a stack of 10 corn tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and microwave on high for 30 seconds to a minute. Dip a tortilla in the enchilada sauce to coat both sides then lay flat on a cutting board or plate.
Step 8: Add a small amount of the meat mixture (about 3 tablespoons) down the center of the tortilla, then top with about 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese. Roll up both sides and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and meat.
Step 9: Pour remaining sauce evenly over the enchiladas and top with remaining shredded cheese.
Step 10: Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
Step 11: Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired with optional toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado, sliced green onions, or cilantro.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas

Keep these in mind:

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
Soak tortillas in warm enchilada sauce to make them pliable.
Experiment with spicy beef enchiladas by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

These enchiladas are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving ideas:

Pair with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
Top with fresh pico de gallo or guacamole for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Enchiladas

To store leftovers, cover the baking dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This also makes them great for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Enchiladas

What is a ground beef enchilada?

A ground beef enchilada is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of seasoned ground beef wrapped in corn tortillas, topped with sauce and cheese. They are hearty and flavorful, making them a popular choice for dinner.

Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover with sauce, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Enchiladas?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the tortillas are warm and pliable before rolling. Don’t overfill them, as this can cause them to burst while baking. Additionally, let them rest after baking for better serving.

Variations of Ground Beef Enchiladas You Can Try

Here are a few creative variations:

Try using ground beef tacos with different toppings for a fun twist.
Make homemade ground beef enchiladas with green sauce for a milder flavor.
For a healthier option, add black beans and spinach to the beef mixture.

Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Cheesy Delight for Dinner - Ground Beef Enchiladas - main visual representation

For more tips on making delicious enchiladas, check out our guide on enchilada variations!

Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Cheesy Delight for Dinner - Ground Beef Enchiladas - additional detail

For additional information on the history of enchiladas, visit this resource.

To learn more about the nutritional benefits of ground beef, check out this article.