Homestyle Ground Beef Enchiladas: Simple & Savory (Print Version)

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Whip up comforting, flavorful enchiladas with a simple beef filling and rich sauce. Perfect for weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten (can be made gluten-free)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor, honestly!)
02 - 12 corn or flour tortillas (I usually grab corn, they just feel more authentic)
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend, whatever's in your fridge)
04 - 1/2 cup chopped onion (yellow or white, doesn't matter much to me)

→ Sauce Essentials

05 - 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (I'm not making homemade every time, let's be real!)
06 - 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (adds a little extra richness)
07 - 1 tsp chili powder (for that classic kick)
08 - 1/2 tsp cumin (can't skip this, it just *makes* it!)
09 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder (easy way to get that garlicky goodness)

→ Flavor Boosters

10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always better, trust me)
11 - 1/4 cup beef broth (or water, if you're out, I've done it)
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste (season as you go, always!)

→ Toppings & Garnish

13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)
14 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a cool contrast)
15 - Diced avocado or guacamole (because, why not?)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest skillet and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it's mostly browned, drain off most of that fat – I usually leave just a tablespoon or two for flavor, because honestly, it makes a difference. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and smell absolutely amazing, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins for our Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe, filling the kitchen with incredible aromas!
02 - Now for the flavor! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper with the browned beef and veggies. Let those spices toast for about a minute; you'll smell them bloom, it’s wonderful. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and about a quarter cup of the red enchilada sauce. Give it a good stir, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully for your Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. Don't rush this step!
03 - While your beef filling is doing its thing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your 9x13 inch baking dish and pour about half a cup of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom, spreading it around. This prevents sticking and adds extra moisture. Now, for the tortillas: I like to warm them slightly in a dry skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds each. It makes them pliable and prevents them from tearing when you roll them. Trust me, I've had many tortilla tragedies, and this step saves so much frustration!
04 - Time to assemble! Lay a warmed tortilla flat. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center, about 2-3 tablespoons. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the beef. Then, carefully roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat this with the rest of your tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in a single layer. It's okay if they're a little messy; that's just part of the homemade charm of an Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe.
05 - Once all your enchiladas are rolled and nestled in the dish, pour the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Make sure every single one is coated! Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over everything. I usually add a little extra cheese, because, well, cheese! Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The cheese should be starting to melt and get bubbly underneath the foil.
06 - After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. Oh, the smell at this point is just incredible! Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving; this helps everything set. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and diced avocado. Enjoy your delicious Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe!

# Notes:

01 - Always warm your tortillas slightly before rolling; it prevents cracking and makes them so much more pliable.
02 - Leftover enchiladas keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently!
03 - No ground beef? Ground turkey or shredded chicken works too, but the flavor profile will shift a bit.
04 - A sprinkle of cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving just elevates everything.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large skillet
03 - mixing bowls

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g

Back