Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish made with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and rich enchilada sauce all wrapped in soft tortillas. This simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefonion (chopped)garlic (minced)enchilada sauce (canned or homemade)taco seasoning or chili powdersalt and peppercorn or flour tortillascheddar or Mexican blend cheesegreen onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)sour cream or avocado (optional, for serving)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Stir in a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce to moisten the beef mixture.

Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla, add a sprinkle of cheese, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and serve with sour cream or avocado if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people (makes 8 enchiladas).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture.

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Top with sliced jalapeños or olives for extra flavor.

Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangier twist.

Make it spicy with chipotle peppers or hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Enchiladas freeze well—wrap tightly and store up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas?

Yes, both flour and corn work—flour is softer and easier to roll.

Do I have to cook the beef first?

Yes, cook and season it fully before assembling the enchiladas.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What cheese is best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—use a larger baking dish or two pans.

Is enchilada sauce spicy?

It can be—choose mild or hot based on your preference.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute beef with beans, tofu, or a veggie mix.

How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?

Lightly toast tortillas before filling and don’t overload with sauce.

Can I use homemade sauce?

Yes! Homemade enchilada sauce adds great flavor.

What sides go well?

Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic comfort food that’s full of flavor, family-friendly, and simple to prepare. Whether for a busy weeknight or a festive meal, this dish delivers satisfying results every time—and will quickly become a dinner favorite.