Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

We add onion and garlic to add even more depth of flavor to the beef. Adding cheese to the inside as well as on top also adds flavor and texture. We love using the red enchilada sauce because it helps to control the spice level.

If you like easy baked dinner recipes, you will love these easy Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream and our family-favorite Baked Ravioli.

Ingredients

With just 8 simple ingredients, you can make our favorite recipe for enchiladas with ground beef. We typically have several of these items on hand because we love making tacos and burritos!

• Ground beef: We chose 80% lean ground beef because it has the perfect amount of fat to add flavor without feeling overly greasy.
• Onion: Ensure you dice the onion so you don’t have large pieces. We add them to this recipe for their subtle sweetness and flavor and not for texture.
• Garlic: This is one of the most essential ingredients. It adds the perfect aroma and flavor to take the meat to the next level (instead of just adding taco seasoning).
• Green chiles: This is optional but we add green chiles to the filling as well. They add a brightness that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.
• Taco seasoning: Any brand of taco seasoning will work great here. If you prefer a mild or hot taco seasoning over the original, that’s great.
• Cheddar cheese: We like cheddar for the enchiladas but Monetery Jack or a fiesta blend would be tasty, too.
• Tortillas: We use corn tortillas because of their soft texture and flavor. They work so well in this recipe.
• Red enchilada sauce: This is a mild, tomato-based sauce that is super flavorful.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Ground beef enchiladas with green sauce: Most green sauces tend to be spicier than red sauce as well as more acidic and tangy. If you like it, I recommend that you try it because it’s yummy in this recipe.
• Flour tortillas: Try these beef enchiladas with flour tortillas instead of corn. They’re thicker and have a little less flavor but work well with the sauce.
• Black bean enchiladas: Swap the beef for black beans to create a delicious vegetarian version.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Here are all of the steps needed to make these beef enchiladas. To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to warm the tortillas. I also recommend having your 9x13 baking dish standing by, too!

Step 1: Cook the beef and onion. Cook the beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft.

Step 2: Add the garlic, chiles, and seasoning. Next, add the garlic, green chiles, taco seasoning, and water to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Prep the tortillas. Spray each of the corn tortillas with cooking spray. Place them on the baking sheet and bake them for 2-3 minutes to soften them.

Step 4: Layer sauce. Spread a ⅓ cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish.

Step 5: Fill the tortillas. Scoop some of the meat mixture into a tortilla and top with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Roll it and place it seam-side down in the pan. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.

Step 6: Top with sauce and cheese. Pour the rest of the sauce on top of the enchiladas and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Put it in the oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.

Storage Directions 

• Storing: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze the enchiladas tightly covered with plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: You may reheat an individual portion in the microwave or you may place the casserole dish in the oven to reheat them until warm at 350 degrees F.
• Make Ahead: Prepare and fill the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before dinner.
• Freeze: You may also freeze them without the enchilada sauce and add the sauce and top with the rest of the cheese right before baking if you choose.

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