These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a cheesy delight wrapped in soft tortillas! With seasoned beef and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to please the whole family.
Who doesn’t love something that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat? I like to serve these with a little extra cheese on top, just in case anyone feels like having a cheesy upgrade! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your enchiladas. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas, but you may need to warm them a bit longer to make them more pliable.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives these enchiladas a nice sharp flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different taste. I also love adding pepper jack for a little kick!
Enchilada Sauce: While store-bought is convenient, making your own can add a fresh touch. Try a green sauce if you want something different, or even a chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Enchiladas Are Rolled Up Perfectly?
Rolling enchiladas can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave to soften them. This prevents tearing.
- Add just the right amount of filling—too much makes them hard to roll!
- Start rolling tightly from one end. Tuck the filling in as you go for a snug fit.
These little steps will help your enchiladas turn out neat and stunning!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 8 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have a warm and cheesy meal ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your enchiladas are ready to go in.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, add a small drizzle of cooking oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it sauté until it’s softened, around 3 minutes. Then, add the ground beef and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
3. Flavor It Up:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want it to thicken up nicely!
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
While your beef mixture is simmering, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread approximately 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom. This helps prevent the enchiladas from sticking and adds extra flavor!
5. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a skillet until they are soft and pliable. Now, take a tortilla, place a generous amount of the beef mixture in the center, sprinkle with a little shredded cheese, and roll it up tightly. Place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over all the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top—you can never have too much cheese, right?
7. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly!
8. Finish and Serve:
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This helps them set a little. If you’d like, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side and enjoy your cheesy, delicious meal!
Dig into these enchiladas, and savor every cheesy bite!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just follow the recipe as written, and you’ll still get delicious and cheesy enchiladas.
How Can I Store Leftover Enchiladas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through—adding a sprinkle of cheese on top can help refresh the dish!
Can I Freeze These Enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze the enchiladas before baking! Just assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Enchilada Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick sauce by blending diced tomatoes with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Alternatively, taco sauce or salsa can work in a pinch, too!
