These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are packed with flavor and melted cheese! With a quick prep time, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Who doesn’t love cheesy goodies? I usually pile on the cheese and watch everyone smile as they dig in. Plus, they’re super simple to make—just roll, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you want to cut fat, try ground turkey or chicken as a substitute. You could even go vegetarian with black beans or lentils!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a great flavor base. If onions are not preferred, shallots or even onion powder can do the trick. Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
Enchilada Sauce: A key component for moisture and flavor. If you can’t find canned enchilada sauce, barbecue sauce or salsa can work in a pinch, but the flavor will differ. You might also make it from scratch with tomato sauce, spices, and broth!
Tortillas: I love using flour tortillas for their softness. Corn tortillas add a nice texture; just warm them well to prevent cracking! If gluten is a concern, look for gluten-free tortillas made from alternative flours.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, Queso Fresco, or even pepper jack for some heat can all add great flavor. Vegan cheese also works for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Get My Tortillas to Roll Without Cracking?
Warming the tortillas is the secret! This makes them flexible and easy to roll. Here’s how to do it right:
- Microwave the tortillas for 20-30 seconds, wrapping them in a damp paper towel. This keeps them warm and prevents them from drying out.
- If you prefer, you can heat them in a dry skillet on medium heat for just about 15 seconds on each side.
- Once warmed, they should roll up just fine without breaking!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6 or 8-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then an additional 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to serve up these delicious enchiladas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warming up! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish preparing the enchiladas.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, ensuring it’s nice and crumbly!
3. Add Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. Yum!
4. Flavor It Up
Now, stir in the enchilada sauce, optional diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to meld those delicious flavors!
5. Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce from your skillet across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and adds flavor!
6. Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling the tortillas easier, warm them briefly in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This makes them flexible and much easier to work with!
7. Fill the Tortillas
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Don’t forget to sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the beef!
8. Roll Them Up
Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam side down in your baking dish. Repeat until all filling is used up!
9. Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled-up tortillas, and then sprinkle the top generously with any remaining shredded cheese.
10. Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly!
11. Let It Cool
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and helps the enchiladas hold their shape!
12. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your cheesy enchiladas with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions if you like. Serve them warm and enjoy these delightful goodies!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a lighter dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be a bit different, but you can enhance it with spices as needed!
How Do I Store Leftover Enchiladas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the enchiladas up to the baking step, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Enchilada Sauce?
If you’re out of enchilada sauce, try using salsa or a homemade blend with tomato sauce, spices, and broth. Barbecue sauce offers a different flavor, but could also work in a pinch!
