If you’re looking for a simple and tasty meal, these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are just the thing! With flavorful ground beef and gooey cheese rolled up in soft tortillas, they’re a hit for dinner.
Honestly, you can never go wrong with melted cheese! I love making a big batch to enjoy for lunch the next day. Plus, it takes just a few ingredients and is ready in no time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for less grease. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian crumbles also work well if you’re looking for a meatless meal.
Onion: A small yellow onion is ideal for flavor. If you’re out of onions, try green onions or shallots instead. They still give a nice taste without being overpowering.
Cheese: Cheddar is great, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for some extra kick. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.
Enchilada Sauce: You can buy canned sauce, but homemade is always delicious! Simply blend canned tomatoes with spices if you’re up for it. If you want to avoid spice, choose a mild sauce.
How Do I Get My Enchiladas to Hold Their Shape?
Rolling enchiladas can be tricky, but here’s how to keep them tight and neat. Start by warming up your tortillas. This softens them and makes them less likely to crack.
- Warm in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, or place them on a hot, dry skillet until soft.
- Don’t overfill! A few spoonfuls of filling with some cheese is perfect.
- When rolling, tuck in the sides as you go to keep everything inside.
Finally, place them seam-side down in the dish to help them hold shape while baking. Simple steps can make a big difference!
How to Make Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Enchiladas:
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Cooking oil (for skillet)
For Serving:
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. You’ll have hearty and cheesy enchiladas on your table in about 40 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 bake.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, pour in a splash of cooking oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it off.
4. Add Flavor:
Stir in the can of enchilada sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. This will help prevent sticking and add extra flavor to the bottom of your enchiladas.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tortillas easier to roll, warm them up. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds, or by warming them on a dry skillet for a minute.
7. Fill the Tortillas:
Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with a little cheese, then roll them up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down into the prepared baking dish.
8. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Once all the tortillas are rolled and in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Then, sprinkle all the remaining cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
9. Bake:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the enchiladas bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if you’d like, and serve hot with sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side. Enjoy your meal!
Now you have a delicious dish to share! These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink, just like you would with ground beef.
How Do I Make These Enchiladas Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative like quinoa or veggie crumbles. You can also add some chopped bell peppers, corn, or diced zucchini for extra flavor and texture!
How Can I Store Leftover Enchiladas?
Cool any leftover enchiladas to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them individually for a quicker option!
Can I Freeze These Enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze enchiladas! Assemble them in a baking dish but don’t bake them. Instead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
