Easy Beef Enchiladas

Easy Beef Enchiladas are a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce—all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. This classic Mexican-inspired recipe is simple enough for weeknights and delicious enough to serve guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples.
• Fast Preparation: Easy to assemble and ready for the oven in minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: Bold, savory, and cheesy in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 8 flour tortillas (6–8 inch)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Beef
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

3. Season the Filling
   Stir in taco seasoning and half of the enchilada sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Assemble Enchiladas
   Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into each tortilla, top with some cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.

5. Top and Bake
   Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve
   Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Add Beans: Mix in black beans or refried beans for extra heartiness.
• Spicy Version: Use spicy enchilada sauce or add chopped jalapeños.
• Cheese Options: Swap Mexican blend with pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
• Green Enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a different flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas?

Yes, but warm them first to prevent tearing when rolling.

What’s the best ground meat for enchiladas?

Ground beef (80–85% lean) works well, but ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

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

How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?

Avoid over-saturating with sauce and bake uncovered during the final few minutes for a firmer top.

Are enchiladas gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and check that the enchilada sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—use two baking dishes and bake side by side for a larger group.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Use dairy-free cheese and ensure other ingredients are dairy-free.

What sides go well with beef enchiladas?

Serve with rice, beans, chips and salsa, or a simple salad.

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Yes, leftover seasoned meat makes an easy shortcut for this recipe.

How can I make it creamier?

Mix a bit of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef filling before assembling.

Conclusion

Easy Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful, comforting dish that brings all the deliciousness of taco night into a warm, cheesy bake. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for guests, this recipe is a reliable go-to that everyone will enjoy.