Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Featured in Simple Beef Recipes That Work.

With just an hour and some ground beef in hand, I thought of grandma’s enchiladas. Simple, cheesy goodness that turned dinner into a hit meal everyone devoured!

Emily Watson
Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:36:40 GMT
A dish of vibrant enchiladas with cheese, diced tomato, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream on a wooden table with jalapeño slices. Pin it
A dish of vibrant enchiladas with cheese, diced tomato, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream on a wooden table with jalapeño slices. | thefamilycooks.com

Need a tasty dinner that's quick to make? These Ground Beef Enchiladas hit the spot. Combine spiced beef with gooey cheese, roll it all together, and add your favorite garnishes. Dinner will be on the table in less than 60 minutes.

What Makes These Enchiladas Special

Stuck in a ground beef cooking rut? These enchiladas are straightforward yet delicious. They're packed with beef and cheese, and you can customize them to your taste. The coolest thing? You can whip up extra and store them in the freezer. They're great for hectic evenings or when guests drop by.

Ingredients List

  • Ground Beef: The standard kind is ideal. If you'd rather, ground turkey works fine too
  • White Onion: Dice up a single onion
  • Taco Seasoning: A single packet is enough
  • Water: Nothing fancy here
  • Tortillas: Medium size - either flour or corn will do
  • Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought red sauce works perfectly
  • Cheese: Standard cheddar, shredded
  • Optional Garnishes:
    • Sour cream
    • Diced tomato and onion blend
    • Diced avocado
    • Chopped green onions

Cooking Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set it to 375°
Prepare Meat:
Sauté beef and onions until browned. Get rid of excess grease
Season Mixture:
Stir in taco seasoning with water. Simmer until liquid disappears
Prepare Baking Dish:
Spread some sauce across the bottom of a 9x13 dish
Assemble Enchiladas:
Fill each tortilla with meat and cheese, roll them, place in dish
Cover With Sauce:
Drizzle remaining sauce on top. Cover with cheese
Cook:
Leave in oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese bubbles
Finish:
Top with sour cream, avocado, or other garnishes you enjoy
A plate of cheesy beef enchiladas topped with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Pin it
A plate of cheesy beef enchiladas topped with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. | thefamilycooks.com

The Crowd-Pleasing Appeal

Nobody turns down these enchiladas. They're hearty, loaded with cheese, and burst with flavor. Even the fussiest eaters ask for more. The combo of flavorful beef with melted cheese just can't miss, and the sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Choosing the Right Wraps

Any tortillas will work for this dish. Corn ones stand up better and feel more authentic. Flour ones bend easier and don't crack. Both taste wonderful - go with what your crew prefers. Just grab the freshest ones you can find so they don't tear during rolling.

Prep Now, Enjoy Later

These enchiladas are fantastic for planning ahead. Put them together when you've got some downtime, cover them up, and stick them in the freezer. When you're hungry, just toss them in the oven. Don't bother thawing - they cook up great straight from frozen.

Sauce Options

The sauce really brings these enchiladas to life. Ready-made stuff from the grocery works great and cuts down prep time. If you've got energy to make your own, that's even better. Red sauce is traditional, but green works too. Go with whatever your taste buds prefer.

Cheese Selection Tips

Want truly amazing melty cheese? Skip the pre-shredded bags and grate a block yourself. It melts smoother and tastes way better. It'll take a couple extra minutes but your enchiladas will turn out much yummier.

A close-up of a dish of cheesy beef enchiladas, topped with sour cream, cilantro, and avocado chunks, served in a glass baking dish. Pin it
A close-up of a dish of cheesy beef enchiladas, topped with sour cream, cilantro, and avocado chunks, served in a glass baking dish. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap in chicken?

Sure! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and is super easy. You can also cook and chop chicken breasts or thighs. Use the same seasonings to keep it delicious and balanced.

→ I want more spice!

Spice it up by tossing in chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled) while cooking the meat. You can also mix in hot sauces like Sriracha or Tabasco for a fiery kick. Make it as bold as you'd like!

→ Got leftover tips?

Pop leftovers into a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste even better the next day! Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, and enjoy.

→ Can this dish be gluten-free?

Totally! Use corn tortillas instead of flour ones—they’re naturally gluten-free. Also, double-check your sauce and spices to make sure they don’t include hidden gluten.

→ What pairs well with them?

Serve these with Mexican rice or refried beans for a classic touch. Want something lighter? Pair with a simple lime-dressed salad or some fresh avocado slices for balance.

Conclusion

Fan of Mexican eats? Next time, try easy beef tacos or stuffed peppers with this tasty meat and cheese combo. Chances are, you've already got everything on hand!

Ground Beef Enchiladas

When taco night feels old, these enchiladas shake things up!

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup water.
02 2 1/2 spoons taco seasoning.
03 1/2 onion, diced small.
04 1 pound minced beef.
05 16 oz grated cheese.
06 8 flour tortillas.
07 2 cups tomato-based sauce.
08 Sliced avocado.
09 Fresh pico de gallo.
10 Chopped green onions.
11 Spoonfuls of sour cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 375° and let it warm up.

Step 02

Brown the beef with the onion until completely cooked. Get rid of any grease left over.

Step 03

Mix in the taco spice and water. Let it simmer until the water’s gone.

Step 04

Spread 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

Step 05

Take 1/3 cup of the meat and 1/4 cup cheese per tortilla, roll it up tight, then lay it seam-side down in your dish.

Step 06

Pour all the rest of the sauce over everything. Then sprinkle the last of the cheese on top.

Step 07

Cook it in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until it’s bubbling away.

Step 08

Put on your favorite toppings and enjoy it right away!

Notes

  1. You can freeze this before baking. Wrap it well and keep it up to 3 months. Bake frozen for 45 minutes with foil on, then remove the foil and bake 5 more.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet.
  • Baking dish.
  • Oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy ingredients.
  • Contains flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 491
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 27 g