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These ground beef enchiladas have saved many weeknights in our busy house delivering big flavor with minimal effort. With a cozy homemade feel and just a few easy steps this meal comes together so quickly you will want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.
Every time I make these I remember the first time my youngest helped roll up the tortillas. Now it has become a fun family tradition and they always disappear fast at the table.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty savory base Look for fresh bright pink meat with little liquid in the package
- Enchilada sauce: Adds the signature tangy and rich flavor I like to read labels to pick one with good seasonings and no excess sugar
- Flour tortillas: Easy to roll and great texture Choose ones that feel soft and flexible when gently pressed
- Shredded cheese: Melts for that unmistakable bubbly top Use sharp cheddar for flavor or a blend for extra meltiness
- Chopped onion: Softens with the beef and adds depth The more fragrant the better for plenty of flavor
- Garlic powder: Gives warmth and savory aroma A fresh powder will smell robust and not stale
- Cumin: Brings gentle smokiness Buy ground cumin that has a strong nutty scent for best results
- Salt and pepper: Balances other flavors Freshly ground black pepper really pops in this recipe
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 F or 175 C at the very start so it is warmed up and ready for baking as soon as you assemble everything
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- Add ground beef to a skillet over medium heat Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces Brown the beef until no pink remains and the juices are mostly evaporated This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add chopped onion garlic powder cumin salt and pepper to the browned beef Stir well and continue cooking until the onions are soft and translucent stirring occasionally This step lets those flavors really merge
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Pour just enough enchilada sauce to thinly coat the bottom of your baking dish This keeps the tortillas from sticking and adds tasty moisture from the base up
- Fill and Roll the Enchiladas:
- Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheese on top Roll up each tortilla snugly to keep the filling inside
- Arrange in Dish:
- Lay each rolled enchilada seam side down in your baking dish Arrange them closely together to help hold their shape
- Top and Cheese:
- Pour all the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas making sure they are well covered Sprinkle all remaining cheese in an even layer over everything
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the dish into your hot oven Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is fully melted and starting to bubble A little browning on the edges is a good sign
The cumin is absolutely my favorite part of this recipe It adds a gentle earthiness that reminds me of gatherings at my grandmother’s table Nothing brings my family to the kitchen faster than the smell of enchiladas in the oven
Flavor Boosters
This recipe freezes really well before or after baking for later meals Try adding a dash of chili powder or extra cumin with the aromatics to deepen the flavor or stir in some diced bell pepper or fresh jalapeno for more complexity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot enchiladas with a crisp green salad and sliced avocado A squeeze of lime or a spoonful of sour cream on top adds brightness and creamy coolness For a fun twist scatter chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
Creative Twists
Swap ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for the beef if you prefer Try whole wheat tortillas or corn for a gluten free version Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese both work well if you want to change up the flavor
Nothing beats sharing a bubbling pan of enchiladas with my loved ones on a cold evening. Keep an extra pan in the freezer for surprise guests — it always comes in handy!
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of beef is best for this dish?
Ground beef with moderate fat content works well to keep the filling juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, cooking the beef mixture in advance allows flavors to meld and makes assembly quicker when ready to bake.
- → What cheese pairs best with enchiladas?
Shredded cheddar or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar melt nicely and complement the dish’s spices.
- → How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?
Lightly warming tortillas before filling helps them roll easily without tearing and prevents excess moisture buildup.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adding more cumin or garlic powder enhances depth, while including chili powder or diced jalapeños increases heat.