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Easy beef enchiladas recipe with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese

Easy Beef Enchiladas Recipe

This easy beef enchiladas recipe combines seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, tortillas, red enchilada sauce, Monterey Jack or Mexican-blend cheese, and cheddar for a flavorful and comforting homemade dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Enchiladas
  • 8 medium flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican-blend cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green onions
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
  4. Warm the tortillas briefly so they become flexible and easier to roll.
  5. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Fill each tortilla with seasoned beef and a small amount of shredded cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack or Mexican-blend cheese and cheddar over the top.
  9. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes.
  12. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, or lime before serving.

Notes

Ground beef should reach 160°F (71.1°C) internally. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with rice, black beans, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, avocado, sour cream, or fresh lime.
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Freezer Friendly:
Yes. Beef enchiladas can be frozen before or after baking when properly covered in a freezer-safe container.