These Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate family-friendly comfort food. Tender tortillas are filled with savory, seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, then baked in a rich enchilada sauce until bubbling and golden. This recipe is quick to prepare, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to be a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for family dinners and meal prep
Simple ingredients with big flavor
Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat
Crowd-pleasing comfort food
Ready in under an hour
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (lean)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
8 flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
½ cup black beans or corn (optional)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. - Season the Meat
Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Add a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce to moisten the mixture. - Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. - Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top generously with the rest of the cheese. - Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the enchiladas up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I make it lighter?
Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 enchilada | 410 | 25g | 30g | 18g | 4g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
