Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that your family will love? These Ground Beef Enchiladas are just what you need! With savory ground beef, melty cheese, and homemade enchilada sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're craving Mexican food or need a simple dinner for busy weeknights, these enchiladas are perfect for every occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌮 Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 Minutes
🧀 Cheesy & Flavorful – A gooey combination of melted cheese and savory beef.
🔥 Customizable – Make it as spicy (or mild) as you like!
🍴 One-Pan Wonder – A simple, hassle-free dinner.
🌟 Family-Friendly – A meal everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Enchiladas:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 can (300g) enchilada sauce (red or green, depending on your preference)
- 250g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 100g (1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Homemade Enchilada Sauce (optional):
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce
(Skip if using store-bought sauce)
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, pepper, and water.
- Stir to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them more pliable.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each tortilla, roll it up, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. Serve with Mexican rice or a side salad for a complete meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Enchiladas
✔️ Use Fresh Tortillas – For the best flavor and texture, use fresh tortillas (flour or corn).
✔️ Beef Alternatives – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even beef stew meat.
✔️ Make It Spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your beef mixture.
✔️ Cheese Variations – Try different cheese combinations like Mexican blend, cotija, or queso fresco.
✔️ Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the enchiladas the day before and store them in the fridge. Simply bake when ready to serve.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
🔹 Make-Ahead: Prepare the enchiladas and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking.
🔹 Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔹 Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Tasty Variations
🌯 Vegetarian Enchiladas – Substitute ground beef with black beans or refried beans.
🍗 Chicken Enchiladas – Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
🌶️ Spicy Enchiladas – Add green chilies, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers for extra heat.
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