Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is a dish that envelops your senses with its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and gooey cheese. Each savory bite delivers a comforting blend of seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas and slathered with rich enchilada sauce. This classic Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings and is sure to become a family favorite in no time. With this step-by-step recipe, you’ll learn how to create a delicious meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a simple, hassle-free recipe that can be prepared in under an hour? Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas boasts an array of benefits that make it an essential addition to your dinner rotation. Firstly, its straightforward preparation is ideal for cooks of any skill level, offering a wonderful opportunity to involve kids in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients required, you can whip this dish up without fuss, ensuring your family enjoys a hearty meal without extra stress.
Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef: Tender and savory, this will form the base of your filling.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or ~2 Tbsp homemade blend): Brings that essential Mexican spice you don’t want to skip.
- 1 cup enchilada sauce + ½ cup (divided): The saucy component that soaks the tortillas and enhances every bite.
- 8–10 tortillas (corn or flour): Choose based on your preference, both hold the filling beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar + Monterey Jack, or preferred): Gooey, melty goodness elevates the dish.
- ½ can black beans (drained, optional): For added protein and texture.
- 1 can diced green chilies (optional): A little heat and tang if desired.
- Corn (optional): Sweet bites that contrast the savory filling.
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who like it spicy.
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Freshness to top it off.
- Sour cream (for garnish): Creaminess that balances the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes (for garnish): Juicy freshness.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): A burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Prepare a 9×13” baking dish with a light coat of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling lean.
- Stir in the taco seasoning along with half a cup of the enchilada sauce. If you’re opting for black beans or diced green chilies, toss them in now. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Warm the tortillas briefly until pliable, making them easier to roll without cracking.
- Fill each tortilla with about a quarter cup of the beef mixture, add a sprinkle of cheese, and roll them up tightly. Place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and top with the additional cheese, ensuring that every tortilla is beautifully coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is irresistibly melted and bubbly.
- Allow the enchiladas to cool for 5 minutes. Then, garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions before serving.
Tips & Tricks
When making Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, a few chef’s secrets can elevate your dish. First, for even more flavor, try marinating the ground beef with the taco seasoning for an hour before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat. If you enjoy a crunchy texture, consider garnishing with crushed tortilla chips. Furthermore, feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. Lastly, experiment with different types of cheese; a blend of pepper jack and mozzarella can add a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas shine best when paired with sides that complement their rich flavors. Serve them alongside Mexican rice to soak up the extra sauce and refried beans for a hearty meal. A fresh side salad topped with avocado and lime dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the warm enchiladas. For a group gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar with options like diced avocados, more jalapeños, olives, and a variety of salsas to personalize each plate.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, which consists of one enchilada, is estimated to contain around 350 calories. The specific nutritional breakdown will depend on your choice of ingredients and portion sizes, especially with cheese and tortillas. This dish provides a wholesome source of protein from the beef and an array of vitamins from the optional garnishes. Enjoying this meal occasionally is a delight, but keep in mind portions if you’re looking to indulge mindfully.
Storing Tips & Variations for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
When it comes to storage, Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas make for excellent leftovers. Store any uneaten enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to prepare them in advance, assemble the dish but wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve. For those looking to save time during busy weeks, consider making a double batch and freezing them before baking. They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the original directions. Variations abound—try using sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian option or substituting the meat with lentils for a plant-based twist.
Conclusion for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
The time to whip up a batch of Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is now! With their delightful combination of flavors and quick preparation, they promise to be a showstopper at any meal. Whether you choose to follow the recipe as is or put your spin on it, your family will be eager for seconds. Grab your ingredients and get started on this crowd-pleasing classic soon!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for a day before baking, or freeze them before cooking for an easy meal later.What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils can be used for a leaner or vegetarian option.Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought enchilada sauce saves time and works great for this recipe.What tortillas work best?
Corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free, while flour tortillas offer a soft, fluffy alternative. Choose according to preference.How can I spice up the enchiladas?
For an extra kick, include sliced jalapeños in the filling or top the enchiladas with a zesty salsa before serving.
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
A delicious recipe for classic Mexican-inspired enchiladas filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with cheese and enchilada sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or ~2 Tbsp homemade blend)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce + ½ cup (divided)
- 8–10 tortillas (corn or flour)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar + Monterey Jack, or preferred)
- ½ can black beans (drained, optional)
- 1 can diced green chilies (optional)
- Corn (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
- Diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and prepare a 9×13” baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and half a cup of the enchilada sauce. Add optional black beans or diced green chilies and simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with ¼ cup of the beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly.
- Place tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish, pour remaining enchilada sauce over, and top with more cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes, and green onions before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate ground beef with taco seasoning before cooking. Try using crushed tortilla chips as a garnish for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
