The aroma of Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas fills the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm, cheesy hug. Picture it: soft tortillas cradling seasoned ground beef, smothered in a rich, spicy sauce, with bubbling cheese on top that stretches deliciously with every bite. It’s comfort food that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul.
This dish isn’t just for taco night; it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly. I remember the first time I made enchiladas for my crowd-pleasing dinner party—let’s just say there were no leftovers. The laughter, the stories shared over cheesy goodness—it was magical. So grab your apron and let’s embark on this flavorful adventure together!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are not only simple to prepare but packed with flavor that pleases everyone
- You can easily customize them to suit different tastes and preferences
- The vibrant colors of the dish make it visually appealing and mouth-watering
- Perfect for a family meal, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for delicious comfort food
Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Aim for an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are typically softer and easier to roll than corn tortillas. Choose the size based on how stuffed you want them!
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the enchiladas a gooey texture and rich flavor.
Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought saves time, but homemade adds an extra layer of love (and flavor) if you’re up for it.
Onion: Diced onions enhance the filling with sweetness and depth. Sauté until they’re translucent for best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a punchy aroma and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
For the Toppings:
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spices beautifully—because who doesn’t love sour cream?
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brightens up each bite with its fresh herbaceous notes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab your favorite baking dish—something large enough to hold all those glorious enchiladas.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook one pound of ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onions and minced garlic about halfway through until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Season It Right
Sprinkle in some chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well! Let those flavors mingle as you remove everything from heat.
Step 4: Assemble Your Enchiladas
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Take a tortilla, spoon some beef mixture inside, sprinkle with cheese, and roll it tightly before placing it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until you’ve filled your baking dish!
Step 5: Top It Off
Once all enchiladas are snug in their cozy sauce bath, pour more enchilada sauce over them generously! Don’t forget to cover liberally with shredded cheese—it’s all about that cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil (to prevent burning) and bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional five minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sour cream—now that’s how you serve perfection! Enjoy every cheesy bite; you’ve earned this culinary victory!
You Must Know
- Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that can transform any weeknight dinner into a fiesta
- With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, cooking becomes enjoyable and stress-free, allowing you to savor each flavorful bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, start by browning the beef in a skillet over medium heat. While it’s sizzling away, warm your tortillas in another pan. Once the beef is cooked through, assemble your enchiladas and bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also throw in black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. Top with guacamole or fresh cilantro for that personal flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring they stay deliciously cheesy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking when browning your beef
- Let the enchiladas rest for five minutes before serving; this helps set the filling
- For extra zest, consider adding lime juice to your sauce
Sometimes I whip up Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas on a chilly Friday night and watch my friends devour them like they haven’t eaten in days—it’s always a hit!
FAQs :
What Ingredients Do I Need for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas?
To make easy ground beef enchiladas, you will need ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese, onion, garlic, and your choice of spices. Optional ingredients include bell peppers and black beans. These components create a flavorful filling that makes the enchiladas irresistible. You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado. This simple ingredient list ensures that you can prepare this delicious dish in no time.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Preparing easy ground beef enchiladas typically takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time. This means you can have a satisfying meal ready in less than an hour! The cooking time may vary depending on your oven and how crispy you prefer your tortillas. The quick preparation makes these enchiladas a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can definitely make easy ground beef enchiladas ahead of time. Prepare them up to the baking stage and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven while preheating. You can also freeze the unbaked enchiladas for up to three months. Just ensure to let them thaw in the refrigerator before baking for best results. This makes it convenient for meal planning!
What Can I Serve with Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Easy ground beef enchiladas pair well with various side dishes. Consider serving them with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Fresh salads or guacamole also complement these enchiladas beautifully. For an extra kick, add some jalapeños or hot sauce on top! These sides enhance the flavors and create a delightful dining experience that everyone will enjoy.
Conclusion for Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas :
Easy ground beef enchiladas are a quick and delicious meal option perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, anyone can whip up this tasty dish in less than an hour. You can customize these enchiladas with various toppings and side dishes to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re making them ahead of time or enjoying them fresh from the oven, these enchiladas promise satisfaction every time!
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Mexico to your table. Each soft flour tortilla is generously filled with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these enchiladas are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights. In just under an hour, you can have a warm, cheesy meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin; mix well.
- Spread a layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with more shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
