These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting dish packed with flavor. Soft tortillas wrap around seasoned beef and lots of gooey cheese, making each bite oh-so-delicious!
I love how quick these enchiladas are to whip up, especially after a long day. They’re perfect for family dinners, and let’s be honest, who can say no to melted cheese? 🧀🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish! You can use lean beef for a healthier option or even ground turkey. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, try black beans or lentils for a hearty filling.
Cheese: I love mixing cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamy texture. Feel free to swap in pepper jack for a kick or use dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant.
Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought sauces are convenient, but homemade is often tastier! For a spicier version, consider adding green chilies or jalapeños to your sauce.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to use, but corn tortillas offer a gluten-free alternative. If using corn, you might want to warm them longer to prevent breaking.
How Do You Make Sure Your Enchiladas Are Not Soggy?
To keep your enchiladas from getting soggy, follow these tips!
- Don’t over-soak tortillas in sauce; they should just be coated.
- Use a baking dish with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Make sure to bake them uncovered to let excess moisture escape, keeping the tops crispy.
If you follow these steps, your enchiladas will come out perfectly delicious every time!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes—quick enough for a weeknight dinner but still delicious enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when you pop in your enchiladas!
2. Cook the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the ground beef. Cook it by breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the Meat:
Now, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is really fragrant. This is where the magic happens!
4. Combine with Enchilada Sauce:
Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture and give it a good stir to combine everything. Once mixed, remove it from the heat.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to keep the tortillas from sticking and to add extra flavor.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll. You can do this by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for about 5 minutes or microwaving them covered with a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds.
7. Fill the Tortillas:
Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture and spoon it into each tortilla. Add a sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then roll them up tightly. Don’t forget to tuck in the sides!
8. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish. It’s okay if they’re snug; they’ll all be happy together!
9. Bake Your Enchiladas:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them evenly. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly on top.
10. Get Baking:
Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once you take them out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cheesy ground beef enchiladas!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute that makes the dish slightly lighter. You can follow the same cooking instructions, and it will still turn out delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy enchilada sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving!
Can I Prepare Enchiladas in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick meal!
