Picture this: a warm plate of ground beef enchiladas fresh from the oven, oozing melted cheese and topped with vibrant green cilantro. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a hug from your grandma. These bad boys aren’t just food; they’re an experience that brings back memories of laughter-filled family dinners and spicy debates over who makes the best salsa. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this culinary fiesta.
Now imagine sitting at the dinner table after a long day, ready to dig into these delicious ground beef enchiladas. You take that first bite—you know, the one where time stands still and everything else fades away—and suddenly it feels like a celebration. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just an ordinary Wednesday night, these enchiladas make every meal feel like a fiesta.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These easy-to-make ground beef enchiladas are packed with flavor and require minimal prep time
- They are visually appealing with their rich colors and textures, making them perfect for impressing guests
- Versatile enough for any occasion, you can customize fillings based on your family’s preferences
- The gooey cheese topping makes each bite irresistible!
I remember the first time I made these ground beef enchiladas for my friends. Their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning when they took that first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose high-quality lean ground beef for a flavorful filling without too much grease.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas work best for authentic texture; just be sure to warm them before filling.
- Shredded Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for maximum melty goodness.
- Salsa: Your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa will do wonders as a sauce base.
- Onions: Sautéed onions add sweetness and depth to the filling; don’t skip this!
- Spices: Chili powder and cumin give these enchiladas that signature kick we all crave.
- Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to finish off your dish beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat That Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our enchiladas bake evenly while we prepare everything else.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, add some oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do it!
Brown the Beef: Add in your lean ground beef and cook until browned. Don’t forget to sprinkle in chili powder and cumin for that flavor punch!
Fill Those Tortillas: Now comes the fun part! Place a generous spoonful of meat mixture onto each tortilla, top with cheese, roll them up tightly.
Prep for Baking: Spread some salsa evenly on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Then place your rolled enchiladas seam-side down.
Bake It Up: Cover with more salsa and cheese before popping them into the oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Enjoy those sizzling sounds coming from your oven as you await this tasty creation!
And there you have it! Your own homemade ground beef enchiladas ready to bring joy to your dining table! Serve them hot out of the oven with toppings like sour cream or guacamole if you’re feeling fancy!
You Must Know
- Ground Beef Enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that combines hearty flavors with cheesy goodness, making them perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich aroma of spices and melting cheese can transport you to your favorite Mexican restaurant, all from the comfort of home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then prepare your sauce while the beef cooks. Assemble your enchiladas using warm tortillas for easy rolling, ensuring everything is perfectly timed and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, and add beans or veggies for extra nutrition. Spice up the sauce with jalapeños or cilantro for a fresh twist that suits your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, preserving their cheesy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your enchiladas are flavorful, season the meat well before assembly
- Use fresh ingredients like tomatoes and onions for a vibrant taste
- Don’t forget to cover them while baking to keep them moist!
Sometimes, my friends ask why I don’t make these enchiladas more often—and it’s because they disappear faster than you can say “taco Tuesday!”
FAQ
Can I use alternative proteins in Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner option.
What toppings are best for Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro add delightful flavors and textures.
How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?
Use just enough sauce to coat without drowning—fresh tortillas help too!
Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a family favorite, bursting with flavor and topped with gooey cheese. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful Mexican dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar & Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a pan over medium heat, sauté chopped onions in oil until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned; stir in chili powder and cumin.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of the meat mixture and sprinkle with cheese; roll up tightly.
- Spread salsa on the bottom of a baking dish and place rolled enchiladas seam-side down.
- Top with remaining salsa and cheese; bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Incorporate beans or veggies for added nutrition. Spice up the sauce by adding jalapeños or extra cilantro for a fresh twist.
