Flavor-Packed Beef Enchiladas – A Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing Classic!

Learn how to make delicious beef enchiladas with this easy recipe! Tender seasoned beef, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce make the perfect family dinner.

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like homemade beef enchiladas to bring the whole family together around the dinner table. These savory rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce are the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

What makes this beef enchiladas recipe so special? It’s surprisingly simple to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and delivers restaurant-quality results every single time. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, these beef enchiladas will become your go-to crowd-pleaser.

The best part? You can have these delicious enchiladas on the table in just about 45 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 8-10 flour tortillas (8-inch size) • 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade) • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 2 green onions, sliced thin

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream • Diced avocado • Pickled jalapeños • Fresh lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Beef Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Once the beef is mostly cooked through, add the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Season the Mixture

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Warm the Tortillas

Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds to make them more pliable for rolling.

5. Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

6. Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re well covered. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese on top.

7. Bake to Perfection

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble these beef enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Cheese Substitutions: While Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or even Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.

Tortilla Tips: Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas for a more traditional approach. Just be sure to warm them well to prevent cracking.

Storage: Leftover enchiladas keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Freezer-Friendly: These enchiladas freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for these enchiladas?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. You might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan since turkey is less fatty than beef.

How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?

The key is not over-saucing them and making sure your beef mixture isn’t too wet. Also, let them rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set.

What’s the best enchilada sauce to use?

You can use any quality red enchilada sauce from the store, or make your own with dried chiles. Las Palmas and Old El Paso are popular grocery store brands that work well.

Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with black beans, sautéed vegetables, or a combination of both. Season with the same taco seasoning for great flavor.

How many people does this recipe serve?

This recipe makes 8-10 enchiladas, which typically serves 4-6 people as a main dish, depending on appetites and what sides you’re serving.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Definitely! Corn tortillas are actually more traditional. Just make sure to warm them well and handle gently to prevent tearing.

What sides go well with beef enchiladas?

Classic sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple green salad, or chips with guacamole and salsa.

How do I know when the enchiladas are done baking?

They’re ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. The edges might be slightly golden.

Conclusion

These homemade beef enchiladas prove that incredible Mexican comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas is pure comfort food magic. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or satisfying those weeknight dinner cravings.

Try This Recipe Today!

Ready to make these amazing beef enchiladas? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try tonight! Your family will be so impressed, and you’ll love how easy they are to make.

Did you make these beef enchiladas? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your delicious creation!

Pin this recipe for later and share it with friends who love Mexican food. Happy cooking!