These Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food. With tender tortillas wrapped around flavorful ground beef, all topped with a rich, tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese, this dish brings a satisfying warmth to your dinner table. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make but packed with delicious flavors that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights, these enchiladas come together in just 30 minutes and are sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal at home, this dish is both hearty and delicious.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 enchilada-size tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and taco seasoning over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together in a bowl.
- Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture and a small amount of cheese into each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
The Ultimate Guide to Ground Beef Enchiladas: Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
If you’re searching for a dish that combines rich flavors, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing appeal, look no further than Ground Beef Enchiladas. This traditional Mexican-inspired dish has been a favorite in homes across the world, and for good reason! With its perfect balance of savory beef, gooey cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce, Ground Beef Enchiladas are more than just a meal — they’re a culinary experience that brings comfort and joy to every table. Let’s explore what makes this dish so beloved and why this recipe, in particular, stands out.
The History and Origin of Enchiladas
Enchiladas date back to ancient Mexico, where the Mayans and Aztecs used tortillas to wrap around various fillings, often accompanied by chili-based sauces. What was once a simple way to enjoy the available ingredients has evolved into a globally celebrated dish. As Spanish influences merged with indigenous Mexican cuisine, enchiladas began to incorporate new flavors like beef, cheese, and rich tomato-based sauces.
Fast forward to today, and enchiladas have become a staple in Mexican cuisine, as well as a popular dish across North America. Whether made with chicken, cheese, beans, or in this case, ground beef, the dish has adapted to suit different tastes while maintaining its authentic roots.
Why This Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe Stands Out
While there are countless enchilada recipes available, this particular version stands out due to its blend of traditional flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility. Here’s why:
- Flavorful Ground Beef Mixture: The heart of this recipe lies in its ground beef filling, which is seasoned with taco seasoning and sautéed with onions. The combination of spices in the taco seasoning enhances the beef, adding depth and richness to each bite. The onions add a touch of sweetness and balance out the savory beef.
- Tangy Enchilada Sauce: Enchilada sauce is the hero ingredient in any enchilada recipe. In this version, a store-bought or homemade red enchilada sauce coats the tortillas, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The sauce adds a slight tang that complements the richness of the beef and cheese, making the dish incredibly satisfying.
- Cheesy Goodness: The blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in this recipe creates the perfect melty topping. Cheddar adds a sharpness, while Monterey Jack contributes a creamy, buttery texture. Together, they form a cheesy crust on top of the enchiladas that’s hard to resist.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Customizable: Another reason this recipe is a favorite is its flexibility. You can easily swap out the ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein to cater to different dietary preferences. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to boost the nutritional value and texture of the enchiladas.
The Health Benefits of Ground Beef Enchiladas
While enchiladas are often seen as indulgent, this recipe offers a balanced meal that can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.
- High in Protein: Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. This makes the dish a great option for those looking to meet their daily protein requirements. Each serving provides about 15-20 grams of protein, depending on the portion size.
- Rich in Calcium: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese not only adds flavor but also provides a good dose of calcium, which is vital for bone health. Cheese is also a source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium more effectively.
- Source of Vitamins and Minerals: The beef and onion mixture contributes to a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Iron is crucial for red blood cell production, while zinc supports immune function. B vitamins, found in both the beef and tortillas, play a role in energy production and maintaining brain health.
- Whole Grain Option: You can make this dish healthier by opting for whole wheat or grain tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas. This increases the fiber content, helping to keep you full longer and supporting digestive health.
How to Make the Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas
This recipe is designed to be foolproof, but there are a few tips and tricks that can take your enchiladas to the next level.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese. Grating your own cheese may take a few extra minutes, but the payoff is worth it.
- Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: It can be tempting to stuff the tortillas with as much beef and cheese as possible, but overfilling can make them difficult to roll and cause them to break apart. Stick to about ⅓ cup of filling per tortilla for the best results.
- Heat the Tortillas First: Warming your tortillas before rolling them makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. You can do this by microwaving them for about 15 seconds or briefly heating them in a dry skillet.
- Let the Cheese Brown: While the recipe suggests baking for 15-20 minutes, you can leave the enchiladas in the oven for an extra 5 minutes to let the cheese on top turn golden brown. This adds a delicious, crispy texture to the dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top your enchiladas with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the dish.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Enchiladas
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. Whether you’re meal prepping or have leftovers, Ground Beef Enchiladas are just as tasty the next day.
- Storing in the Refrigerator: Once the enchiladas have cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to store them for a longer period, enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the enchiladas from drying out. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, though the oven will give you the best texture.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Enchiladas check all the boxes for a great weeknight meal: they’re quick, easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt to different dietary preferences and taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them to your family, preparing them for a party, or enjoying them as leftovers, Ground Beef Enchiladas are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
