Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are one of those magical dinner creations that transform simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. These corn tortillas wrapped around savory seasoned beef, smothered in rich red sauce, and topped with melted cheese create a comforting meal that never fails to bring people together around the table. There’s something about that perfect combination of spices, tender meat, and gooey cheese that makes this dish irresistible to everyone who tries it.

My grandmother first taught me to make enchiladas when I was just tall enough to reach the counter on my tiptoes. She’d tell stories of her own mother’s cooking while we worked side by side, filling and rolling tortillas with practiced hands. Those afternoons in her kitchen taught me more than just techniques they showed me how food connects us to our heritage and to each other. The aroma of cumin and chili powder will forever transport me back to those precious moments.

This beef enchiladas recipe is wonderfully adaptable and family-friendly. You can adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences, and the prep work can be done ahead of time for busy weeknights. What I love most about these enchiladas is how they encourage gathering there’s something about passing a bubbling dish of homemade enchiladas that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration. If you’re looking for more comforting dinner ideas, my creamy lemon garlic chicken is another family favorite.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This recipe centers around ground beef seasoned to perfection with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder that give beef enchiladas their distinctive, mouthwatering flavor. I always recommend using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the creamiest, meltiest texture. All the exact measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Beef Enchiladas

Creating these enchiladas involves preparing a flavorful beef filling, softening corn tortillas, assembling with enchilada sauce, and baking until bubbly and golden. For the richest flavors, I recommend toasting your spices lightly when cooking the beef mixture, which releases their essential oils and creates a more complex taste profile. If you enjoy cooking with ground beef, you might also love my cowboy casserole recipe which uses similar techniques.

Homemade Beef Enchiladas

These flavorful beef enchiladas combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and authentic enchilada sauce wrapped in soft corn tortillas for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Filling

• 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
• 1 medium onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 4 oz green chiles canned, diced

For the Enchilada Sauce

• 3 cups red enchilada sauce homemade or store-bought

For Assembly

• 12 corn tortillas 6-inch diameter
• 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded, divided
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream for serving

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• 9×13 Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife

Method

 

Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no longer pink.
3. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
4. Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
7. Mix in the diced green chiles and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare for Assembly

1. Pour 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable. You can do this by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30 seconds, or by heating them briefly in a dry skillet.

Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Working with one tortilla at a time, dip it in the enchilada sauce to lightly coat both sides.
2. Place about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with about 2 tablespoons of Monterey Jack cheese.
3. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, arranging the enchiladas side by side in the baking dish.

Bake Enchiladas

1. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and all the cheddar cheese over the sauce.
3. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream as desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can prepare the enchilada sauce from scratch or use a good quality store-bought version. For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef filling.

Pro Tips for Making This Beef Enchiladas

After years of perfecting my beef enchiladas recipe, I’ve gathered some tricks that make all the difference:

My Secret Trick: I always dip each tortilla quickly in warm enchilada sauce before filling and rolling. This adds flavor directly to the tortilla and helps prevent cracking when you roll them.

When browning your beef, don’t rush this step! Let the meat develop a nice caramelization for deeper flavor. Break it up into small, even pieces as it cooks for the best texture in your enchiladas.

Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your enchilada sauce for an authentic Mexican mole-inspired depth. This subtle addition transforms the sauce without making it taste chocolaty.

For extra-melty cheese topping, mix your shredded cheeses with a tablespoon of cornstarch before sprinkling over the enchiladas. This creates the most gloriously stretchy, gooey cheese pull when serving.

Fun Variations for Beef Enchiladas

Breakfast Enchiladas

Transform this dinner classic into a morning treat by adding scrambled eggs to your beef mixture. Top with avocado slices and a fried egg for a hearty brunch option that will power you through the day.

Verde Variation

Switch up the flavor profile by using green enchilada sauce instead of red. The tangier, slightly brighter taste pairs beautifully with the beef, and I like to add roasted poblano peppers to the filling for an extra dimension of flavor.

Creamy Enchiladas

My sister always requests this version! Stir 4 ounces of cream cheese into your beef mixture while it’s still hot. This creates a richer, creamier filling that contrasts beautifully with the tangy sauce. Finish with a drizzle of Mexican crema before serving.

Loaded Enchiladas

For those who love a fully loaded dish, add black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers to your beef mixture. This hearty variation increases both flavor and nutrition, making your enchiladas even more satisfying on a chilly evening.

What to Serve With Beef Enchiladas

Creating the perfect Mexican-inspired meal means surrounding your beef enchiladas with complementary sides that balance the rich, savory main dish. Here are my favorite accompaniments:

A simple cilantro lime rice provides the perfect bed for soaking up extra enchilada sauce. I make mine with a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of chopped cilantro stirred in right before serving.

A crisp, refreshing side salad with romaine lettuce, cucumber, radishes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the beef enchiladas beautifully. My friends always appreciate this fresh contrast to the warm, spicy main dish.

For authentic flavor, serve your enchiladas with Mexican street corn (elote) or a quick corn salad with similar flavors. The sweet corn complements the savory enchiladas perfectly, similar to how corn pairs with my skillet macaroni recipe for a balanced meal.

Don’t forget the classic accompaniments: guacamole, pico de gallo, and extra sour cream let everyone customize their plate to their own taste preferences.

How to Store Beef Enchiladas

Refrigerator Storage

Leftover beef enchiladas will stay delicious for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. I recommend covering the baking dish tightly with foil or transferring portions to airtight containers. The flavors actually continue developing overnight, making next-day enchiladas something to look forward to!

Freezing for Later

Beef enchiladas freeze beautifully! I often make a double batch specifically to freeze half for future meals. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe container, but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating Tips

For the freshest taste when reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water on top of the enchiladas before covering with foil and heating in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. This prevents them from drying out and revitalizes the sauce. Individual portions reheat well in the microwave for a quick lunch option.

Nutritional Benefits

While beef enchiladas are certainly an indulgent comfort food, they also offer surprising nutritional benefits. The ground beef provides high-quality protein and iron, while the tomato-based enchilada sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health. Incorporating vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes adds essential vitamins, and the garnishes of fresh cilantro and avocado contribute healthy fats and additional nutrients to your beef enchiladas.

FAQs

Can I make beef enchiladas with flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, though corn tortillas are traditional and provide authentic flavor. Flour tortillas won’t need warming to prevent cracking, and they’ll give your beef enchiladas a slightly different texture.

How spicy are these beef enchiladas?

The recipe has a mild-to-medium heat level. For less spice, reduce the chili powder and use mild enchilada sauce. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef filling or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Can I make beef enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble your enchiladas up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from refrigerated. The flavors actually improve with some resting time.

What’s the best cheese for beef enchiladas?

The combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar provides the perfect balance of flavor and meltability. For authentic enchiladas, use Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese as a finishing touch after baking.

Conclusion

These beef enchiladas represent everything I love about home cooking simple ingredients transformed through love and care into something truly special.