Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful and simple dish perfect for any night of the week. Packed with flavor and smothered in cheese, they're sure to please the whole family.

Violet Hart

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2025-12-22T23:21:41.335Z

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are not only a family favorite but also a hit with friends. The combination of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas makes for a comforting meal that is quick to prepare. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Why You'll Love These Enchiladas

  • Rich and savory flavor in every bite
  • Cheesy goodness that pulls apart beautifully
  • Quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings

A Family Favorite

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas have become a staple in many households, and for good reason. They combine the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with the comforting goodness of melted cheese, creating a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Families often gather around the dinner table to enjoy these enchiladas, making them perfect for family nights or gatherings with friends.

The beauty of these enchiladas lies in their simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels hearty and fulfilling. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—whether you're using homemade enchilada sauce or a store-bought version, the outcome is always delicious. You can even prepare the filling ahead of time, making dinner time a breeze!

Make Ahead and Freezer Friendly

One of the best aspects of Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas is their make-ahead potential. You can assemble the enchiladas earlier in the day or even the night before. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This makes them an excellent choice for busy weekdays or unexpected guests.

If you're looking to batch-cook, these enchiladas freeze beautifully. Once assembled, you can freeze them before baking. Simply wrap the dish tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as directed. This allows you to have a delicious homemade meal at your fingertips anytime!

Customization Options

These enchiladas are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences. If you want to spice things up, consider adding diced green chiles or using a spicy enchilada sauce. For a healthier twist, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option. The choice is yours!

Topping your enchiladas is where you can really get creative. While sour cream and chopped cilantro are classic choices, you can also add fresh avocado slices, pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of queso fresco. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that every batch of enchiladas can be a unique culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings (Optional)

  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sliced olives

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Prepare the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, spoon some of the beef filling into the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll it up. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Repeat until all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Allow the enchiladas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

When serving Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, consider pairing them with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh garden salad. The acidity from a tangy salsa or a squeeze of lime can brighten the dish and enhance the flavors. Additionally, a side of refried beans can provide a protein-packed complement to the meal.

For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, think about serving a variety of toppings and sides, such as guacamole, tortilla chips, and a refreshing drink like horchata or margaritas. This will create a lively atmosphere and make your dinner feel like a special occasion.

Storage Tips

Leftover Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, try placing them in the oven instead of the microwave to retain the cheese’s melty texture and avoid sogginess.

If you have a lot of leftovers, consider freezing individual portions for a quick meal later on. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of this dish whenever you're short on time or simply craving something comforting.

Nutritional Information

While these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are undeniably delicious, it’s also important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each serving offers a balance of protein from the beef and cheese, along with carbohydrates from the tortillas. However, be aware of portion sizes and consider pairing the enchiladas with plenty of vegetables to create a more balanced meal.

If you're looking to reduce calories or fat, you can make simple substitutions, such as using low-fat cheese or whole grain tortillas. Additionally, serving them with a side of fresh veggies will not only enhance the meal but also boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

→ How can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ Can I prepare these enchiladas in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What are some good toppings for enchiladas?

Sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and olives are all great choices!

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful and simple dish perfect for any night of the week. Packed with flavor and smothered in cheese, they're sure to please the whole family.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Violet Hart

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Enchiladas

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 cup onion, chopped
  3. 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
  4. 8 flour tortillas
  5. 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  6. 1 tsp garlic powder
  7. 1 tsp cumin
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings (Optional)

  1. Sour cream
  2. Chopped cilantro
  3. Sliced jalapeños
  4. Sliced olives

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

Step 02

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, spoon some of the beef filling into the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll it up. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Repeat until all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Step 03

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 24g