Ground beef enchiladas are a tasty Mexican dish. They are filled with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and drenched in rich enchilada sauce. Wrapped in soft tortillas and baked just right, they are an easy, satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to make with simple ingredients.
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Packed with bold Mexican flavors.
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Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep.
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Customizable with different fillings and toppings.
Ingredients List
For the Enchilada Filling
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup canned black beans (optional)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Enchilada Sauce
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons flour
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2 cups chicken or beef broth
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3 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt to taste
For Assembling
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8-10 flour or corn tortillas
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1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
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Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish
Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce
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In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
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Slowly pour in the broth, whisking continuously.
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Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
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Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
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Add diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Mix in black beans (if using) and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
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Place some beef mixture and shredded cheese in each tortilla, then roll it up tightly.
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Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
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Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, then sprinkle with cheese.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream or avocado slices.
Tips for Making the Perfect Enchiladas
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Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
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Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent them from cracking.
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Don’t overfill the tortillas or they may burst open while baking.
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Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking to help them hold their shape.
You Can Try These Different Variations
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Spicy Enchiladas – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
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Cheesy Enchiladas – Add more cheese inside and on top.
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Vegetarian Option – Use black beans, corn, and bell peppers instead of beef.
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Gluten-Free Version – Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Fat: 20g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze enchiladas?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 40 minutes.
What’s the best way to reheat enchiladas?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 2 minutes.
What tortillas are best for enchiladas?
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work well too.
Conclusion
Ground beef enchiladas are an easy and flavorful meal that brings bold Mexican flavors to your table. Whether you make them spicy, cheesy, or veggie-filled, they’re sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s better than takeout.