These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are packed with flavor and topped with melty cheese. You’ll love how simple they are to make with just a few ingredients!
Honestly, who can resist gooey cheese and warm tortillas? I sometimes make a double batch because they vanish so quickly! Serve them with sour cream for a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option or even ground turkey for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian, try substituting with black beans or lentils, which work well for flavor and texture.
Onion: I recommend using yellow onions for their sweetness and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use white onion or even green onions. Shallots are also a nice touch for a more refined taste.
Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought enchilada sauce is convenient, but you can easily make your own to control the spice level. If you have salsa on hand, it can be a good substitute, just be mindful it may alter the flavor a bit.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy, but corn tortillas bring a more authentic flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are a perfect choice. Just be sure to warm them up to prevent cracking.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but feel free to mix it up! I love using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Mexican blend for extra creaminess. For a healthier version, try using low-fat cheese.
How Do I Make Sure My Enchiladas Don’t Fall Apart?
One common issue with enchiladas can be them falling apart when rolling or baking. To prevent this, here are some helpful tips:
- Warm the tortillas before using them; this makes them softer and more pliable.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas. About 1/4 cup of filling is just right; too much can make them hard to roll.
- Roll tightly but gentle; this helps hold the filling inside while baking.
- Place them seam-side down in the baking dish. This helps keep them closed while cooking.
Following these tips will help you achieve sturdy and delicious enchiladas!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (4 oz/113g) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
For the Enchiladas:
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6-8 inch)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for cooking, adding up to around 45 minutes total. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, gently grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, until aromatic. Now, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart, and let it cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Flavor:
Now, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well. If you’re using diced green chilies, toss them in along with half of the enchilada sauce. Stir everything to combine and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
To make your tortillas flexible and easy to roll, warm them up. You can do this by microwaving them for about 30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel, or by quickly heating them in a skillet.
5. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Then, take each tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center. Add a sprinkle of cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly, placing it seam-side down into the baking dish. Repeat this process until all the enchiladas are in the dish!
6. Top and Bake:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of all the rolled enchiladas. Take the remaining cheese and sprinkle it generously over the sauce. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve hot with sour cream or your favorite toppings. Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier than beef, so you may want to add a little extra seasoning or some moisture, like a splash of broth, to the mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Enchilada Sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can use salsa or a homemade blend of canned tomatoes with spices like cumin and chili powder. This will provide a different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers? Can I Reheat Them?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Freeze the Enchiladas?
You can certainly freeze enchiladas! After assembling, cover them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before freezing. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
