Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Rich Red Sauce Flavour
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound (450 g) ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 8 small flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 2 cups red enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish); 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground beef enchiladas are a classic Mexican comfort food that has earned a permanent spot in kitchens around the world. They are built around soft tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, smothered in a rich red sauce, and topped with melted cheese that bakes to golden perfection. What makes ground beef enchiladas so special is the harmony of flavors the savory, spiced beef; the tangy, robust enchilada sauce; and the creamy, gooey cheese. Each bite delivers a combination of textures and tastes that feel satisfying and indulgent, making them a meal everyone looks forward to at the table.

More Dinner Ideas

The flavor profile of ground beef enchiladas is complex but approachable. The spices in the beef mixture complement the rich tomato-based sauce, while the cheese adds a mellow richness that ties everything together. People love this dish because it can be prepared ahead of time, is perfect for feeding a crowd, and works beautifully for both everyday meals and festive gatherings. These enchiladas are ideal for homemade Mexican dinners, easy dinner to take to someone in need, or quick enchilada recipe nights when you want comfort without stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground beef enchiladas recipe is designed to give you restaurant-quality flavor at home with simple, step-by-step instructions. The seasoning for the beef is balanced so every bite is flavorful but not overpowering. The red sauce is rich, slightly smoky, and tangy, complementing the beef perfectly and soaking into the tortillas for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. With these techniques, you create an authentic, deeply satisfying meal that feels like a homemade Mexican dinner without hours in the kitchen.

Another reason you will love this recipe is its versatility and ease. You can make it a fast dinner for a busy weeknight, a hearty, satisfying option for family gatherings, or a dish that packs well if you need easy dinner to take to someone. It also doubles as a foundation for many variations, from beef enchiladas with red sauce and extra vegetables to healthier interpretations that still maintain comfort and richness. Whether you are exploring ground beef recipes enchiladas for the first time or adding another easy healthy comfort food dinner to your repertoire, this recipe consistently delivers.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This recipe makes 6 to 8 enchiladas, serving 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.

Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 small flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
2 cups red enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)

Substitution Notes

Flour tortillas can be swapped with corn tortillas or low-carb alternatives.
Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
Cheese can be adjusted to mozzarella or a dairy-free blend if needed.
Red enchilada sauce can be homemade or store-bought; adjust spices if using mild versions.
Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it begins to brown. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the beef is fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your ground beef enchiladas do not stick and allows for easy serving after baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon a generous amount of beef filling onto each tortilla, then sprinkle with a little cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas until the dish is filled.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Toppings

Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring all are coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden layer once baked. This step locks in flavor and ensures every bite is cheesy and saucy.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes slicing easier.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the enchiladas and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Your ground beef enchiladas are now ready to enjoy as a comforting, flavorful family meal.

How to Serve

Serve ground beef enchiladas directly from the baking dish for a rustic, homey presentation. For a more formal setting, plate individually with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. A simple salad with lime vinaigrette complements the rich, cheesy filling. Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños for added color and flavor. These enchiladas also make an excellent main for homemade Mexican dinner nights and pair beautifully with chips and salsa on the side.

Additional Tips

Use fresh spices for the beef filling to maximize flavor.
Warm tortillas slightly to prevent cracking while rolling.
Do not overfill the tortillas; this keeps enchiladas from bursting during baking.
Let the enchiladas rest briefly after baking for better slicing.
For extra flavor, brush the tops lightly with oil or melted butter before adding sauce and cheese.

Recipe Variations

Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce and Vegetables
Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the beef filling. This adds extra nutrition, color, and texture to the enchiladas while keeping the classic flavors intact.
Cheese Lover’s Ground Beef Enchiladas
Mix a combination of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese into the filling and on top. This variation creates a rich, gooey, and indulgent enchilada experience perfect for cheese lovers.
Healthy Supper Ideas With Ground Beef
Use lean ground beef, whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter, protein-rich version. This version maintains all the flavor of beef enchiladas with red sauce while reducing calories and fat.
Quick Enchilada Recipe Version
Prepare the beef filling ahead of time and assemble the enchiladas in the morning or before guests arrive. Bake as directed for a fast, hassle-free dinner that tastes fresh and homemade.
Homemade Mexican Style
Add diced fresh tomatoes, chopped onions, and a splash of lime juice to the filling. Serve with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of cotija cheese to enhance the authentic homemade Mexican flavors.
Spicy Southwest Beef Enchiladas
Include diced green chiles, jalapeños, or chipotle in adobo sauce in the filling for a smoky, spicy twist. This variation is ideal for those who enjoy a little extra heat with their dinner.
Tex-Mex Ground Beef Enchiladas
Top the rolled enchiladas with a mixture of red enchilada sauce and salsa verde for a Tex-Mex flair. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with black beans for a fusion-inspired dinner.
Breakfast Style Enchiladas
Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to the ground beef filling. Top with cheddar cheese and bake. This turns the dish into a hearty brunch or breakfast-for-dinner option while keeping the enchilada format.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
You can freeze fully assembled enchiladas before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Leftover red sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for 2 months.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (1 enchilada, serves 6):

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g

Final Words

Ground beef enchiladas are a dish that proves comfort food can also be elegant and satisfying. With this recipe, you gain the tools to make a rich, flavorful meal that is perfect for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or festive gatherings. Each layer from the seasoned beef to the tangy red sauce and gooey cheese works in harmony to create a dish that feels homemade yet indulgent.

Making these enchiladas at home also teaches you key cooking techniques, like balancing spices, layering flavors, and handling tortillas without tearing. These skills are valuable for other ground beef recipes enchiladas or homemade Mexican meals, helping you feel confident in the kitchen. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to adjust the spice, add vegetables, or create healthier variations without losing any of the classic flavor.

This recipe is a go-to for anyone looking for best family dinner ideas, easy dinner to take to someone, or fast dinners easy families weeknight options. It can become a staple in your weekly meal rotation, delivering consistent, delicious results while providing a sense of satisfaction that comes from cooking something hearty and homemade. Ground beef enchiladas remain a timeless dish that brings people together, warms the kitchen, and satisfies appetites in every season.

FAQ’s

Yes, assemble the enchiladas and store in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking.

Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple salad, or avocado slices pair beautifully.

Yes, you can freeze unbaked enchiladas wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Use lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, and reduced-fat cheese to make a lighter version.

Absolutely, corn tortillas work well, but warm them slightly to prevent cracking when rolling.