Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a classic Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas, covered in rich enchilada sauce, and baked with melty cheddar cheese. This comforting and satisfying meal is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an ideal weeknight dinner.
- Family-Friendly: A flavorful dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples for a hearty meal.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 large tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onions over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly season the beef.
- Fill each tortilla with the seasoned beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Different Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Add Beans: Mix in black beans or refried beans with the beef for extra texture and protein.
- Use Chicken or Turkey: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Assemble enchiladas, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas work well, but they may break easily. To prevent this, warm them slightly before rolling.
What can I serve with these enchiladas?
They pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple salad, or guacamole.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake when ready.
How do I prevent the enchiladas from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with sauce before baking. You can also lightly toast the tortillas before filling them.
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes, but homemade enchilada sauce can enhance the flavor and be customized to your taste.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat tortillas, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten it up.
What’s the best way to roll the enchiladas?
Place the filling slightly off-center in the tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Try sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble the enchiladas in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 3–4 hours until heated through.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and double all the ingredients for a bigger batch.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and easy-to-make Tex-Mex favorite that is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With a rich, savory filling, melty cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit. Whether you follow the classic recipe or try a variation, these enchiladas are a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
