Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas combine seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and rich enchilada sauce wrapped in warm tortillas. Ready in under 45 minutes, they offer a comforting, cheesy, and savory meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, with customizable flavors and simple ingredients.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if corn tortillas are used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for mixing in or topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until fragrant and slightly thickened.
- Mix in Cheese and Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese along with sour cream if using, to add creaminess to the beef filling.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish, arranging them snugly side by side.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously on top to create a golden crust while baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and make wrapping easier.
- Adjust seasoning carefully—well-seasoned beef filling is essential for flavor.
- Apply an even, generous coat of enchilada sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
- Use cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, for the desired gooey texture.
- Let the baked enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving to help them hold together better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: enchiladas, ground beef, cheesy, easy dinner, Mexican-inspired, comfort food, baking, weeknight meal