These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a tasty treat filled with savory beef and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Quick to make, they’re perfect for busy nights!
I love how everyone can dig in and enjoy these cheesy bundles. Plus, they make great leftovers, so you can savor them for lunch the next day! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for a healthier version. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re looking for vegetarian, consider black beans or lentils as a hearty alternative.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use onion powder (1 teaspoon) or skip it entirely if you prefer. Green onions can also work nicely!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a rich, satisfying taste. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack for a creamier texture! Vegan cheese can be a great option for dairy-free diets.
Enchilada sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient! If you’re up for it, homemade sauce is easy to make. You can use salsa as a substitute in a hurry, but it will be more watery.
How Do I Properly Assemble Enchiladas to Prevent Breakage?
Assembling enchiladas can be fun, but it requires a few steps to keep them intact. Here’s how to get it right:
- Warm your tortillas. This makes them more flexible and less likely to crack.
- Don’t overfill! Stick to about 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla.
- Roll tightly but gently, ensuring the seam is on the bottom when placed in the dish.
These tips will help keep your enchiladas from falling apart, making for a beautiful presentation and easier serving!
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 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchiladas:
- 8-10 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Cooking oil for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to have these delicious enchiladas ready to serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets it nice and hot while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat about a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until you smell that delicious aroma!
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s a lot of grease, drain the excess fat.
4. Season the Mixture:
Stir in the diced green chilies (if you’re using them), ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. You want all those flavors to come together!
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help keep the enchiladas moist as they bake.
6. Fill the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave or on a skillet to make them easier to roll. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla and sprinkle with some shredded cheese.
7. Roll Them Up:
Carefully roll up each tortilla and place them seam side down in the baking dish. Try to fit them snugly without crowding!
8. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, making sure it’s evenly covered for that gooey goodness!
9. Bake:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if you like, and then enjoy your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas warm!
Dig in and savor every cheesy, tasty bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef, making your enchiladas lighter while still packed with flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may cook faster than beef.
Can I Make These Enchiladas Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can keep the rest of the recipe the same.
What Should I Do with Leftover Enchiladas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to keep them moist if needed!
Can I Freeze These Enchiladas?
Yes, these enchiladas freeze beautifully! Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!
