Beef Enchiladas Recipes

These Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dish, made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a rich, savory enchilada sauce. Wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Customize them with different cheeses, toppings, or spice levels to suit your taste. Serve them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
8 small flour or corn tortillas

For the Enchilada Sauce:

1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

For Topping & Garnish:

½ cup shredded cheese (for topping)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Warm the Tortillas

Lightly warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable.

4. Assemble the Enchiladas

Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.

5. Add the Sauce & Cheese

In a bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Pour it evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

6. Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

7. Garnish & Serve

Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Getting the Best Enchiladas

Corn tortillas are traditional but can break easily—warm them first or lightly fry them for flexibility.
For extra cheesy enchiladas, mix some cheese into the beef filling.
Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the filling.

Customizing the Recipe

Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or black beans.
Use green enchilada sauce for a different flavor.
Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Assemble the enchiladas up to a day ahead and store in the fridge.
Freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Mexican rice and refried beans.
Serve with a fresh avocado salad or coleslaw.
Enjoy with chips, guacamole, and salsa for a full Tex-Mex meal.

These Beef Enchiladas are cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!