Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas make for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a family favorite that combines savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for busy nights!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Cheesy goodness that satisfies every craving
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Enchiladas are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their delicious fillings and rich sauces. This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe adds a delightful twist to the traditional dish by incorporating ground beef and an abundance of cheese. The combination of spices elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a savory experience. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for a busy weeknight meal.
The beauty of enchiladas lies in their versatility. While this recipe focuses on ground beef, you can easily customize the filling to include shredded chicken, beans, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. This adaptability allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy a hearty meal.
Quick and Convenient Cooking
One of the standout features of this recipe is its quick preparation time. In under 40 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve. This makes it ideal for busy families or individuals who want to enjoy a home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the cooking process seamlessly, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve great results.
Using pre-made ingredients, such as enchilada sauce and tortillas, cuts down on prep time significantly. The ground beef cooks quickly, and with a few simple steps, you’ll have enchiladas that are not only fast to make but also bursting with flavor. This efficiency means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying meals with loved ones.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can prepare a larger batch and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in minutes. This makes them an excellent option for those who want to save time during the week while still enjoying homemade dishes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop, making the enchiladas even tastier the next day. Whether you enjoy them as a quick lunch or a dinner option, these enchiladas are sure to please and provide a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese on each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, consider serving them with a variety of toppings. Sour cream adds a creamy texture that complements the spiciness of the enchiladas, while chopped cilantro provides a fresh burst of flavor. If you enjoy a little heat, sliced jalapeños can add an extra kick. Arrange these toppings on the table and let your family customize their plates for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Pair your enchiladas with a simple side salad or some Spanish rice to complete the meal. A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the enchiladas, while rice can help soak up any extra sauce. This combination creates a satisfying and well-rounded dinner that everyone will love.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, it's important to store them properly to maintain freshness. Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, consider separating individual portions for easy reheating later on.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent them from drying out and heat for about 20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. If reheating from frozen, you may need to extend the cooking time. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, making these enchiladas a convenient option any day of the week.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
→ What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas can be used if you're looking for a gluten-free option.
→ Can I prepare these enchiladas in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas make for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese on each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g