The aroma of cheesy ground beef enchiladas wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with promises of savory goodness. Imagine biting into a warm tortilla, filled to the brim with seasoned beef and gooey cheese, all smothered in a rich and zesty sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a cozy blanket after a long day.
I remember the first time I made cheesy ground beef enchiladas; my friends devoured them like they hadn’t eaten in days. They insisted on coming back for seconds—and thirds! This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to create an unforgettable flavor experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cheesy ground beef enchiladas are easy to prepare and come together quickly
- Each bite bursts with flavor and comfort, making it a family favorite
- The vibrant colors and textures make this dish a feast for the eyes as well
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these enchiladas are sure to impress!
Sharing this recipe at our last family reunion sparked laughter and cheerful debates about who could eat the most. The smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
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Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas work beautifully; choose based on your preference.
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Cheddar Cheese: A must-have! Opt for sharp cheddar for an extra kick of flavor.
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Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought or homemade; just ensure it’s packed with flavor to enhance the dish.
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Onion: Diced onions add sweetness and depth—don’t skip them!
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Garlic: Fresh garlic brings aromatic warmth that elevates this dish to heavenly levels.
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Cumin & Chili Powder: These spices are essential for that authentic Mexican flavor profile.
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Sour Cream (optional): A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make your life easier as you assemble those enchiladas.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds will do!
Brown the Ground Beef: Increase heat slightly and add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula—this should take around 7-10 minutes.
Add Spices and Sauce: Stir in cumin, chili powder, and half of your enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. Let it simmer together for about 5 minutes while you prepare your tortillas.
Assemble Your Enchiladas: Take one tortilla at a time; spoon some beef mixture onto each tortilla along with a sprinkle of cheese. Roll it up tightly like a burrito!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle with more cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoy every cheesy bite of these delightful ground beef enchiladas! They’re perfect for feeding hungry bellies while bringing smiles all around the table.
You Must Know
- Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor
- The aroma of spices and melted cheese will have everyone gathering in the kitchen
- This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, bringing comfort and joy to the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic, then layer tortillas with filling and cheese for optimal melting. Bake until every cheesy bite is golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add black beans for extra protein. Spice things up with jalapeños or top with fresh cilantro.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, maintaining that melty goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use low-fat cheese for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor
- Ensure tortillas are warmed to prevent cracking when rolling them up
- Let enchiladas rest after baking for easier slicing and serving
Sharing my first experience making Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas was a game-changer; my friends devoured them, begging for the recipe!
FAQ
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas work well; just warm them first to avoid breaking.
What’s the best way to freeze enchiladas?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze before baking.
How can I make these enchiladas spicier?
Add diced green chilies or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick!
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 enchiladas each) 1x
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Warm tortillas are filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, all topped with zesty enchilada sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises to impress with its delicious taste and vibrant presentation. In just a short time, you can create a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat slightly and add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 7-10 minutes).
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, and half of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble by spooning the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese onto each tortilla; roll them up tightly.
- Place rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish, pour remaining enchilada sauce over them, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken. Add black beans for extra protein or spice things up with jalapeños and fresh cilantro as toppings. Ensure tortillas are warmed before rolling to prevent cracking.
