When your kitchen fills with the aroma of cheesy ground beef enchiladas, it’s as if a fiesta has just crashed into your living room. Picture this: warm tortillas enveloping a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, slathered in rich, zesty sauce, and topped with gooey cheese that stretches to infinity. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that leaves you dreaming about dinner long after the plates are cleared. If you’re ready for a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart, grab those tortillas and let’s get cooking!
This dish isn’t just about food; it’s about memories and laughter shared around the table. I remember the first time I made cheesy ground beef enchiladas for my family. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed it was “better than a taco truck on a Friday night!” And honestly, nothing beats that kind of compliment. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a cozy family dinner, these enchiladas are sure to be the highlight of any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cheesy ground beef enchiladas are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- With bold flavors and melted cheese, they’ll please even the pickiest eaters
- The vibrant colors make them visually appealing, so they look great on any dinner table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for customization based on what you have at home!
I once served these cheesy delights during a family reunion; the chaos that ensued as everyone reached for seconds was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep things hearty but not overly greasy.
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Flour Tortillas: Choose large tortillas for easy wrapping; they hold more filling and are less likely to tear.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to give your enchiladas a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
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Enchilada Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it adds a delightful layer of flavor.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté it until translucent for maximum flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic touch that enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
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Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices add warmth and depth; adjust according to your spice preference.
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Cilantro (optional): For those who love its fresh taste, cilantro brightens the dish beautifully when sprinkled on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cooking these cheesy ground beef enchiladas is like throwing together a delicious puzzle—satisfying and fun!
Prepare the Filling: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and onions become translucent.
Add Spice & Flavor: Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over your meat mixture while stirring. This step is crucial as it elevates your filling from ordinary to extraordinary!
Wrap It Up: Take a tortilla and spoon some of that mouthwatering beef filling onto its center. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish, creating rows of cheesy goodness.
Pour On The Sauce: Once all tortillas are snugly in place, pour enchilada sauce generously over them. Don’t skimp here; every bite deserves that saucy goodness!
Add Cheese: Top everything off with shredded cheddar cheese—don’t be shy! The more cheese, the better! Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly.
**Enjoy Your Creation: ** As soon as they come out of the oven, let them cool slightly before diving in. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired—it adds freshness right when you need it!
These cheesy ground beef enchiladas are not just food; they are an experience filled with flavors that’ll make you want to host taco nights every week! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas bring a fiesta to your kitchen
- With gooey cheese and savory beef wrapped in soft tortillas, they’re comfort food at its finest
- These enchiladas not only satisfy hunger but also make great leftovers for lunch the next day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef with onions and spices, then prepare the enchilada sauce while the meat cooks. This multitasking ensures everything is ready at once, making your life easier.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian twist. You can also add jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy or sprinkle fresh cilantro for that extra zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and warm, ensuring that cheese melts perfectly.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for added flavor and texture
- Don’t skimp on the cheese; it’s key to that gooey goodness
- For a richer sauce, simmer it longer to deepen flavors
Cooking these cheesy ground beef enchiladas reminds me of family gatherings where everyone brought their version, leading to friendly debates over whose was best.
FAQ
Can I use different meats for cheesy ground beef enchiladas?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken or turkey works beautifully in this recipe.
How do I make my enchilada sauce from scratch?
To make your own enchilada sauce, combine tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
What toppings pair well with cheesy ground beef enchiladas?
Sour cream, guacamole, and fresh salsa are perfect accompaniments for these tasty enchiladas.
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheesy ground beef enchiladas are a fiesta on a plate, enveloping savory seasoned beef in warm tortillas and topped with gooey cheese. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights or special gatherings. With a rich enchilada sauce and customizable ingredients, these enchiladas promise to be a hit at any table. Get ready to delight your taste buds with each cheesy bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and onions are translucent.
- Stir in cumin and chili powder, cooking for an additional minute.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using corn tortillas instead of flour. - Customize fillings by swapping out ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian option. - Enhance the sauce by simmering longer for deeper flavors.
