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Ground Beef Enchiladas: Easy Cheesy Recipe for Perfect Family Dinner

ground beef enchiladas - featured image

These ground beef enchiladas are a quick, cheesy, and comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With a creamy beef filling, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce, this crowd-pleasing recipe is endlessly adaptable and always satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch; use corn tortillas for gluten-free)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
  • 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5-6 minutes).
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Remove pan from heat. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and fully combined.
  6. Warm tortillas: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or heat individually in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side.
  7. Lay a tortilla flat, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture onto the center, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon cheese inside, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased 8×11-inch baking dish.
  8. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  9. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over rolled tortillas. Add water or broth to thin if needed. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over the top.
  10. Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Let enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  12. Top with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or black beans to the filling for more nutrition. Don’t overfill tortillas to prevent tearing. Let enchiladas rest before serving for best texture. Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen overnight. Freeze before or after baking for meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef enchiladas, easy enchiladas, cheesy enchiladas, family dinner, Mexican casserole, comfort food, weeknight meal, beef recipe