These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a real treat! With savory beef, gooey cheese, and tasty sauce, they hit all the right spots for dinner delights.
What I love most is how simple they are to make. Just roll, bake, and enjoy! Plus, who can resist extra cheese melting on top? It’s a dinner win! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for the right blend of flavor and moisture. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian choice, try black beans or lentils!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas give a soft texture, but corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option. If they’re smaller, you’ll need more. Just warm them up to prevent tearing when rolling.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a nice, melty mix. If you’re dairy-free, opt for plant-based cheese. Vegan cheese may not melt as well, so you’ll want to check the packaging for usage tips.
Enchilada Sauce: Using homemade sauce can elevate the flavor, but store-bought works just fine. If you prefer milder flavors, choose a mild sauce, or mix it with some tomato sauce for less heat!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Rolled Enchiladas?
Rolling enchiladas can be tricky, but a few tips make it easier. First, warm your tortillas in a skillet for a few seconds on each side. This keeps them flexible.
- Lay out the tortilla and add the filling in the center, leaving space around the edges.
- Start rolling from the edge closest to you, tucking it slightly over the filling.
- Keep rolling tightly until you reach the edge. Place seam-side down to ensure they stay closed.
Following these steps helps keep your enchiladas intact and well-filled. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce, divided
- 8 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll enjoy a flavorful dinner in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready while you prepare the enchiladas. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s browned all the way through. If there’s excess fat, drain it so your enchiladas aren’t greasy.
3. Mix in the Seasoning
Next, stir in the diced green chilies if you’re using them, along with the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Once it’s mixed, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
To assemble, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay a tortilla flat on a surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla and sprinkle a little cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
5. Roll and Place in Dish
Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas until all the filling is used.
6. Bake the Enchiladas
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese all over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if you like. Serve them warm with a side of sour cream for dipping!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy ground beef enchiladas! They’re perfect for any night of the week and sure to be a hit with family and friends!
FAQ About Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner alternative. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s browned and no longer pink. Adjust seasonings as needed, as chicken may require a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Flour Tortillas?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work great! They have a distinct flavor and are perfect for enchiladas. If you’re using smaller corn tortillas, you may need to adjust the filling amount or use more tortillas to accommodate.
How Can I Make These Enchiladas Vegetarian?
To make these enchiladas vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also add some corn for added sweetness and texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy them as a quick meal or snack!
