Classic Ground Beef Enchiladas (45 Minutes)

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Beef enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a family dinner. These delicious and easy-to-make enchiladas are made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a homemade enchilada sauce, which is smothered over the top of the rolled tortillas. This recipe can be customized with different toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or cilantro, to suit your taste.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 10–12 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add ground beef, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add tomato sauce, diced green chilies, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  5. Take a tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture in the center. Roll up the tortilla and place seam side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
  6. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the tortillas, spreading it out to cover evenly.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the sauce.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

The recipe above uses simple ingredients and takes less than an hour to make. You can make this dish even more quickly by preparing the beef mixture ahead of time and assembling the enchiladas when you’re ready to bake them. To make it a complete meal, serve the enchiladas with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 calories
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1118mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 84mg

Pair this with...

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

Begin by cooking brown rice as per package instructions, ensuring each grain remains distinct and slightly chewy, a characteristic charm of this whole grain. While the rice cooks, zest and juice a couple of fresh limes, setting aside their aromatic essence. Once the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork to release steam and separate the grains. While still warm, drizzle the rice with the lime juice and gently mix in the zest, ensuring that citrusy goodness permeates every bite. Finally, fold in freshly chopped cilantro, which adds a burst of herbaceous brightness. Season with a touch of salt to bring all the flavors together.

Mexican Refried Beans

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a bit of lard or vegetable oil until soft. Add pre-cooked beans (canned works too!), mashing them while they fry. Season with a dash of cumin, salt, and maybe a pinch of chili powder for some kick. Once they're beautifully creamy and slightly caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish. The final touch? A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top – think cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco – which will melt into gooey perfection from the beans' warmth.

Guacamole

Start with ripe avocados - when you give them a gentle squeeze, they should have a little give, but not feel mushy. Halve and pit them, scooping out their green goodness into a bowl. Now, add the juice of a fresh lime. This brightens the flavor and helps keep that vibrant green color. Toss in a finely chopped small red onion, a minced clove of garlic, a small diced tomato, and maybe a deseeded and diced jalapeño if you're in the mood for some heat. A handful of chopped cilantro leaves adds that distinct freshness, but if you're not a fan, it's okay to skip it. Sprinkle in some salt, and then mash everything together. You can use a fork or a potato masher, depending on how chunky you like your guacamole. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve it up with tortilla chips or as a side to pretty much anything.

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