When it comes to easy, satisfying, family-friendly dinners, enchiladas always top the list. They’re hearty, flavorful, saucy, and can be made with almost anything you have on hand. But one version always steals the show: Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas.

These enchiladas are loaded with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with a generous amount of melty cheese — all wrapped up in warm tortillas and baked to golden, bubbling perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for a weeknight dinner, or just craving Mexican-inspired comfort food, this dish is a total winner.

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What Are Enchiladas?

Originating from Mexican cuisine, enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients — meats, cheese, beans, or vegetables — then smothered in a chili-based sauce and baked. Over the years, enchiladas have become incredibly popular in Tex-Mex and American kitchens, with countless variations.

Our version today keeps things simple but delicious: ground beef cooked with spices, wrapped in tortillas, and covered in cheese and sauce. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients — just cheesy, meaty goodness in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas

• ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• ✅ Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples.
• ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• ✅ Customizable: Swap in different proteins, cheeses, or sauces.
• ✅ Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy ground beef enchilada recipe:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup canned black beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Assembly:

• 8 flour tortillas (6- to 8-inch)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado or guacamole
• Lime wedges

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease.

2. Add Onions, Garlic & Spices

Add diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Optional: Mix in corn and black beans for extra texture and nutrition.

3. Mix in Cheese

Once the filling is well combined, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This helps bind the filling and adds even more cheesy goodness.

4. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Fill and Roll the Enchiladas

Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

6. Pour Sauce and Add Cheese

Once all enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.

7. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Let cool slightly, then top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, or sliced jalapeños. Serve warm!

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Tips for the Best Enchiladas

1. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas – A heaping 1/3 cup of filling is perfect. Too much and they won’t roll well.
2. Use Fresh Tortillas – Older ones crack easily. Warm them slightly to make rolling easier.
3. Add Freshness – Top with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, or avocado for brightness.
4. Spice It Up – Add diced green chiles, hot sauce, or chipotle in adobo to the beef mixture for a kick.
5. Double the Recipe – Make one batch for now, and freeze one for later!

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How to Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce (Optional)

Want to go the extra mile? Here’s a quick and easy enchilada sauce recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 4 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in spices and slowly whisk in broth.
4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.

This sauce keeps for up to 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

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Variations & Add-Ons

• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Lovers: Add cream cheese or queso to the filling for extra creaminess.
• Green Enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
• Breakfast Enchiladas: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage to the filling.

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How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Freezer:

Freeze in a tightly covered baking dish before or after baking. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these enchiladas with:

• Spanish rice or Mexican rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• A side salad with lime vinaigrette
• Chips and guacamole or salsa

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Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450–500
Protein	30g
Carbs	35g
Fat	25g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the tortillas and toppings used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Yes, but they’re more fragile. Warm them slightly before rolling to prevent tearing.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce to the beef mixture. Or stir in some diced jalapeños.

What cheese is best for enchiladas?

A Mexican blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla) is perfect, but feel free to use what you have.

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Final Thoughts

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are everything a weeknight dinner should be — quick, delicious, and comforting. They’ll satisfy picky eaters, wow dinner guests, and bring serious flavor to your table with minimal effort.

Whether you’re new to making enchiladas or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a no-fail favorite that’s guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. So grab those tortillas, fire up the oven, and get ready for cheesy, saucy perfection!