Name: Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds lean ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 12 corn tortillas; 3 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable oil or canola oil); 19 ounces red enchilada sauce (1 medium can or 2 small cans); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Freshly chopped cilantro; Pico de gallo

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Introduction

Ground beef enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender meat wrapped in warm corn tortillas and smothered in rich enchilada sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your craving for classic Mexican flavors.

The image shows two enchiladas on a white plate, each rolled with a soft light brown tortilla filled with a textured brown ground beef mixture visible at the open ends. The enchiladas are covered with a melted, shiny, bright orange cheese layer that looks gooey, sprinkled with small bits of fresh green herbs on top. To the side of the enchiladas, there is a portion of black beans adding a dark contrast. The plate is placed on a woven surface, with a soft blurred background and sharp focus on the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
12 corn tortillas
3 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable oil or canola oil)
19 ounces red enchilada sauce (1 medium can or 2 small cans)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Pico de gallo (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Break the meat apart as it cooks until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning until well combined.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lightly fry each corn tortilla for a few seconds on each side to soften and coat with oil. Add more oil as needed to cook all tortillas evenly.
Step 4: Pour about 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread to cover.
Step 5: Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
Step 6: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
Step 8: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and pico de gallo if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the beef mixture before rolling the enchiladas.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
If fresh tortillas aren’t available, warming them wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 20 seconds also works well.

Storage

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350˚F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

How to Serve

Two rolled enchiladas sit side by side on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each enchilada has a soft yellow tortilla roofed with a layer of melted orange cheese, its shiny surface speckled with green herb bits. Inside, the filling shows cooked ground beef that is browned and crumbly, spilling slightly out of the open ends. To the side, glossy black beans scatter, adding contrast to the warm colors of the enchiladas. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the enchiladas up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep easy and convenient.

What can I use instead of corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas are a great substitute if you prefer a softer texture. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will differ slightly from traditional corn tortillas.