Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. This hearty meal is easy to make and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a cheesy, satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor – The combination of seasoned beef, enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese makes every bite delicious.
Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients and quick assembly make this a great weeknight dinner.
Customizable – You can adjust the spice level, change up the protein, or add extra veggies.
Perfect for Meal Prep – These enchiladas store well and can be made ahead of time.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish – Whether for a family dinner or a gathering, everyone will love this cheesy, savory meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Chili powder
Cumin
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Flour or corn tortillas
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
Olive oil
Black beans or refried beans (optional)
Jalapeños (optional, for spice)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Sour cream (for serving)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Season the beef: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the enchiladas: Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the beef mixture and shredded cheese, then roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish.
Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle generously with more cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or your favorite toppings.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Chicken Enchiladas: Swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, refried beans, or sautéed vegetables instead of beef.
Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Different Cheese Blends: Try Pepper Jack, queso fresco, or a smoked cheese for extra flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or wrap the filling in roasted bell peppers.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas. To prevent them from cracking, warm them slightly before filling and rolling.

What is the best cheese for enchiladas?

A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well, but any melty cheese like Oaxaca or Pepper Jack is great.

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, you can make a simple sauce with tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic.

How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?

Avoid overfilling the tortillas and don’t add too much sauce before baking. Also, pre-baking the tortillas for a few minutes can help.

Can I add extra veggies to the filling?

Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.

What goes well with enchiladas?

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh salad.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use corn tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.

How do I make enchiladas crispier?

Bake uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to get a slightly crispy top.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply use a larger baking dish and double the ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a delicious, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful beef filling, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you customize it with different proteins, add extra spice, or prepare it ahead of time, these enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.