Name: Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 flour tortillas; 2 cups red enchilada sauce; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish); Diced tomatoes or jalapeños (optional for garnish)

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Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a classic comfort food that combines savory seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and soft tortillas all smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Tex-Mex flavor loved by all
Melted cheese and spiced beef in every bite
Easy to make in one pan
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Ideal for make-ahead meals
Freezer-friendly for meal planning
Great for feeding a crowd
Pairs well with many sides like rice or salad
Simple ingredients with big flavor
Delicious leftovers for next-day meals

ingredients

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

Ground beef
Flour tortillas
Enchilada sauce (red)
Onion
Garlic
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Olive oil
Cumin
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Diced tomatoes or jalapeños for garnish (optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes.
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill tortillas with beef mixture and shredded cheese. Roll and place seam-side down in the dish.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture
Try green enchilada sauce for a tangier twist
Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas
Top with sour cream, guacamole, or avocado slices

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions. You can freeze enchiladas (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used but may require softening in warm sauce to prevent breaking.

Is homemade enchilada sauce better?

Homemade offers more control over flavor and spice, but store-bought is perfectly fine for convenience.

Can I make these ahead of time?

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

Are these spicy?

They can be mild or spicy depending on your enchilada sauce and seasoning choices.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.

How do I keep tortillas from getting soggy?

Lightly toast or warm them before filling, and don’t over-saturate with sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked beef?

Yes, leftover beef or rotisserie chicken can be substituted for the filling.

How long do they stay good in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze baked enchiladas?

Yes, freeze them in a tightly sealed container or foil-wrapped tray for up to 2 months.

What cheese is best for enchiladas?

A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a pre-shredded Mexican cheese mix works best.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or planning meals in advance, this recipe delivers dependable flavor and flexibility. A staple of weeknight dinners, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

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Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a comforting Tex-Mex dish made with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and soft flour tortillas all smothered in rich red enchilada sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill each tortilla with beef mixture and some cheese. Roll and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños if desired.