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A plate of ground beef enchiladas topped with red sauce and melted cheese.

Classic Ground Beef Enchiladas

These classic ground beef enchiladas are a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting family dinner. Made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • microwave
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • oven

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles undrained
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Assembly

  • 10-12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • sour cream
  • sliced jalapeños
  • diced avocado

Instructions
 

Beef Filling

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet, then brown the ground beef, breaking it up and draining any excess grease.
  • Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened; stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.

Assembly

  • Warm corn tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave or by dipping them in warm enchilada sauce.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Fill each warm tortilla with 1/4 to 1/3 cup beef mixture and some cheese, then roll it up and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  • Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle generously with the remaining shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  • Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help them set.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili powder. These enchiladas freeze well, so consider making a double batch for future meals. Serve with your favorite toppings like cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado.