Ground Beef Enchilada – Easy & Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare? This Ground Beef Enchilada recipe delivers the perfect combination of tender tortillas, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a rich red sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade yet comes together quickly enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re planning family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these enchiladas are a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Favorite: Minimal prep and ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile & Customizable: Swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or beans.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for make-ahead meals.
• Authentic Flavor Made Simple: Homemade taste with everyday pantry staples.

Ingredients

For this easy ground beef enchilada recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce (red sauce recommended)
• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños (optional toppings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook onion for 3 minutes, add garlic, then ground beef and cook until browned.
2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread sauce in a 9×13 dish, fill tortillas with beef and cheese, roll, and place seam side down.
4. Pour remaining sauce over tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more.
5. Cool slightly, garnish with cilantro and toppings, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for a kick.
• Swap the Protein: Try ground chicken, ground turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Cheese Options: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the perfect melt.
• Sauce Swap: Green enchilada sauce works beautifully for a tangy flavor variation.
• Meal Prep Hack: Assemble enchiladas ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
• Freezer: Assemble enchiladas (without baking), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating Tip: To keep tortillas from getting soggy, reheat in the oven at 350°F instead of the microwave when possible.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These ground beef enchiladas shine on their own, but here are some easy pairing ideas:

• Sides: Spanish rice, Mexican street corn, or a fresh green salad.
• Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, pickled onions, or hot sauce.
• Drinks: Pair with limeade, agua fresca, or a sparkling soda for a refreshing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make ground beef enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the enchiladas, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to use flour tortillas?

No—you can use corn tortillas for a more traditional enchilada flavor. Just warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracks.

How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?

Lightly toasting the tortillas before filling helps them hold up better under the sauce.

Can I add black or pinto beans to the ground beef enchilada filling?

Absolutely! Stir in a can of drained black beans or pinto beans when seasoning the beef for extra fiber, texture, and an easy vegetarian-leaning twist. The beans meld beautifully into the ground beef enchilada filling without altering flavor.

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