There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of tortillas warming in the oven, mingling with the savory scent of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. I remember as a kid, my grandma would make easy ground beef enchiladas every Sunday. The family would gather around the table, laughter filling the room. It wasn’t a fancy meal, but it was our meal – a tradition built on love and delicious food. This recipe aims to capture that same feeling: simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. It’s a weeknight winner, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Forget complicated sauces and hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of enchiladas without the fuss. Here’s why you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation:
- Seriously Easy: It’s beginner-friendly! Even if you’re new to cooking, you can nail this recipe.
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in about 30-40 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is a fantastic, economical protein, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s tastes – add different veggies, spice it up, or use different cheeses.
- Freezable: Make a double batch and freeze for a future busy night. Seriously, these are that good for meal prep.
- Comfort Food at its Best: It’s warm, cheesy, saucy, and just plain delicious. Enough said!
The Ingredient List: What You’ll Need
Let’s gather everything we need! Here’s a complete list. Don’t worry, most of this is stuff you probably already have.
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 is great for flavor)
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped (red or yellow works too!)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (or homemade – see tips below!)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Enchilada Assembly:
- 10-12 Corn Tortillas (6-inch) – Flour tortillas work in a pinch, but corn are traditional!
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- 1 (10 ounce) can Red Enchilada Sauce (or homemade – see tips!)
- Optional Toppings: Sour Cream, Guacamole, Chopped Cilantro, Sliced Olives, Diced Tomatoes
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the fun part – assembling these delicious enchiladas!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease. This is important! Nobody wants greasy enchiladas.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Filling
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder (if using), and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
This is key to preventing cracking! There are a few ways to do this:
- Microwave: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Skillet: Briefly warm each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat, about 15-20 seconds per side.
Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Working with one tortilla at a time, spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with a little cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 6: Sauce & Cheese – The Grand Finale!
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 7: Bake & Enjoy!
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite toppings – sour cream, guacamole, cilantro…the possibilities are endless!
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Enchilada Feast
Ready to take your easy ground beef enchiladas to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Mix 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño to the beef filling, or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils.
- Chicken Enchiladas: Swap the ground beef for cooked, shredded chicken!
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce: Sauté 2 tbsp flour in 2 tbsp oil until golden. Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until thickened.
- Add Veggies: Elbow macaroni, corn, diced carrots, or zucchini are all great additions to the beef mixture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Serving Size: 1 Enchilada
- Calories: 350-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Your New Go-To Comfort Food is Here!
I hope you enjoy this recipe for easy ground beef enchiladas as much as my family does! It’s a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be intimidated – throw on some music, gather your ingredients, and get cooking. You’ve got this! Share your creation with me – tag your pictures on social media. Happy cooking!
