Beef Enchiladas Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, saucy, and seriously satisfying, then these Beef Enchiladas are all you need tonight.
I’ve been making them for years, and they always get rave reviews. I can be sure you will enjoy it!
Simple, comforting, and full of flavor, too. You’re seriously going to love how easy it is to whip these up for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
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1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (optional but tasty)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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8 flour tortillas (6–8 inch size)
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Sour cream (for serving)
How to Make Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Step 2: Cook the beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up as it cooks.
Step 3: Add onions and garlic
Toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 4: Season the filling
Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the green chiles if you’re using them. Mix well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in a bit of sauce
Add about ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce to the meat mixture to keep it moist and flavorful. Turn off the heat.
Step 6: Prep the baking dish
Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 7: Fill the tortillas
Lay out the tortillas. Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each one. Add a little cheese (mix both cheddar and Monterey Jack), roll them up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Step 8: Pour on the sauce
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
Step 9: Add more cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Be generous!
Step 10: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the onion and garlic: These add depth to the flavor. Don’t leave them out.
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Overfilling the tortillas: Too much filling makes them hard to roll, and they’ll burst.
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Not preheating the oven: Starting with a hot oven helps the cheese melt perfectly.
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Using too little sauce: You want every bite to be saucy, not dry.
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Not covering the bottom of the dish: That little bit of sauce underneath prevents sticking.
Recipe Best Tips
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Warm the tortillas first. Microwave them for 20 seconds so they’re easier to roll.
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Shred your own cheese. It melts better than the pre-shredded kind.
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Mix up the cheese. Cheddar + Monterey Jack is a great combo, but pepper jack adds a spicy kick.
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Want to sneak in veggies? Add finely chopped spinach or bell pepper to the meat mixture.
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Make it saucier. Add extra enchilada sauce on the side if your crew likes things extra smothered.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice
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Add a side of refried beans or black beans
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Top with avocado slices or guacamole
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Serve with tortilla chips and salsa
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A simple tomato-cucumber salad works great, too
Storage and Freezing
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Reheat: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F until heated through
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Freeze (before or after baking): Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen (add about 15 extra minutes)
FAQs
Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A: Yes, but warm them first or dip them in sauce to prevent tearing.
Q2: What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
A: You can make a quick version with tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a touch of vinegar.
Q3: Can I add beans to the filling?
A: Definitely. Black beans or pinto beans work great. Just drain and rinse first.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yep. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Q5: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: A combo of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best flavor and melt.
Q6: Can I make this spicy?
A: Add jalapeños to the beef or use a hot enchilada sauce.
Q7: How many enchiladas does this make?
A: You’ll get about 8 rolled enchiladas, depending on tortilla size and how full you make them.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something cheesy, meaty, and packed with flavor, these Beef Enchiladas are the move.
They’re easy, filling, and totally comforting—perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.
If you try them, let me know what you think or how you made them your own!
You Might Also Want To Try
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Beef Enchiladas
Classic comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, onions, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, all rolled into tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to prep and totally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (6–8 inch size)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Step 2: Cook the beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up as it cooks.
Step 3: Add onions and garlic
Toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 4: Season the filling
Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the green chiles if you’re using them. Mix well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in a bit of sauce
Add about ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce to the meat mixture to keep it moist and flavorful. Turn off the heat.
Step 6: Prep the baking dish
Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 7: Fill the tortillas
Lay out the tortillas. Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each one. Add a little cheese (mix both cheddar and Monterey Jack), roll them up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
Step 8: Pour on the sauce
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
Step 9: Add more cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Be generous!
Step 10: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 4-6Amount Per Serving Calories Approx. 480 per serving