These delicious ground beef enchiladas come together quickly and easily, perfect for when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Soft tortillas are filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese, then covered with a rich enchilada sauce and melted to perfection. The mix of flavors and textures makes every bite satisfying and comforting.
I love making these enchiladas when I need something fast but still feel like a real home-cooked dinner. A simple blend of spices gives the beef a great kick, and the cheese melts just right to hold everything together. It’s one of those meals that the whole family ends up asking for again and again, and I always feel proud to have made it in such a short time.
One of my favorite ways to serve these enchiladas is with a side of simple rice and a fresh green salad. You can even add a dollop of sour cream or some chopped cilantro on top to add a bit of coolness and color. It’s so satisfying to have a hearty, flavorful dinner ready in just 30 minutes that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor and protein. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. They still taste great and cook just as fast.
Enchilada Sauce: The sauce brings that classic tangy and mildly spicy taste. If you don’t have canned sauce, use a mix of tomato sauce with chili powder and cumin.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best here because they are soft and easy to roll. Corn tortillas are good too but can break more easily unless warmed well.
Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese melts nicely and adds creaminess. Monterey Jack or mozzarella are good substitutes if you prefer milder flavors.
How Do You Get the Best Melty Cheese and Avoid Dry Enchiladas?
The key is to keep everything nice and moist before baking. Here’s how:
- Cook ground beef until browned but not dry; adding enchilada sauce helps keep it juicy.
- Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking when rolling.
- Spread a little enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to create a moist base.
- Pour remaining sauce evenly over rolled tortillas to keep the top covered.
- Top with plenty of cheese so it melts over the edges, sealing in moisture and flavor.
Following these tips helps you serve cheesy, tender enchiladas that are full of flavor and perfectly cooked in 30 minutes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic all in one pan.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – helps you stir the beef mixture and scrape the pan clean.
- Measuring spoons – to get your spices just right.
- Baking dish (9×13 inch works well) – roomy enough to fit all your rolled enchiladas for baking.
- Microwave-safe plate or tortilla warmer – to soften the tortillas for easy rolling without cracks.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken for a lighter, leaner filling that still tastes great.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mix for extra fiber and a bit of sweetness.
- Mix in some chopped green chilies or diced jalapeños if you want a spicier kick.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco or pepper jack cheese for different cheesy flavors.
Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (plus extra for baking)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8-10 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional for topping)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, including chopping and cooking the beef mixture, plus 12-15 minutes baking time in the oven. In total, you’ll have hot, melty enchiladas ready to enjoy in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onions:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant. Add the ground beef, stirring often until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any extra fat.
2. Add Spices and Sauce:
Mix in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in 1 cup of the enchilada sauce and stir well. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors come together.
3. Prepare and Roll the Enchiladas:
Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet to make them soft and easy to roll. In a baking dish, spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef filling onto each tortilla, sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the filling, then roll up the tortilla tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish.
4. Bake and Serve:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over all the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool briefly, then add your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, and chopped cilantro before serving.
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can! Just warm them well before filling to make them flexible and less likely to crack when rolling.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work great and cook in roughly the same time.
