There’s something unbeatable about the smell of cheesy ground beef enchiladas baking in the oven. The rich scent of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and smoky sauce brings back memories of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s. She didn’t grow up cooking Mexican food, but once she learned how to make enchiladas from a neighbor, they became a family favorite, and eventually, her signature.
I still remember standing on a step stool, watching her spoon the beef mixture into warm tortillas, layer them tightly in a baking dish, then drown everything in homemade red sauce and a generous handful of shredded cheddar. She’d hum to herself, wipe her hands on her apron, and say, “Now we wait for the magic.”
And magic it was. The result? Saucy, savory, gooey goodness that satisfied every bite.
Today, I’m putting my own spin on that dish, with a couple of unique tweaks you’ll love. If you’re looking for the perfect cheesy ground beef enchiladas, whether for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing weekend bake, this recipe’s for you.Check out our Beef Birria Tacos if you’re into meaty, saucy Tex-Mex flavors too.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion (finely chopped) | ½ medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Taco seasoning or homemade mix | 2 tbsp |
| Red enchilada sauce | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend) | 2 to 2½ cups |
| Corn or flour tortillas | 8–10 small |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Optional: chopped jalapeños, black beans, corn, or bell peppers | ½ cup each if using |
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season with taco mix, salt, pepper, and a splash of enchilada sauce. Stir in any optional veggies.
- Warm tortillas in a damp towel or toast them lightly in a pan until soft and pliable.
- Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla. Sprinkle with a little cheese and roll tightly.
- Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Place rolled tortillas seam-side down.
- Pour remaining sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Looking for a quick Tex-Mex pasta? Try our Chimichurri Mac and Cheese Skillet for another cheesy dinner twist.
Creative Variations and Toppings
Flavor Variations
| Variation Name | Twist Description |
| Divorced Enchiladas | Half topped with red sauce, half with green salsa |
| Chipotle Kick | Add chopped chipotles in adobo to the beef mixture |
| Tex-Mex Supreme | Mix in black beans, sweet corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes |
| Green Chile Style | Use green enchilada sauce and pepper jack cheese |
| Low Carb | Swap tortillas for low-carb wraps or grilled zucchini slices |
Best Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Pickled red onions
- Lime wedges
- Diced avocado or guacamole
Don’t miss our Chicken Caesar Smash Tacos for another crowd-pleaser that loves bold toppings.
Conclusion: The Enchiladas That Always Hit the Spot
Cheesy ground beef enchiladas aren’t just a recipe, they’re comfort, flavor, and nostalgia baked into one bubbling dish. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a quiet night in or cooking for a crowd, this enchilada recipe delivers every time.
From perfectly seasoned beef to creamy cheese pulls and that smoky red sauce hugging each tortilla, every layer adds up to something unforgettable.
Now that you’ve got the tips, tricks, and flavor ideas, it’s time to grab a pan and bring the magic to your table.
Discover great ideas like our Easy Homemade Butter Chicken if you’re craving more saucy comfort foods.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet, sauté onions in olive oil. Add garlic, then beef. Cook until browned.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and optional extras. Simmer with a bit of enchilada sauce.
- Warm tortillas until soft.
- Fill each tortilla with beef and cheese. Roll and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over top. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake 20–25 mins until bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve!
Notes
- Freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 2 months.
- For extra creaminess, mix sour cream into the filling.
- Substitute with turkey or plant-based beef.
FAQs about Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
What is the secret to good enchiladas?
The secret is in balance: flavorful meat, well-seasoned sauce, melty cheese, and soft tortillas. Warming tortillas before rolling prevents cracking, and using both cheese inside and on top adds a creamy texture.
What to season ground beef with for enchiladas?
Traditional spices like cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, and oregano bring bold flavor. You can also go with a store-bought taco seasoning or customize your own with a pinch of salt and pepper. For heat, add cayenne or jalapeños.
Why are they called divorced enchiladas?
“Divorced” enchiladas (enchiladas divorciadas) feature two different sauces, usually one red and one green, on the same plate. The visual contrast represents “separation,” but flavor-wise, it’s a delicious duo.
What is the best melting cheese for enchiladas?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Oaxaca cheese are top choices. For extra melt and flavor, try a blend. Pre-shredded cheese saves time, but grating fresh cheese often gives smoother melt and better taste.
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