These delicious ground beef enchiladas are a quick and tasty meal you can make in just 30 minutes. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and soft tortillas, they’re perfect for busy nights when you still want something satisfying and flavorful. The sauce is rich and comforting, tying all the ingredients together beautifully.
I love how easy this recipe is to put together, especially when I don’t have a lot of time but still want to enjoy a homemade meal. The best part is you can customize them by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños. I usually keep the spice level mild so everyone in the family can enjoy them without hesitation.
Serving these enchiladas with a simple side salad or some refried beans makes for a complete meal that always gets smiles at the table. Whenever I make this dish, it feels like a little celebration, even on a regular weekday. Trust me, these enchiladas are a go-to for tasty dinners that don’t keep you in the kitchen all evening.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. Choose lean ground beef for less grease. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too and keeps it moist.
Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought sauce is a big time-saver here. For homemade, mix tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. You can use red or green sauce depending on your taste.
Tortillas: I prefer flour tortillas because they roll easily and stay soft after baking. Corn tortillas are traditional and gluten-free but can tear easily; warming them well helps.
Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and adds sharp flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend are great substitutes if you want a milder or creamier taste.
How Do You Make Sure the Enchiladas Stay Soft and Don’t Crack?
One key to soft enchiladas is warming the tortillas before rolling. This makes them flexible and less likely to break.
- Microwave tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.
- Or heat them one by one in a dry skillet for about 15 seconds per side.
- Another tip is to avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent tearing.
- Pouring some enchilada sauce in the baking dish and over the rolled enchiladas keeps them moist during baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the ground beef and sautéing onions quickly.
- Baking dish (9×13 inches) – roomy enough to fit all the rolled enchiladas and bake evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the beef mixture without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep the seasoning and sauce amounts just right.
- Microwave-safe plate or dry skillet – to warm tortillas and make them flexible for rolling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter, leaner version.
- Mix in black beans or corn with the beef for extra texture and fiber.
- Add diced green chilies or jalapeños for a bit of spicy heat.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a creamy kick with mild spice.
Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
For Assembly:
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For Topping:
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Other:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal comes together quickly, with about 10-15 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the enchiladas, plus 15 minutes of baking time. In total, expect to spend roughly 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Filling:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring to break it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Mix in the taco seasoning and a few tablespoons of water (follow the packet directions), simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Pour about ½ cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Warm the tortillas slightly either in a microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20 seconds or a dry skillet for 15 seconds each side to make them flexible.
Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with some shredded cheese. Roll up the tortillas tightly and lay them seam side down in the baking dish.
3. Bake and Serve:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes. Garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your quick, delicious homemade enchiladas!
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a more traditional taste or if you prefer gluten-free options. Just warm them well before filling to prevent cracking—microwaving wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds works great.
Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the enchiladas tasting fresh and melty.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture boosts the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté any vegetables along with the onion before adding the ground beef.
