Name: Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup onion (finely diced); 1 Tablespoon minced garlic; 4 Tablespoons homemade taco seasoning; 2 Tablespoons lime juice; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 cup sliced black olives (4 oz); 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen & thawed); ¼ cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped); 15 ounces enchilada sauce (divided); 8 to 10 flour tortillas; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese; Homemade Guacamole; Homemade Salsa

Jump to Recipe

When you’re craving something cheesy, comforting, and truly crowd-pleasing, it’s hard to beat the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. This classic dish layers richly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, a punch of veggies, and irresistible enchilada sauce, all tucked inside fluffy tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making a weeknight meal to remember, this recipe brings bold flavors and cozy satisfaction with every bite.

Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, vibrant ingredients make the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe stand out. Each component brings its own bold flavor, gooey texture, or pop of color, making the dish deliciously layered and impossible to resist.

Ground beef (2 pounds): The hearty base of the filling, bringing richness and a meaty bite that soaks up every bit of spice and sauce.
Onion, finely diced (1 cup): Adds aromatic sweetness and a subtle bite to the beef mixture.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses the filling with depth and savory complexity.
Homemade taco seasoning (4 tablespoons): Layers in bold, spicy flavor—homemade is key for the freshest taste.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens all that richness with a tangy finish you’ll crave.
Cheddar cheese (2 ½ cups, divided): Melts beautifully inside and on top for that irresistible gooey factor.
Sliced black olives (1 cup or 4 oz): Offer savory notes and a briny twist in every bite.
Corn (1 cup, fresh or thawed): Adds a sweet pop of texture that perfectly balances the savoriness.
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (¼ cup): Delivers a burst of herby freshness to the filling.
Enchilada sauce (15 ounces, divided): The saucy backbone—use half for the base, half for smothering the top.
Flour tortillas (8 to 10): Soft and sturdy, perfect for wrapping up all the goodness.
Homemade Guacamole: Creamy, flavorful contrast—don’t skip it for serving.
Homemade Salsa: Adds zesty, juicy brightness to every plate.

How to Make Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures nothing sticks and helps the enchiladas bake evenly, making them a breeze to serve later.

Step 2: Make the Beef Filling

Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to a non-stick fry pan or cast-iron skillet. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, covered, and stir frequently until the beef is beginning to brown and is no longer pink in the center. As this cooks, the onions soften and the garlic perfumes the whole kitchen—it’s instant comfort.

Step 3: Season and Finish the Filling

Once the beef has lost its pinkness, sprinkle in your homemade taco seasoning. Stir to combine so every bite is packed with flavor. Add the lime juice—this little detail really sets the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe apart, giving your filling a bright note that cuts through the savory elements. Keep cooking uncovered until the meat is fully browned, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Veggies and Cheese

Remove your skillet from the heat, then add 1 cup of cheddar cheese, black olives, corn, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently so the cheese melts into every nook of the filling and the veggies stay colorful and tender-crisp. This is where the texture and color of your enchiladas truly come alive.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

Pour about ½ cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish for a saucy base. Take each tortilla and spoon about ¾ cup of the filling into the center. Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Keep going until all the tortillas and filling are neatly lined up, creating a single, delicious layer.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas, spreading it out so every inch is saucy. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese over the top for a melt that’s golden and gooey. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling temptingly around the edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your enchiladas cool for just a few minutes. Then serve them warm, topped with homemade guacamole, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream. Every forkful is a cheesy, beefy, flavor-packed explosion!

How to Serve Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnishes turn a plate of enchiladas into a crave-worthy masterpiece. I love spooning over a scoop of homemade guacamole for creaminess, a drizzle of salsa for zest, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color. You can also add sliced jalapeños for heat, crunchy shredded lettuce, or a cool dollop of sour cream. Let everyone top their own—part of the fun is customizing every serving!

Side Dishes

These enchiladas pair well with so many sides! Refried beans or Mexican rice make an authentic addition, while a simple side salad brings crispness to the meal. For something extra special, try grilled corn or sautéed zucchini. You can even set out tortilla chips with more salsa or queso for snacking between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve enchiladas family-style right from the baking dish with all the garnishes on the side. Want to impress? Plate individual portions on colorful dishes, topped with a dramatic swirl of crema and a scattering of chopped vegetables. Mini versions rolled in smaller tortillas also make perfect party appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors get even cozier as they meld—tomorrow’s lunch is guaranteed to be memorable!

Freezing

Enchiladas freeze beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead meal. Let baked enchiladas cool completely, then wrap the pan well with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight or bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, you can pop the enchiladas into a 350 degree F oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly (about 20-25 minutes). Single slices microwave nicely for a super quick meal—just add a splash of extra enchilada sauce beforehand to keep everything moist and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is delicious with beef, ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives. The seasonings work just as well, and you’ll still get plenty of flavor and hearty texture.

What type of enchilada sauce should I use?

Both homemade and store-bought enchilada sauces will work beautifully. If you have a favorite brand, go for it, but homemade sauce delivers unbeatable depth and freshness. For extra kick, try a spicy red sauce, or keep it mild if cooking for kids.

Do corn tortillas work in this recipe?

Yes, corn tortillas are a traditional choice and add wonderful flavor, but they can be more delicate. Warm them first and handle gently as you roll. Otherwise, the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe works wonderfully with sturdy flour tortillas.

Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the enchiladas up to the point of baking, cover the dish, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When you’re ready, just bake as directed. It makes party planning or busy weeknights a breeze.

What’s the best way to reheat the enchiladas without drying them out?

For the juiciest results, cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Adding a little extra enchilada sauce before reheating helps keep the tortillas soft and the filling moist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that wows every single time, you absolutely have to try the Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe. It’s hearty, adaptable, and brimming with flavor—bound to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine. Gather your family, pile on your favorite toppings, and get ready for some seriously satisfying comfort food!

Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8–10 enchiladas 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Best Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Flavorful seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, baked to perfection.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13” pan
Make the Ground Beef Filling
Combine ground beef, onion, and minced garlic in a non-stick fry pan or cast-iron skillet.
Cover and cook over medium-high heat until the meat begins to brown and is no longer pink in the center, stirring often.*
Once the ground beef begins to brown, add taco seasoning and stir until it’s evenly distributed.
Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
Continue cooking, uncovered, until the mixture is browned, stirring occasionally.
Once the meat is lightly browned, remove the skillet from the heat and add 1 cup cheddar cheese, black olives, corn, and cilantro and stir to combine.
Assemble the Beef Enchiladas
Pour ½ cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add ¾ cup of filling to the center of a tortilla. Roll tightly and place in the baking dish. Repeat with 7 remaining tortillas and the rest of the filling, arranging them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas and spread evenly.
Sprinkle 1 ½ cups cheese evenly over tortillas.
Bake & Serve
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican