Let Me Tell You About My Easy Beef Enchiladas
If there’s one recipe that never fails to bring everyone to the table, it’s my Easy Beef Enchiladas. These are loaded with meat savory, seasoned ground beef wrapped in warm tortillas, smothered in rich red sauce, and topped with bubbly melted cheese. They’re the perfect blend of comfort food and fiesta flavor.
I came up with this recipe one evening when I needed something hearty but simple a true lazy dinner that still felt special. The smell of sizzling beef, spices, and toasted tortillas instantly made my kitchen feel like a cozy Mexican cantina. And once I pulled that bubbling dish from the oven, I knew I’d hit on something everyone would ask for again.
Whether you love traditional beef enchiladas, crave easy Mexican food recipes, or just need a no-fuss dinner, this one hits every note of flavor and comfort.
Why You’ll Love These Enchiladas
If you’re looking for something rich, satisfying, and unbelievably easy, these ground beef enchiladas with red sauce are for you.
- Loaded with flavor: Every bite has saucy beef, melty cheese, and just enough spice.
- Simple to make: Perfect for beginners or busy nights.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults both love it.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble early, bake later.
- Customizable: Add beans, veggies, or different cheeses.
Easy Beef Enchiladas (These are loaded with meat!)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
Description
Meaty, cheesy, and smothered in red sauce, these Easy Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food for any Mexican-inspired dinner night.
Ingredients
– 1½ lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups red enchilada sauce
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– ½ tsp paprika
– 8 flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt & pepper
– Optional: beans, corn, jalapeños, cilantro
Instructions
1. Cook beef with onion, garlic, and spices.
2. Add ½ cup sauce; simmer a few minutes.
3. Fill tortillas with beef and cheese; roll and place in baking dish.
4. Top with sauce and cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 min until bubbly.
Notes
Add cream cheese or beans for extra richness. Use corn tortillas for a traditional version. Great make-ahead freezer meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Over-Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 28
- Trans Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 90
I like serving mine with a side of Mini Caprese Skewers or even my Creamy Chicken and Potato Soup for a full, cozy dinner spread.
Related Recipes
Here’s What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef (1½ pounds): The heart of this recipe seasoned and rich.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that aromatic punch.
- Red enchilada sauce (2 cups): Use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Gives that earthy Mexican flavor.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): For color and mild spice.
- Flour tortillas (8 medium): Soft and sturdy enough to hold all that filling.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups): I like a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-Ins
- Black beans or corn: For extra texture.
- Jalapeños: If you like heat.
- Fresh cilantro: For a fresh finish.
- Sour cream or guacamole: For serving.
You can also add a spoonful of refried beans inside each tortilla if you want to make these even heartier. It’s a simple way to stretch this meal and add creaminess.
Let’s Make It Together
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and stir to coat the beef. Simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and juicy.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Lay out the tortillas and spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture into each one. Sprinkle a little cheese inside, roll them up tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Step 3: Sauce and Cheese Time
Once all tortillas are snug in the pan, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over everything.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices. The smell alone will bring everyone running to the kitchen!
These easy beef enchiladas are satisfying on their own, but I love pairing them with a side of Artichoke Dip or a light salad when I want to balance the richness.
Fun Variations You’ll Love
- Cheesy Overload: Add cream cheese or queso inside for an extra creamy center.
- Spicy Style: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce with the beef.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, or a layer of refried beans.
- Lazy Dinner Hack: Use pre-cooked taco meat to save time.
- Smoky BBQ Enchiladas: Swap red sauce for BBQ sauce for a fun twist.
And if you love experimenting with beef recipes, these pair beautifully with my Easy Oven-Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs for a weekend feast.
Before You Go, Here’s My Final Thought
These Easy Beef Enchiladas are pure comfort food the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with flavor. They’re meaty, cheesy, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Every bite reminds me why I love sharing food that feels both homemade and effortless.
Try them this week and let me know how your family enjoys them! And if you’re exploring more Mexican food recipes, don’t miss my other favorites like Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins or Sheet Pan Chicken Teriyaki and Veggies for a flavorful dinner rotation.
