Name: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon New Mexico chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 10 ounce can red enchilada sauce; 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed; 12 6-inch soft flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; Sour cream; Sliced black olives; Chopped fresh cilantro; Sliced jalapeños

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If you’re craving a Tex Mex classic that’s bursting with flavor but simple enough for a weekday dinner, this Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, these enchiladas deliver hearty comfort with every bite. Plus, they’re ready in under an hour, making dinner delightfully effortless without sacrificing any of that delicious, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white rectangular container with pink raw ground meat. Above it and to the right are three white bowls: one filled with shiny black beans, another with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, and the third with golden yellow corn. To the right side, there is a white plate holding a small stack of light beige flour tortillas with some brown spots. On the left side, there are six small white dishes—three holding powdered spices in green, brown, and red colors, one with minced garlic, one with diced onions in a larger white bowl, and one with white salt. Above everything is a white bowl with smooth red sauce. The whole scene is clear and organized with distinct colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe thrives on straightforward pantry staples and fresh basics that blend beautifully to create vibrant flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy satisfaction.

1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, rich protein base essential for a satisfying filling.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, lifting the flavor profile.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic warmth that enhances the savory meat mixture.
1 tablespoon New Mexico chili powder: Brings authentic Tex Mex heat and smokiness to the filling.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy note that complements the chili powder perfectly.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors in the dish.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides herbaceous complexity typical of southwestern cuisine.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild spicy kick that rounds out the seasoning.
10 ounce can red enchilada sauce: Acts as a tangy, rich sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.
15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts fiber and texture with a creamy, hearty bite.
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and pleasant crunch.
12 6-inch soft flour tortillas: Soft and pliable wraps that hold all the filling delightfully well.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Essential for that gooey, melty cheese pull that enchiladas are famous for.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Beef Filling

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This step lays the foundation with a flavorful, well-textured base. Once cooked, drain excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Building Layers of Flavor

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Infusing the beef with these aromatics creates a savory depth that’s simply irresistible.

Step 3: Spicing it Up

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring the mixture so the spices release their essential oils and coat the meat evenly. This step ensures the hallmark Tex Mex flavor that makes every bite exciting.

Step 4: Mixing in Beans, Corn, and Sauce

Stir in a bit of the enchilada sauce along with the black beans and corn. Heating this together briefly helps the flavors meld perfectly, while the beans and corn provide satisfying texture contrasts to the beef.

Step 5: Preparing and Filling the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas wrapped in damp paper towels in the microwave just long enough to make them pliable. This keeps them from cracking as you roll them up with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese inside.

Step 6: Assembling the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Fill each tortilla with about a quarter cup of beef filling and a tablespoon of cheese, then roll them up tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.

Step 7: Baking to Perfection

Cover the rolled tortillas with the remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheddar. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating that golden top everyone loves.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

In a white rectangular baking dish with handles, there are seven rolled enchiladas covered in bright orange melted cheese, forming a single bottom layer. On top of the cheese, a line of white sour cream is spread across the center. Scattered over the sour cream are several black olive rings, small red diced tomatoes, and green chopped scallions and cilantro, adding color and texture to the dish. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This dish shines when topped with fresh and creamy accents. Dollops of sour cream add a cooling counterpoint to the spices, while sliced black olives and chopped fresh cilantro bring bursts of color and zest. For those who like it hot, sliced jalapeños are the perfect kick-start.

Side Dishes

Pairing your easy ground beef enchiladas recipe with fresh sides makes the meal complete. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or classic Mexican rice complements the bold flavors nicely. Refried beans or a simple guacamole on the side are also crowd-pleasers.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your enchiladas family-style straight from the baking dish, encouraging everyone to dig in. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with garnishes arranged beautifully around the edges for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can also roll the filling in corn tortillas for a slightly different texture and flavor experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delightful meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making your next meal just as tasty with minimal effort required.

Freezing

You can freeze the enchiladas either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed enchiladas in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions but keep in mind the oven method preserves the cheesy texture best.

FAQs

Can I make these enchiladas gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.

Is it possible to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. The spices and sauce will keep the enchiladas flavorful and moist, so feel free to customize according to your preference.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the beef filling in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days. This makes assembly quick and stress-free when you’re ready to bake.

What other toppings work well with this recipe?

Besides the classic sour cream and cilantro, try diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness and texture variety.

How spicy is this Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe?

The spice level is moderate with the chili powder and jalapeño options for heat on top. You can adjust the chili powder amount or omit jalapeños if you prefer milder flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe at home is like unlocking a treasure chest of comfort and zest all rolled into one dish. It’s approachable, delicious, and perfect for those busy nights when you want to impress yourself and your loved ones with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and I promise it will be a repeat favorite on your dinner rotation.