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Homemade ground beef enchiladas topped with melted cheese and sour cream in a baking dish

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. A family-friendly classic ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 80/20 or leaner
  • 8 flour or corn tortillas warmed before rolling
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese or a blend of both
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • sour cream for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks, for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. Warm tortillas for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or 15 seconds per side on a dry skillet, until soft and pliable.
  5. Spoon an even amount of beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla, dividing filling across all 8. Do not overfill.
  6. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  7. Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over all rolled tortillas, ensuring full coverage. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream and desired toppings.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Drain beef well to avoid soggy enchiladas. Spread a thin sauce layer on the bottom of the dish before adding enchiladas. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months and add 10 to 15 minutes to bake time when cooking from frozen.