Introduction
If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, satisfying, and easy-to-make family dinner, these Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas are the perfect choice. With a savory beef filling, a rich homemade enchilada sauce, and a cheesy, bubbly topping, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
Whether you’re searching for healthy enchiladas with beef, baked beef enchiladas, or easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas (like the ones featured on 12 Tomatoes), this recipe delivers a well-balanced meal with big flavor and simple ingredients.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✔ How to make the perfect ground beef enchiladas
✔ Healthy variations to lighten up your meal
✔ What to eat with ground beef enchiladas for a complete dinner
✔ Family-friendly beef dinner recipes and meal prep tips
Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas
✔ Perfect for Families – This dish serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for a family beef dinner recipe.
✔ Easy to Customize – Adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or make it gluten-free or WW-friendly.
✔ Healthy Yet Comforting – With lean beef, fiber-rich beans, and a homemade sauce, these enchiladas can be both nutritious and satisfying.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Freeze leftovers or prepare components ahead of time for an easy ground beef dinner idea.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – The combination of spiced beef, melty cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce makes this dish irresistible.
Ingredients for Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup black beans (optional, for extra fiber)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup enchilada sauce (to mix with the beef)
For the Homemade Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
For Assembling the Enchiladas:
- 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce (divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños (optional toppings)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute until it turns golden.
- Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.
- Gradually add chicken or beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onions.
- Cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened (about 5 minutes), breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in garlic, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and mix until everything is well coated.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with about ¼ cup of the beef mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
- Once all the enchiladas are arranged, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the enchiladas cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
What to Eat with Ground Beef Enchiladas
Looking for the perfect side dishes? Try these delicious options:
🥑 Guacamole & Chips – A creamy avocado dip balances the spice.
🥗 Mexican Rice – A flavorful side that complements enchiladas.
🌽 Grilled Street Corn (Elote) – Sweet, smoky, and cheesy corn on the cob.
🥒 Simple Cucumber & Tomato Salad – A fresh, light contrast to the hearty enchiladas.
🥤 Horchata or Agua Fresca – A refreshing drink to cool down the spice.
Healthy Variations of Ground Beef Enchiladas
If you want to make these healthy enchiladas with beef, try these modifications:
✔ Use Whole Wheat or Corn Tortillas – Higher in fiber and lower in calories.
✔ Reduce the Cheese – Use ½ the amount to cut down on fat.
✔ Use Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken – A lighter alternative to beef.
✔ Add More Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach boost fiber and nutrients.
✔ Make it WW-Friendly – Use low-fat cheese, whole wheat tortillas, and extra veggies.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
🥶 Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheating:
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
❄️ Freezing:
- Freeze assembled (unbaked) enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use corn tortillas and swap the flour in the sauce for cornstarch.
3. Can I Use Store-Bought Enchilada Sauce?
Yes! If short on time, use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience.
4. What’s the Best Cheese for Enchiladas?
A Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese works best for a melty, cheesy finish.
5. Can I Make These Spicier?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Final Thoughts: The Best Baked Beef Enchiladas for Any Occasion
These Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas are hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—a perfect addition to your family beef dinner recipes collection. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal, meal-prepping, or hosting a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
🌮 Try this recipe today and let us know how you like it! 🌶️🧀✨
