There’s something magical about the aroma of cheesy ground beef enchiladas wafting through your kitchen. The combination of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce creates an irresistible symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Mongolian beef for a hearty meal Picture this: it’s a cozy Wednesday night, and you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket while indulging in a plateful of these delightful enchiladas, each bite bursting with warmth and comfort.
Remember the first time you dug into a cheesy ground beef enchilada? The way the cheese stretched just enough to make you feel like a kid again? Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just another day that needs cheering up, these enchiladas promise to elevate any meal into a fiesta. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this scrumptious journey together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Making cheesy ground beef enchiladas is easier than you think; it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty
- The melty cheese and savory beef will have everyone coming back for seconds
- You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or add veggies for extra color
- Plus, they look gorgeous on any dinner table, making them great for gatherings or casual family dinners
My friends couldn’t stop raving about my cheesy ground beef enchiladas at our last get-together; they practically begged for the recipe! refreshing coleslaw to complement enchiladas.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it healthy while still achieving that juicy flavor.
- Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought works well, but homemade adds an extra layer of love to your dish.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas are my go-to for their soft texture and ability to hold all that cheesy goodness.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully; feel free to mix it up!
- Onion: Sautéed onions give depth; use yellow or white onions for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic richness—don’t skip this!
- Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth and heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Sour Cream (optional): For serving, a dollop of sour cream balances the richness perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while we gather everything we need to create this masterpiece.
Sauté Your Base Ingredients: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add some oil. Once hot, toss in diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan with cumin and chili powder. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as you go for even cooking.
Add Enchilada Sauce: Pour in half of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about five minutes to meld those incredible flavors together.
Assemble Your Enchiladas: Take a tortilla, spoon some beef mixture down the center, sprinkle with cheese, then roll tightly. sticky garlic noodles as a side dish Place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Add More Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Top generously with shredded cheese—because more cheese equals more happiness.
Bake Until Golden: Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in the layers of flavor
- Use fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste that will impress everyone at your table
- A sprinkle of cheese on top before baking creates that irresistible golden crust
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef with onions and spices first, then prepare the enchilada sauce while the meat cooks. This multitasking approach saves time and enhances flavor.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian version. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for added spice.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor
- If using corn tortillas, lightly fry them first to prevent tearing when rolling
- Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños for extra kick or omitting them entirely
Creating Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter was plentiful and everyone’s bellies were full—those magical moments when food truly becomes part of our lives. cheesy chicken casserole for family dinners. For more inspiration, check out this Hamburger Potato Casserole recipe.
FAQ
What cheese is best for enchiladas?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack works wonderfully for cheesy ground beef enchiladas. For more inspiration, check out this Beef Macaroni Soup recipe.
Can I freeze enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze assembled enchiladas before baking them; just ensure they’re well-wrapped.
How do I make enchilada sauce from scratch?
Combine tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin for a simple homemade enchilada sauce.
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheesy ground beef enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, combining seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering, these enchiladas deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Customize with your favorite toppings for a delicious twist that will delight friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as you go.
- Stir in half of the enchilada sauce and simmer for five minutes.
- Assemble the enchiladas by placing some beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, adding cheese before rolling tightly.
- Place seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over them and top with more cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with black beans or shredded chicken. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting results. To spice things up, add jalapeños or swap cheeses like pepper jack.