Ground Beef Enchiladas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-style enchiladas with simple ingredients and homemade flavor. The enchilada sauce is rich and smoky, while the beef filling stays juicy and flavorful.

I also enjoy how customizable these enchiladas are. I can top them with sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or fresh tomatoes to create the perfect plate every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Enchilada Sauce

3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp flour
3 tbsp tomato puree
720ml chicken stock
1 tbsp hot chilli powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Beef Filling

1 large red pepper, finely diced
1 medium white onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely diced
500g lean ground beef
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Assembly

8 flour tortilla wraps
Half a can of refried beans
200–250g cheddar cheese
100–150g Mexican or spicy cheese blend

Toppings

Sour cream
Avocado, diced
Fresh tomato, diced
Green onions, sliced
Fresh coriander or cilantro
Lime wedges

Directions

Sauce

I heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat.

I stir in the flour until smooth, then mix in the tomato puree and cook it for about a minute.

I gradually whisk in the chicken stock to prevent lumps from forming.

I season the sauce with chilli powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

I let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, then remove it from the heat.

Beef Filling

In a large skillet, I drizzle in a little oil and cook the onion, red pepper, and garlic until softened and lightly golden.

I add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.

I stir in paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

I mix in about 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce and remove the skillet from the heat.

Assemble the Enchiladas

I preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

I spread a dollop of refried beans over the bottom third of each tortilla.

I top the beans with the seasoned beef mixture and sprinkle over some cheese.

I tightly roll each tortilla and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.

I spread a little enchilada sauce in the bottom of the dish before arranging the enchiladas.

I pour the remaining sauce over the top and finish with the remaining cheese.

Bake

I bake the enchiladas for 25–30 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Serve

I sprinkle fresh cilantro over the enchiladas and serve them with sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, green onions, and lime wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

For extra heat, I add jalapeños or use spicy pepper jack cheese. I also enjoy adding black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

If I want a smoky taste, I mix chipotle powder into the enchilada sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

I can also freeze enchiladas before or after baking for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, I can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

What cheese works best for enchiladas?

I love using cheddar and Mexican cheese blends because they melt well and add rich flavor.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, I can use corn tortillas for a more traditional enchilada texture and flavor.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level depends on the chilli powder and cheese blend I use, so I can easily adjust the heat to my preference.

What sides go well with enchiladas?

I like serving them with Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dinner filled with seasoned beef, creamy beans, rich sauce, and melted cheese. I love how hearty and customizable they are, making them perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or satisfying weeknight meals.

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