Name: Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles; 1 (15 oz.) can red enchilada sauce; 8 corn tortillas; 3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded and divided; Sour cream; Fresh cilantro; Pico de gallo; Diced avocado; Shredded lettuce; Sliced green onions; Chopped red onions; Cotija cheese; Hot sauce

If you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need tonight. It’s my go-to for a cozy dinner that feels like a celebration every time you take a bite. Let me walk you through how to make it perfectly every time!

beef enchiladas - Two rolled enchiladas lie side by side on a white plate, each filled with a rich, dark brown meat mixture with visible small pieces of cooked onions and peppers spilling out at the front. The top of the enchiladas is covered with a layer of melted, golden cheese with some orange-red enchilada sauce peeking through. Fresh, chopped green cilantro is sprinkled generously over the cheese, adding a fresh touch of color. A silver fork rests on the plate behind the enchiladas, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is one of those dishes that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. The combination of savory beef, tender corn tortillas, and melty cheese is always a hit, whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining friends.

Simplicity Meets Flavor: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients but delivers complex, layered flavors that impress every time.
Flexible and Customizable: Whether you’re craving it spicy, mild, or loaded with extras, you can tweak the filling and toppings to your taste.
Quick Comfort: It’s ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without fuss.
Winner with Everyone: Kids, adults, meat-lovers, and cheese fanatics all gather around for seconds without hesitation.

beef enchiladas - The image shows a white baking dish filled with four rolled enchiladas placed side by side. Each enchilada is covered with a thick, bright orange-red sauce and melted cheese that is slightly golden and smooth in texture. Inside the enchiladas, you can see a rich, dark brown meat filling that looks moist and chunky. Fresh, chopped green cilantro is sprinkled evenly on top, adding a pop of color. The sauce inside the dish pools slightly around the bottom edges, giving a saucy and inviting look. The dish is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Beef Enchiladas Recipe plays its part to create the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy. When shopping, look for fresh onions and garlic as they add fundamental depth. A good Mexican cheese blend with melting qualities is essential for that irresistible gooey texture.

beef enchiladas - Flat lay of fresh ground beef with a rich red tone, diced yellow onion showing crisp white and pale yellow layers, cloves of garlic with papery white skin, bright green diced chiles with a glossy texture, vibrant red tomato paste smoothed in a small dollop, a pile of shredded Mexican cheese blend with creamy white, orange, and yellow hues, ripe avocado halves revealing smooth pale green flesh and dark skin, fresh cilantro sprigs with delicate bright green leaves, and colorful pico de gallo with red tomatoes, green jalapeños, and white onions, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground Beef: The rich, hearty base of the filling that brings meaty flavor and protein.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a bit of texture after sautéing.
Garlic: It punches up the aroma and rounds out the savory profile.
Taco Seasoning: Infuses the beef with classic Mexican spices, ensuring flavor depth without fuss.
Tomato Paste: Gives richness and a slight tang that lifts the meatiness of the beef.
Diced Green Chiles: Adds a gentle heat and a bright note to the filling.
Red Enchilada Sauce: This sauce ties the whole dish together with its smoky, spicy tomato base.
Corn Tortillas: Their authentic flavor and slight chew hold the filling perfectly when rolled.
Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar that melts beautifully and adds creamy, savory layers.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this dish my own, and you’ll enjoy playing around with it too. Sometimes I add beans or swap the red sauce for green enchilada sauce to give the meal a fresh twist. Don’t be shy in the kitchen – your enchiladas should be exactly how you like them!

Variation: Once, I mixed in some crumbled cooked chorizo with the ground beef — it added a smoky kick that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese and top with avocado slices and extra cilantro for a fresh finish.
Spicy Kick: Add chipotle chili powder or a splash of hot sauce to the filling to turn up the heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat with Care

Start by heating your pan to medium-high heat and browning the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Don’t rush this — letting the meat develop a bit of color adds depth to the flavor. Once browned, scoop it out and set it aside, then drain the fat to avoid soggy enchiladas later.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pan, add a touch of oil and sauté diced onions until they soften and turn translucent. Toss in minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a tasty base for the filling.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer the Filling

Return the beef to the pan, sprinkle with taco seasoning, stir in tomato paste, diced green chiles, and the water recommended on your seasoning packet. Simmer gently until the liquid has mostly evaporated, creating a thick, flavorful filling. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Prep the Baking Dish & Tortillas

Pour about half a cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of your casserole dish and spread it around evenly. To avoid tearing, warm tortillas in a pan for 30 seconds each side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave briefly. This makes them pliable and easy to roll.

Step 5: Assemble Your Enchiladas

Place about ⅓ cup of the beef filling in a line down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle roughly ¼ cup of shredded cheese on top, then roll it up tight. Place each enchilada seam-side down in the dish. This keeps them from unrolling while baking.

Step 6: Sauce & Cheese Finale

Top the rolled enchiladas with the remaining enchilada sauce, then sprinkle the last cup of cheese over everything. This creates that irresistible bubbly, cheesy crust when baked.

Step 7: Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly. Let it cool just a little before serving so it settles. Now’s the time to grab your favorite toppings!

Top Tip

From experience, these tips help you nail this Beef Enchiladas Recipe perfectly, ensuring they’re tender and flavorful every time without the common pitfalls.

Warm Your Tortillas: I always heat mine before filling to prevent cracking or tearing – it makes rolling so much easier.
Don’t Overload Filling: Keep your portions of beef and cheese balanced; too much can cause the tortillas to split.
Layer the Sauce: Spreading sauce under and over enchiladas ensures every bite is moist and delicious.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for a few minutes post-baking to avoid burning your mouth and to allow flavors to meld.

How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my enchiladas with a dollop of cool sour cream, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado. Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese and thinly sliced green onions for brightness and a touch of crunch. These toppings add freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich beef and cheese.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple yet delicious: Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, and a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes, I serve quesadillas or chips with homemade guacamole alongside to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like arranging enchiladas in a circular pattern in a larger baking dish to look like a beautiful ring, topped with a colorful mix of cheeses and veggies. It’s visually impressive and makes digging in feel extra festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover enchiladas covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven helps maintain that baked texture better than a microwave. Just cover with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

This Beef Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully. I assemble the entire dish, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming enchiladas in a preheated oven to keep the tortillas from getting soggy and to keep the cheese melty. Microwaving works in a pinch but covering the dish prevents drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for these beef enchiladas?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, which can be helpful if you’re worried about tearing. However, corn tortillas give the dish a more traditional flavor and texture. I personally warm corn tortillas well before rolling to avoid breaks.

How spicy is this Beef Enchiladas Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and easily adjustable. The diced green chiles and taco seasoning provide a mild heat but nothing too intense. You can add chipotle powder or hot sauce if you want it spicier, or use mild taco seasoning for a gentler flavor.

Can I prepare the beef filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Preparing the beef filling a day ahead saves time when assembling the enchiladas. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready, reheat gently and proceed with assembly and baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover beef enchiladas?

The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the tortillas from getting soggy and maintains the texture and flavor better than microwaving.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is a little slice of Mexican comfort food magic that I truly treasure. It brings warmth and smiles to the table every single time I make it, and I hope you’ll enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite as much as I do. So warm up those tortillas, fire up your oven, and get ready for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!