Beef Enchiladas

This easy dinner recipe is always a hit with the family! Easy Beef Enchiladas have soft tortillas filled with ground beef, cheese and green chiles that are covered with enchilada sauce and more cheese.

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These are my favorite simple ground beef enchiladas that are super kid-friendly. They have a green chile beef filling and are topped with lots of enchilada sauce and cheese. They’re always a family favorite.

It’s not my only enchiladas recipe, of course, so if you’re looking for other ideas, you have to try my shrimp enchiladas and creamy chicken enchiladas, too!

You Will Love This Easy Recipe

• When I say these are easy, I mean it – you only need five ingredients! 
• Even though there are only a few ingredients, the flavor is fantastic. The green chiles and enchilada sauce add lots of flavors.
• You can make the filling in less than ten minutes, and then you just roll and bake the enchiladas!
• You can serve them with all of your favorite enchilada toppings like sour cream, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Everyone will love these cheesy beef enchiladas. You will love how easy they are to make!

What are Beef Enchiladas?

The origins of beef enchiladas can be traced back to Mexico, where they were traditionally made with corn tortillas and a spicy chili sauce. Over time, the dish has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and preparation methods, making it a favorite in many different cultures.

Today, beef enchiladas are enjoyed all over the world and can be found in many restaurants and homes. They are a great option for a quick and easy meal that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients Needed for Beef Enchiladas

• Ground beef – You can also use ground turkey!
• Red enchilada sauce – Use your favorite store bought sauce or make homemade enchilada sauce. This is an easy way to control the level of “heat” in your enchiladas too.
• Canned diced green chiles – I buy the mild ones for the kiddos, but you can use the spicy ones for some heat.
• Soft taco shells – I use 6-inch flour tortillas.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Or use shredded Mexican blend cheese. Remember getting a block and shredding it yourself is always going to have the best result.

How to Make Beef Enchiladas

Preheat the oven to 375°F and coat a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

Brown the ground beef in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s cooked, drain off the excess grease.

Add a 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce to the meat mixture along with the green chiles. Stir to combine.

Spread a 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce in the prepared baking dish.

To make the enchiladas, spoon 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of a tortilla. Top it with one tablespoon of shredded cheese. Wrap the tortilla around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.  Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.

Pour the rest of the sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Bake the beef enchiladas for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are hot and bubbly. Cool them at room temperature for five minutes before serving.

Add Your Favorite Toppings!

I have all the topping ideas for you! Here are some we love

• Serve them with some homemade salsa, green salsa, or pico de gallo. Add some chips on the side for dunking!
• Add a dollop of guacamole or top them with some diced avocado.
• We love them with a spoonful of sour cream.
• Add some chopped fresh cilantro for garnish or try some diced jalapenos.
• Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, or sliced green onions!

Variations

There are many ways to customize enchiladas to suit individual preferences. Here are a few variations that can be made:

• Chicken Enchiladas: Simply substitute the beef with shredded chicken for a lighter option.
• Turkey Enchiladas: Use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or ground turkey for a leaner alternative to beef.
• Pork Enchiladas: Shredded pork can be used instead of beef for a more tender and juicy filling.
• Cheesy Enchiladas: Add extra cheese to the filling or sprinkle it on top for a more indulgent dish.
• Spicy or Mild Enchiladas: Adjust the heat level by using more or less chili powder or adding jalapeños or other peppers.
• Green Enchilada Sauce: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

These variations can be mixed and matched to create endless combinations of flavors and textures. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to find your perfect enchilada recipe.

What kind of beef should I use for enchiladas?

Ground beef is the most common type of beef used in enchiladas, but you can also use shredded beef or steak. Just make sure the beef is cooked and mixed with the green chiles before adding it to the tortillas.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are more traditional in Mexican cuisine and can add a different flavor and texture to the enchiladas.

What kind of cheese should I use for beef enchiladas?

The most common cheese used in beef enchiladas is cheddar or a Mexican blend of cheeses. You can also use monterey jack, queso fresco, or any other cheese that you like.

Can I make beef enchiladas without cheese?

Yes, you can make beef enchiladas without cheese. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if you have a dairy allergy or intolerance.

Make Ahead Beef Enchilada Tips

You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance to bake later. If you do this, you may need to add some more enchilada sauce on top before they go in the oven. The tortillas will absorb it, so add a little more so they’re nice and saucy!

How to Store Leftover Beef Enchiladas

Place any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container and they will keep well for up three to four days in the fridge.

The whole family will love when you make this beef enchilada recipe! The flavors are great and it’s so easy you’ll want it in your permanent dinner rotation. Enjoy!

More Mexican-Inspired Comfort Food

My family LOVES Mexican food so if yours is like mine, you need to try these recipes, too!

• Crock Pot Pork Carnitas is a really easy way to make this classic dish! Use the carnitas to make tacos, burritos, or nachos.
• Taco Casserole is a hearty dinner that’s great for a weeknight dinner!
• Use your slow cooker to make the best Chicken Tacos!
• Instant Pot Taco Soup is so easy to make and will warm you up on a cold day.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

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5 from 63 votes

Beef Enchiladas

Quick and easy ground beef enchiladas topped with red enchilada sauce and cheese!

Prep:15 minutes mins

Cook:30 minutes mins

Resting Time:5 minutes mins

Total:50 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound ground beef
• ▢ 19 ounce can red enchilada sauce
• ▢ 4.5 ounce can chopped green chiles
• ▢ 10 soft taco shells 6 inches each
• ▢ 2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
• In a nonstick skillet cook ground beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through. Drain grease off beef.
• Stir ½ cup enchilada sauce and chopped green chiles into ground beef.
• Spread ½ cup enchiladas sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Spread ¼ cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla then sprinkle with about 1 Tablespoon of cheese. Wrap tortillas tightly around the filling. Place seam side down in the baking dish.
• Top with remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

Can you make them ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance to bake later. If you do this, you may need to add some more enchilada sauce on top before they go in the oven. The tortillas will absorb it, so add a little more so they’re nice and saucy!

How long do leftovers keep?
Store them in an airtight container and they will keep well for up three to four days in the fridge.

What else can you add to enchiladas?
You can add black beans, pinto beans, or other beans that you like. Add chopped cilantro to the filling or diced veggies like onions and bell peppers. Just keep in mind, the more you add the more enchiladas you’ll get!

Video

Nutrition Information

Calories: 642kcal (32%), Carbohydrates: 48g (16%), Protein: 36g (72%), Fat: 33g (51%), Saturated Fat: 16g (100%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 109mg (36%), Sodium: 1870mg (81%), Potassium: 451mg (13%), Fiber: 4g (17%), Sugar: 11g (12%), Vitamin A: 1204IU (24%), Vitamin C: 11mg (13%), Calcium: 425mg (43%), Iron: 6mg (33%)

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We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.