Enchiladas have always been a favorite of mine, but there’s something extra special about Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas. It’s the dish I turn to whenever I’m craving comfort food, and the one that always brings back memories of my grandma’s cozy kitchen.
Growing up, I can remember the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling ground beef and melted cheese wafting through the house whenever Grandma made her famous Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas. She’d let me help assemble the tortillas, carefully spooning the savory filling inside and then topping them with her homemade enchilada sauce. As the dish baked, the cheese would bubble and the scent would become almost irresistible. I’d hover nearby, eagerly awaiting the moment when I could dive in and savor every bite.
To this day, making Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas feels like a warm hug from the past. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time, and one that I’m excited to share with you. These enchiladas are the perfect blend of flavors – the richness of the ground beef, the creaminess of the cheese, and the subtle spice of the sauce. They’re easy to prepare, but taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen. Trust me, this is one dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
The secret to these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas is in the technique. By taking the time to properly brown the ground beef and build layers of flavor, you end up with an enchilada filling that’s truly out of this world. And the addition of both shredded cheddar and melty Monterey Jack cheese takes the dish to the next level, creating a heavenly cheese pull in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef: The foundation of the dish, be sure to use a lean blend for the best texture.
– Onion: Sautéed onion adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
– Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for maximum flavor.
– Enchilada sauce: Homemade or store-bought, this tangy sauce ties the whole dish together.
– Corn tortillas: Soft, pliable tortillas are key for easy rolling.
– Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar provides that classic cheesy goodness.
– Monterey Jack cheese: Melty Monterey Jack is the perfect pairing for the cheddar.
Step-by-Step Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Instructions
Preparing Your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas come together in about an hour, start to finish. You’ll need a skillet, a baking dish, and a few simple tools to get the job done. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3- Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4- Warm the corn tortillas according to package instructions, until they’re soft and pliable. This will make them easier to roll.
5- Spoon a generous amount of the ground beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, then top with a handful of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
6- Carefully roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, be sure to brown the beef thoroughly and let the filling simmer to develop the flavors. Warming the tortillas also makes a big difference in achieving that perfect, easy roll. And don’t be shy with the cheese – the more the merrier!
Serving and Storing Your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Perfect Pairings for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a meal in themselves, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a truly satisfying Tex-Mex feast. And don’t forget the margaritas – they’re the perfect accompaniment to this comforting dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze the assembled, uncooked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Creative Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Variations
While the classic ground beef version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch up these Easy Cheesy Enchiladas. Try using shredded chicken or pork instead of beef, or experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Oaxaca. You can also add in diced bell peppers, black beans, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Making Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Diet-Friendly
To make these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas a bit more diet-friendly, you can use lean ground turkey in place of the beef. For a gluten-free version, swap the corn tortillas for gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves. And to cut down on carbs, serve the enchilada filling in a bowl over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought enchilada sauce works just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to check the label and choose a sauce you enjoy the flavor of.
Q: How long do I need to cook the enchiladas?
A: The assembled enchiladas should bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the enchiladas, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months.
Q: How many enchiladas does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 8-10 enchiladas, depending on how much filling you use in each one. It’s easy to scale the recipe up or down to feed a crowd.
Q: Why are my enchiladas soggy?
A: If your enchiladas are coming out soggy, make sure you’re properly warming the tortillas before rolling them. Soggy tortillas are the enemy of a good enchilada. You can also try baking the assembled enchiladas on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow excess moisture to drip away.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner. Perfectly seasoned ground beef is wrapped in tortillas, smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese for a dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup enchilada sauce
– 8 flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Diced onion (optional)
– Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. – In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
3. – Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce to the ground beef. Stir to combine.
4. – Spread 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
5. – Place about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. – Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
7. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. – Serve hot, garnished with diced onion and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
For a creamier enchilada, mix in 1/2 cup of sour cream with the ground beef mixture. You can also use different cheese varieties, like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, to change up the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a piping hot, cheesy Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada. This comforting dish is sure to become a new family favorite, with its irresistible blend of flavors and satisfying textures. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I guarantee it will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Let me know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to share your photos on social media using #EasyCheesyGroundBeefEnchiladas. Buen provecho!
