There’s something magical about biting into a warm, cheesy, sauce-soaked beef enchiladas. They’re the kind of dish that makes you sigh with happiness after every bite. Whether you’re planning dinner ideas for two ground beef lovers or feeding a hungry family, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
It’s packed with flavor, super easy to make, and honestly? Way better than anything you’d get at a chain restaurant. Plus, the homemade enchilada sauce? Game-changer.
Looking for more easy recipes to make with ground beef? Try this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef.
What You’ll Need for These Beef Enchiladas
You don’t need anything fancy, just a handful of pantry staples:
- Ground Beef – The heart of the dish.
- Enchilada Sauce – Homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Tortillas – Flour for softness, corn for a traditional feel.
- Refried Beans & Black Beans – A creamy, hearty combo.
- Cheese – Go with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix.
- Spices – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for that Tex-Mex kick.
- Onions & Garlic – Because everything tastes better with them.
Want another family beef dinner recipe? Check out these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Baked Beef Enchiladas
1. Cook the Beef Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a pan. Let it sizzle until it’s beautifully caramelized. Toss in onions, garlic, and your spice mix—this is where the magic happens. Stir in the beans, and suddenly, your filling is looking rich and hearty.
2. Make the Enchilada Sauce
Skip the canned stuff—homemade enchilada sauce is worth the extra five minutes. Simmer tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin, and a touch of cayenne. It thickens up beautifully, coating the back of a spoon like a dream.
3. Assemble Your Enchiladas
Spoon the beef filling onto each tortilla, roll them up, and lay them snugly in a baking dish. Drench them in that gorgeous sauce, then cover with cheese. Be generous—this is not the time to skimp.
4. Bake to Perfection
Slide them into a 375°F oven and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling. That first whiff when you open the oven? Pure happiness.
Looking for another comforting easy recipe to make with ground beef? Try this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Enchiladas Ever
Don’t Skip the Beans
Refried beans make the filling creamy, while black beans add texture. Together, they create a more satisfying bite that takes these healthy enchiladas beef to the next level.
Let the Sauce Soak In
Once assembled, let the enchiladas sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Go Big on Cheese
Monterey Jack melts like a dream, while cheddar brings the sharpness. Use both for the best flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Beef Enchiladas
Baked Beef Enchiladas are amazing on their own, but a few sides take the meal to restaurant-level good:
- Pico de Gallo – A fresh, zesty contrast.
- Mexican Rice – Because carbs on carbs are always a win.
- Grilled Corn Salad – Smoky, sweet, and refreshing.
- Guacamole & Chips – Because guac makes everything better.
Want another easy dinner idea? Try this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Can You Prep These Ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best texture.
Can You Freeze Enchiladas?
Yes! Freeze them before baking. Wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months. Thaw overnight, then bake as usual.
Looking for more cozy dinner ideas for two ground beef lovers? Check out Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef.
Make It Your Own – Variations to Try
Lighten It Up
Swap the beef for ground turkey, use whole wheat tortillas, and go easy on the cheese for a healthier version.
Amp Up the Veggies
Throw in diced peppers, zucchini, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrients.
Want More Spice?
Add diced jalapeños to the filling or a few dashes of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce.
Need another great family beef dinner recipe? Try these Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
Flour or corn tortillas?
Flour makes softer enchiladas, corn gives you a more traditional texture. Both work great!
How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?
Lightly fry your tortillas before filling them, or wait until just before baking to add the sauce.
What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?
A combo of Monterey Jack and cheddar for the perfect melt and flavor.
Can I use canned enchilada sauce?
You can, but homemade is so much better!
Can I make this for a big group?
Yes! Double the recipe and use a large baking dish.
Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup black beans drained
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a mix
- 2 cups enchilada sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly.
- Cook the beef filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add onion, garlic, and spices. Stir in refried beans and black beans.
- Prepare the enchilada sauce: If making homemade sauce, simmer tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin, and paprika for 5 minutes.
- Assemble enchiladas: Spoon beef mixture into tortillas, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve hot with toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, or avocado slices.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- Lightly frying tortillas before assembling prevents sogginess.
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Baked Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Whether you need dinner ideas for two ground beef lovers or feeding a whole family, this dish is a winner. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular in your kitchen.
Want more? Try Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef.
