Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic
There’s something truly special about the aroma of spicy, savory enchiladas wafting through your kitchen. It reminds me of chilly evenings spent gathering with family around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter while the warmth of the oven envelops the room. These Ground Beef Enchiladas are not just a meal; they’re a hug in food form—a cozy comfort food classic that delivers on flavor and nostalgia.
Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones, this delightful dish combines tender tortillas wrapped around a flavorful beef filling, all smothered in zesty enchilada sauce and topped with gooey cheese. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: A fantastic option for those hectic weeknights when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family-friendly: Kids love them, and they’re easy to customize, making them a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table.
- Savory and satisfying: The combination of spices and melty cheese creates an irresistible flavor that warms the heart.
- Perfect for make-ahead meals: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Versatile: Swap the ingredients or tweak the spices to match your family’s tastes!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Sour cream (for topping)
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The anticipation is half the joy, and the scent of warm enchiladas will soon fill your kitchen!
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The sizzle of the beef will remind you of cozy cooking shows on a Sunday afternoon.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute. Your kitchen will start to smell blissfully spicy!
Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Feel free to sneak a taste of the filling—trust me, it’s delightful!
Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle generously with cheese. Watch how the vibrant colors come together to form this beautiful dish.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. The moment the cheese begins to melt is pure kitchen magic!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Cheesy Spinach Enchiladas: Add some sautéed spinach to the beef mixture for a deliciously creamy twist.
- Zesty Chicken Enchiladas: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken seasoned with lime for a refreshing take.
- Veggie Enchiladas: For a vegetarian option, fill the tortillas with your favorite sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans.
- Toppings Galore: Mix things up with added toppings like sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced avocados for that extra zing!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead advice: You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Ingredient swaps: If you’re out of tortillas, try using large lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Slicing tricks: Use kitchen scissors to cut the tortillas if you need to, especially if they’re too large for your baking dish.
- Storage suggestions: Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 420
- Carbs: 34g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 710mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap the meat or add extra vegetables for your desired flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long do they last?
While they are best enjoyed fresh, the enchiladas will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Wrapping It Up
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a beautiful reminder of the love and warmth that comes from sharing a meal with those closest to you. It’s an easy recipe to whip up, making dinner feel special without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week ahead or looking to treat your family to a cozy evening, this recipe is bound to bring everyone together.
Save this Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe to your Weeknight Dinners board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, friends!
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Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy comfort food classic, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are filled with savory beef and smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Sour cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for another minute.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Make-ahead: Assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and refrigerate. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: enchiladas, ground beef, comfort food, Mexican, easy dinner