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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

A comforting weeknight favorite, these enchiladas are filled with richly seasoned beef and topped with gooey cheese, making for a cozy fall dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 10 oz can red enchilada sauce
  • 1 4 oz can diced green chilies

For Seasoning

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

  • 8 medium flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
  • Stir in onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
  • Mix in diced green chilies and 1/2 cup enchilada sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thick.

Assembly

  • Spread 1/4 cup enchilada sauce across the baking dish bottom.
  • Fill each tortilla with 1/3 cup beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll tightly.
  • Place tortillas seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over the top, then sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Baking

  • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake another 8–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble ahead, freeze unbaked, then bake straight from frozen with 15 extra minutes of cook time. You can swap beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles if preferred. Pair with Mexican rice, beans, or a crisp salad for a full meal.
Keyword Cheesy, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Enchiladas, Ground Beef