The Best Easy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Recipe

Ready for a fiesta in your mouth? These Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are calling your name!

Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’s incredibly easy to achieve. We’re talking about melty cheese, savory beef, and a naturally delicious enchilada sauce all wrapped up in warm tortillas. This is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration in every bite!

Why You’ll Love It

They’re incredibly flavorful: The combination of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce is absolutely irresistible. It’s a party for your palate!
They’re naturally satisfying: These enchiladas are hearty and filling, making them perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends.
They’re surprisingly easy to make: Don’t let the impressive presentation fool you – this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
They’re easily customizable: Want extra spice? More cheese? You’re the chef! This recipe welcomes your personal touch.
They’re naturally a crowd-pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, will adore these cheesy beef enchiladas. They’re practically guaranteed to be a hit!

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What makes this enchilada recipe stand out from the rest is the way we build the flavors. We start by carefully seasoning the ground beef with a blend of spices that really brings out a savory depth. Then, we use a naturally robust enchilada sauce that coats every element perfectly. The result is a layered taste that’s far from ordinary, and makes you wonder what took you so long to try it.

Ingredient List

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
10 corn or flour tortillas, your preference
2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced olives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Then, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Pour in half of the enchilada sauce, and the can of diced green chilies. Stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld together nicely.
Pour a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Dip each tortilla into the remaining enchilada sauce, coating both sides quickly. Then, fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture, sprinkle with some cheese, and roll up tightly. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-down into your baking dish.
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over them. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and naturally golden brown, and the sauce is heated through. Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your enchiladas to the next level? Consider adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, or some sliced black olives on top before serving. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for some extra heat. Be creative and make them your own! You can also add a layer of refried beans to the inside of the enchilada to make it even more naturally hearty.

Expert Tips

Don’t overfill the tortillas: Overfilling can make them difficult to roll and cause them to burst while baking.
Warm the tortillas before rolling: This makes them easier to work with and prevents them from tearing. A quick trip to the microwave or a dry pan will do the trick.
Use a good quality cheese: It will make a world of difference in terms of flavor and meltability. Shred it yourself from a block for an even melt.
Don’t skip the simmering step: Allowing the sauce and beef mixture to simmer together helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Let them rest for a few minutes: Allowing the enchiladas to rest once they come out of the oven will make them easier to serve and the flavors will develop naturally more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use your favorite kind of cheese such as pepper jack for a little more spice, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add about 5 minutes of bake time.
How do I store leftover enchiladas? Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the enchiladas? Yes, wrap them well with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the directions, adding a bit more bake time as they will be naturally colder.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and tailor this recipe to your liking! You could add some diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for a veggie boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own enchilada sauce from scratch. Feel free to use flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference. You could also add some black beans or corn kernels into the beef mixture for a naturally textured and even more filling dish.

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Go Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans and add a mix of vegetables.
Creamy Dreamy: Mix a little cream cheese into the beef mixture for added richness and creaminess.
Switch the Sauce: Use a green enchilada sauce instead of red for a different flavor profile.
Add Some Heat: Add diced jalapenos to the beef mixture for a naturally spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are naturally fantastic on their own, but they can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich enchiladas. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice, or some black beans, or some grilled corn on the cob. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of guacamole for an added touch!

Conclusion

With these naturally delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Beef Enchiladas, you’re well on your way to creating a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy. From the savory seasoned beef to the gooey, melted cheese and rich enchilada sauce, every bite is a celebration of flavor. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – we promise this will become a regular in your meal rotation! Share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see your take on this recipe!

Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to comment below with your own variations and tips! We’d love to hear how you make this Easy Pea Salad your own!