Ground Beef Enchiladas are a timeless classic in Mexican-inspired cuisine, bringing together a symphony of bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Envision tender, perfectly seasoned taco-spiced ground beef, velvety refried beans, and hearty black beans, all lovingly encased in soft, warm tortillas. These flavorful bundles are then generously smothered in a rich, zesty enchilada sauce and blanketed with a lavish layer of bubbling, melty cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these enchiladas transform into the quintessential comfort food, ideal for heartwarming family dinners, effortlessly entertaining guests, or simply satisfying that deep craving for a truly delicious and fulfilling meal. This particular recipe is crafted to deliver an intensely flavorful experience without the usual fuss, swiftly becoming your ultimate go-to for even the busiest of weeknights.

A plate of freshly baked Ground Beef Enchiladas, garnished with fresh cilantro, ready to be served. — A close-up of piping hot Ground Beef Enchiladas, garnished and ready for a satisfying meal.

Contents

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

While I absolutely adore the rich, complex flavors of authentic enchiladas, I know that some recipes can feel like an extensive culinary project, demanding hours of prep and cooking. That’s precisely why I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting a version that is incredibly quick, delightfully straightforward, and bursting with robust, authentic flavors – making it the absolute ideal meal for those hectic evenings when you crave a homemade, comforting dish but are constrained by time. These easy ground beef enchiladas are designed to deliver a phenomenal flavor experience fast, proving unequivocally that you don’t need to labor in the kitchen for hours to create something truly spectacular and deeply satisfying.

What sets this recipe apart as a quintessential weeknight champion? Its foundation is versatile, readily available ground beef, which browns quickly and effortlessly absorbs a myriad of delicious spices. You’ll also be thrilled by the minimal preparation required: there’s absolutely no vegetable chopping needed, which is a genuine time-saver on the most frenzied days! And for peak convenience without sacrificing taste, pre-shredded Mexican blend cheese melts into a magnificent, gooey, golden blanket over your enchiladas, creating that irresistible cheesy crust. This recipe is meticulously designed to be incredibly approachable for cooks of all experience levels, guaranteeing a consistently delicious, hearty, and satisfying meal devoid of any unnecessary stress or complicated steps. It’s comfort food simplified, bringing joy to your dinner table with ease.

Whether your goal is a substantial family dinner that pleases everyone, a crowd-pleasing dish for relaxed gatherings with friends, or simply a comforting and hearty meal to savor on a quiet night in, these ground beef enchiladas perfectly hit every single note. They are hearty, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully cheesy, ensuring they become an instant, cherished favorite in any home.

A vibrant display of all the essential ingredients prepped for assembling easy Ground Beef Enchiladas, including lean ground beef, refried and black beans, rich enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and a medley of taco seasonings, alongside soft flour tortillas. — All the simple, high-quality ingredients laid out and perfectly prepped for quickly assembling your delicious and comforting enchiladas.

Essential Ingredients for Crafting Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas

Creating truly mouth-watering ground beef enchiladas begins with selecting a few high-quality, impactful ingredients. This recipe prides itself on keeping things refreshingly simple without ever compromising on the incredible depth of flavor. Here’s a comprehensive, detailed look at precisely what you’ll need to make these enchiladas shine, and a brief explanation of why each component plays such a crucial role:

Olive Oil: A single tablespoon of good quality olive oil is used to initiate the cooking process, helping to beautifully brown the ground beef and create a rich, aromatic foundation for the entire filling.
Lean Ground Beef: For the best results and a less greasy final dish, I highly recommend opting for a lean ground beef blend, typically 93/7. Leaner beef means significantly less fat to render and drain, which makes your cooking process cleaner and results in a lighter, yet equally flavorful, filling. The robust, savory taste of the beef forms the very core of these enchiladas.
Beef Bouillon Powder: This ingredient is often hailed as a secret weapon in my kitchen! Just one teaspoon introduces an extraordinary depth of rich, intensely savory beef flavor, significantly enhancing the overall profile of your filling. It also provides a subtle, well-rounded salty seasoning boost, so it’s wise to taste and adjust any additional salt accordingly.
Tomato Paste: Do not underestimate the power of tomato paste! It is absolutely vital for developing a thick, intensely flavorful, and subtly tangy base for the ground beef filling. It contributes a concentrated umami punch that masterfully ties all the diverse flavors together, adding complexity and richness.
Chicken Broth: A strategic splash of chicken broth serves multiple purposes: it helps to deglaze the skillet, capturing all the flavorful browned bits, and creates a luscious, saucy consistency for your beef mixture. While water can be used in a pinch, broth undeniably adds an extra layer of savory depth and richness.
Refried Beans & Black Beans: This dynamic duo is pure culinary magic for the enchilada filling. Refried beans contribute a wonderfully creamy texture that acts as a binder, ensuring the other ingredients meld beautifully. Black beans, on the other hand, add delightful heartiness, substantial bulk, and an appealing textural contrast. Lately, I’ve been particularly enjoying refried black beans for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Flour Tortillas: Medium, taco-sized flour tortillas are the perfect vessel for this recipe. They are inherently pliable, incredibly easy to roll without tearing, and fit snugly and efficiently into a standard 9×13-inch baking pan. While traditional enchiladas often feature corn tortillas, flour tortillas are frequently preferred for their softer texture and greater ease of handling, especially for novice cooks or those who prefer a milder flavor base.
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: This is a non-negotiable component for achieving that utterly irresistible, gloriously melty top! Pre-shredded Mexican blend cheese offers unparalleled convenience, significantly cutting down on prep time. However, if you find yourself with a few extra moments, freshly shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses will undoubtedly provide superior melting quality and an even richer, more luxurious taste.
Red Enchilada Sauce: This ingredient is truly the heart and soul of any enchilada dish. You will need approximately 2 cups, strategically divided, to generously coat the bottom of your baking dish and lovingly smother the rolled enchiladas. (More detailed insights on choosing the best sauce below!)
Homemade Taco Seasoning (or 1 packet):
- Chili Powder: This provides the foundational, deeply savory, slightly smoky, and pleasantly mildly spicy flavor that is characteristic of Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Paprika: Adds a beautiful sweet and peppery note, enriching both the color and the overall warmth of the seasoning blend.
- Ground Cumin: Absolutely essential for that unmistakable, aromatic, earthy flavor that defines authentic taco seasoning.
- Onion Powder: Delivers a concentrated, savory onion flavor without the need for chopping fresh onions, simplifying the preparation.
- Garlic Powder: A versatile and indispensable staple in nearly all savory dishes, contributing a pungent, deeply aromatic depth.
- Dried Oregano: Offers a subtle, slightly bitter, peppery, and highly aromatic hint, which is a classic signature of Mexican culinary traditions.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are added to taste, playing a critical role in balancing and brilliantly enhancing all the other vibrant flavors in the filling.

Detailed image showcasing ground beef browning with taco seasonings and tomato paste, before being mixed with beans and a touch of enchilada sauce to create the rich filling for these easy Ground Beef Enchiladas. — The savory ground beef filling, perfectly seasoned and robust, ready to be rolled into tortillas for baking.

Selecting the Perfect Enchilada Sauce for Your Ground Beef Enchiladas

The enchilada sauce is, without a doubt, the single most critical component of this dish, lending it essential moisture, decadent richness, and its unmistakable, signature flavor. When it comes to choosing your sauce, you are presented with two excellent and equally valid options:

Homemade Enchilada Sauce: If you find yourself with an extra few minutes, or if you simply aspire to elevate your ground beef enchiladas to an absolutely unforgettable level, then crafting your own enchilada sauce from scratch is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend. It’s remarkably easy to whip up and consistently offers a depth of complex flavor and an unparalleled freshness that most store-bought varieties simply cannot replicate. A well-made homemade red enchilada sauce is characteristically robust, subtly spicy, and perfectly balanced, providing an absolutely incredible, aromatic foundation for your savory beef filling.
Store-Bought Enchilada Sauce: For those evenings when ultimate convenience is the top priority, a high-quality store-bought red enchilada sauce will perform admirably and still yield delicious results. The key to success here is to select a brand that you have personally tried before and genuinely enjoy. It’s also important to be mindful of the spice level; some commercial brands can be quite fiery, so make sure to choose one that aligns comfortably with your family’s preference. Opting for a milder sauce will often allow the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef and the creamy cheese to shine through more prominently, culminating in a harmonious and profoundly comforting taste experience.

Regardless of whether you choose the homemade route or a quality store-bought option, ensure you have a sufficient quantity of sauce to generously coat the bottom of your baking dish and thoroughly smother every single one of the rolled enchiladas. This crucial step prevents the tortillas from drying out during baking and guarantees that every single bite is infused with delicious, tangy, and deeply satisfying saucy goodness.

Delicious Pairings: What To Serve With Your Savory Ground Beef Enchiladas

While ground beef enchiladas are incredibly satisfying and a complete meal in themselves, pairing them with thoughtfully chosen side dishes can truly elevate your dining experience into a full-fledged Mexican-inspired feast. Here are some fantastic accompaniments that beautifully complement the rich, complex flavors of enchiladas, adding texture, freshness, and variety to your plate:

Cilantro Lime Rice: A light, refreshingly fresh, and zesty side dish that offers a wonderful contrast to the hearty and savory enchiladas. Its bright, citrusy flavors and fluffy texture are absolutely perfect for absorbing any extra sauce and balancing the meal.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Creamy, tangy, and bursting with vibrant flavor, authentic Elote is a spectacular and colorful addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. The smoky char-grilled corn, crumbled cotija cheese, and a dusting of chili powder create an utterly irresistible side dish.
Chips & Salsa or Guacamole: A beloved classic for an excellent reason! Freshly prepared, vibrant salsa or rich, creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips is always a surefire hit and remarkably easy to prepare while your enchiladas are baking to perfection.
Black Bean Corn Salad: For a truly refreshing and wholesome option, a quick and easy black bean and corn salad, brightened with diced avocado, a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, offers a delightful burst of freshness and a pleasant textural contrast.
Pinto Beans: A deeply traditional and wonderfully comforting choice. Whether you simmer them slowly on the stovetop, tenderize them effortlessly in a slow cooker, or prepare them quickly in a pressure cooker, these tender, flavorful beans are a hearty and authentically delicious side.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a light, zesty vinaigrette can expertly cut through the richness of the enchiladas, providing a welcome and refreshing balance to your plate.

The final stage of preparation: Ground beef enchiladas expertly rolled, generously sauced, and lavishly topped with melted cheese, poised and ready for their perfect bake in the oven. — A glorious pan of freshly baked enchiladas, beautifully golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness, straight from the oven.

Make-Ahead And Freezer Instructions for Ground Beef Enchiladas

These ground beef enchiladas are not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably versatile and convenient for all your meal planning needs! Whether you’re strategically preparing for a demanding week ahead or simply wish to stash away some comforting homemade food for a future busy day, these make-ahead and freezer instructions are designed to perfectly accommodate your schedule and culinary preferences.

Make-Ahead (Refrigerate): You can completely assemble the enchiladas in your baking dish, just as instructed, but hold off on baking them. Once assembled, cover the dish exceptionally tightly with at least one layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. This prepared dish can be safely refrigerated for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit out on your counter for approximately 30 minutes while your oven preheats. This allows the dish to come closer to room temperature. Then, bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure they are heated thoroughly and are bubbling around the edges.
Freezing Unbaked Enchiladas: These ground beef enchiladas freeze beautifully in their unbaked state. After assembling them in a freezer-safe baking dish, ensure they are wrapped exceptionally well. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the enchiladas, followed by a tight, secure layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Make sure to label the dish clearly with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness. To cook from frozen, it is best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, bake them covered at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are piping hot throughout. While baking directly from frozen is possible (typically covered for about 45-60 minutes, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes more), thawing beforehand often yields superior results in terms of texture and even heating.
Storing Leftovers: Any leftover baked enchiladas can be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat wonderfully, either gently in the oven (covered with foil at 300°F/150°C until thoroughly warm) or quickly in the microwave.

Explore More Delicious Enchilada Recipes:

If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed these comforting ground beef enchiladas, you might be inspired to explore a variety of other flavorful enchilada variations from my collection:

Vegetarian Enchiladas, packed with vibrant bell peppers and hearty corn for a meat-free delight.
Beef Enchilada Soup, a wonderfully comforting and unique twist featuring savory beef and tender sweet potatoes.
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, boasting a bright, zesty, and incredibly flavorful homemade green chile sauce.
Sweet Potato Enchiladas, a delightfully unique and savory vegetarian option combined with wholesome black beans.
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole, an effortlessly easy set-it-and-forget-it recipe using traditional corn tortillas.

A close-up shot of baked Ground Beef Enchiladas, perfectly golden, cheesy, and garnished with fresh cilantro.

Print Recipe

Classic Ground Beef Enchiladas

By
Chelsea Lords

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate weeknight win—easy to make, loaded with bold, savory flavor, and generously smothered in gooey cheesy goodness. A perfect family-friendly meal!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Equipment

9 x 13-inch baking pan

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 recommended)
1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder (see Note 1)
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup chicken broth (or water in a pinch)
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups red enchilada sauce (divided, see Note 2)
8 medium flour tortillas
1-1/2 cups shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend (see Note 3)
Toppings as desired (see Note 4)

Taco Seasoning (OR use 1 packet)

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re opting for homemade enchilada sauce, prepare that first to ensure it’s ready for assembly.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and sear it for 1 minute per side to lock in flavor, then break it up with a spoon. Continue cooking until the beef is mostly browned. Stir in the taco seasoning, beef bouillon powder, about 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the tomato paste. Mix thoroughly until the beef is fully cooked and well coated with the seasonings.
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid has slightly reduced and the filling has thickened to a saucy consistency.
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the refried beans, drained and rinsed black beans, and 1/4 cup of the red enchilada sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated through. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings (more salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili powder) as needed.
Prepare your baking dish by spreading 1/4 cup of the red enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking and adds extra flavor.
Lay out all 8 flour tortillas on a clean surface. Divide the prepared ground beef and bean filling evenly among the tortillas, placing the mixture on the lower third of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla up tightly and place them seam-side down in a single layer in the prepared baking pan.
Pour the remaining red enchilada sauce generously over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well-covered. Then, sprinkle the 1-1/2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake the covered enchiladas for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges.
Carefully remove the enchiladas from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Add your desired toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream, and serve hot!

Recipe Notes

Note 1 (Beef Bouillon): If you choose to use a pre-packaged taco seasoning packet instead of making your own blend, you might want to omit or significantly reduce the beef bouillon powder, as many commercial packets already contain sufficient salt and flavor enhancers. Always taste and adjust!

Note 2 (Enchilada Sauce): While store-bought sauce offers convenience, homemade enchilada sauce provides unparalleled depth and freshness and is surprisingly quick to prepare. If using canned sauce, select a brand you trust and enjoy, ensuring its spice level aligns with your preference.

Note 3 (Cheese): For the best melting and richest flavor, consider using freshly shredded cheese (such as equal parts sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack) instead of pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

Note 4 (Toppings): Customize your enchiladas with your favorite toppings! Popular choices include a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, vibrant pico de gallo or diced tomatoes, creamy diced avocado or guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream or crema Mexicana.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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