Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Easy weeknight dinner
• Family-approved recipe
• Freezer friendly
• Great for meal prep
• Loaded with protein
• Made with simple ingredients
• Ready in about an hour
• Perfect for feeding a crowd
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Extra cheesy and satisfying

The Secret to Better Ground Beef Enchiladas

The biggest mistake people make when preparing enchiladas is using plain cooked ground beef.

For truly restaurant-quality enchiladas, season the beef generously and simmer it briefly with tomato paste and enchilada sauce before filling the tortillas. This creates richer flavor and keeps the filling moist after baking.

Another secret is adding cheese inside the tortillas and on top. Layering cheese throughout the recipe creates the perfect gooey texture in every bite.

My Secret to Better Ground Beef Enchiladas: Stovetop-to-Oven Cookware

One of my favorite tricks for making ground beef enchiladas easier (and creating fewer dishes to wash) is using a stovetop-to-oven pan. I start by browning the ground beef, onions, garlic, and seasonings directly in my Caraway cookware, then I can easily transfer everything into the baking dish or use the same oven-safe pan when making enchilada casseroles and skillet-style enchiladas. The even heat distribution helps the beef cook beautifully without hot spots, and the naturally slick ceramic surface makes cleanup surprisingly simple. It’s one of those kitchen upgrades that saves time on busy weeknights while helping dinner come together faster from start to finish. If you’re building a collection of cookware that works hard in the kitchen, my Caraway pieces are among the most-used items in my home. Click here for a generous discount applied at checkout!

Why I Love Using ButcherBox Ground Beef

When a recipe relies on simple ingredients, quality matters. That’s one reason I love keeping ButcherBox ground beef stocked in my freezer. Their beef consistently cooks up flavorful, tender, and perfectly suited for recipes like enchiladas, tacos, burrito bowls, casseroles, and sliders. Since everything is delivered directly to my door, meal planning becomes much easier and I always have a high-quality protein option ready for busy nights. One of my favorite things about ButcherBox is the flexibility—you can customize your box, adjust deliveries to fit your schedule, and build meals around what your family loves most. Having dependable ground beef on hand means recipes like these cheesy ground beef enchiladas are never far from the dinner table.

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef

I recommend using 90/10 lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. You’ll get plenty of beefy flavor without excessive grease.

For even better flavor, consider using premium beef from ButcherBox. Their ground beef consistently cooks up tender, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners like enchiladas.

Tortillas

Flour tortillas create softer enchiladas that many families prefer.

Corn tortillas offer a more traditional texture and flavor. If using corn tortillas, warm them first to prevent cracking.

Enchilada Sauce

A good red enchilada sauce provides the signature flavor.

You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you have extra time.

Cheese

A combination of:

• Sharp cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Mexican blend cheese

creates the perfect melt and flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned.

Drain excess grease.

Add:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Tomato paste

Cook until fragrant.

Stir in a small amount of enchilada sauce and simmer for several minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

This prevents sticking and keeps the tortillas tender.

Step 3: Fill the Tortillas

Add beef filling to each tortilla.

Top with cheese.

Roll tightly.

Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas.

Top generously with cheese.

Don’t be shy here. This is what creates that beautiful golden, bubbly finish.

Step 5: Bake

Bake until:

• Cheese is melted
• Sauce is bubbling
• Edges are lightly golden

Allow the enchiladas to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Best Toppings for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Create an enchilada bar with:

• Sour cream
• Greek yogurt
• Avocado
• Guacamole
• Pico de gallo
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Cotija cheese
• Lime wedges
• Shredded lettuce

Variations

Creamy Beef Enchiladas

Mix 4 ounces softened cream cheese into the beef mixture.

Green Chile Enchiladas

Add a can of diced green chiles.

High Protein Enchiladas

Use extra lean ground beef and add black beans.

Low-Carb Enchilada Bake

Skip the tortillas and layer ingredients casserole-style.

Spicy Enchiladas

Add chipotle powder, jalapeños, or hot enchilada sauce.

Make Ahead Instructions

Ground beef enchiladas are perfect for preparing ahead.

Refrigerator

Assemble up to 24 hours before baking.

Cover tightly and refrigerate.

Bake when ready.

Freezer

Assemble completely.

Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Refrigerator

Up to 4 days.

Freezer

Up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Enchiladas

Complete the meal with:

• Mexican rice
• Cilantro lime rice
• Refried beans
• Black beans
• Corn salad
• Street corn
• Chips and salsa
• Guacamole
• Mexican slaw

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ground beef for enchiladas?

90/10 lean ground beef offers the best balance of flavor and texture while preventing greasy enchiladas.

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish up to one day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Should I cover enchiladas while baking?

Cover for the first portion of baking if desired, then uncover to allow the cheese to become bubbly and lightly golden.

Can I freeze enchiladas?

Absolutely. Ground beef enchiladas are one of the best freezer-friendly dinners.

How do I keep tortillas from cracking?

Warm tortillas before rolling to make them more flexible.

What cheese works best?

A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides excellent flavor and meltability.