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Easy Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Easy Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4) 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Contains gluten and dairy; can be modified for gluten-free and vegetarian diets

Description

Easy Cheesy Beef Enchiladas offer a quick and satisfying comfort food meal featuring savory ground beef, a flavorful blend of spices, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe requires simple pantry staples and delivers bold, hearty flavors with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced green onions

Optional Variations

  • Ground turkey, chicken, or black beans as protein substitute
  • Pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar/Monterey Jack
  • Jalapeños for added heat
  • Corn tortillas for gluten-free option
  • Diced bell peppers or corn to add to filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt to season the meat. Pour in a portion of the enchilada sauce and simmer briefly to blend the flavors.
  2. Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then roll each tortilla tightly. Place the rolled enchiladas seam side down in a baking dish, arranging them snugly side by side.
  3. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring each is well covered. Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese to create a gooey crust once baked.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and to let flavors settle.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
  • Do not overfill tortillas to avoid tearing and spilling during baking.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
  • Let enchiladas rest post-bake for improved slicing and flavor melding.
  • Enhance enchilada sauce with a splash of beef broth or tomato paste for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: beef enchiladas, cheesy enchiladas, quick dinner, comfort food, Mexican recipe, weeknight meal, easy enchiladas