Tender ground beef, savory spices, and a rich, creamy sauce all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to golden perfection. These simple Ground Beef Enchiladas offer an irresistible flavor that makes them the perfect dinnertime meal everyone will love!
Easy & Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas: Your New Weeknight Favorite
There’s nothing quite like a comforting plate of enchiladas to bring smiles to the dinner table. Having been a huge fan of enchiladas for as long as I can remember, I’m thrilled to share this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Ground Beef Enchilada recipe with you. It’s a dish that has quickly earned a permanent spot in our family’s meal rotation, especially on those busy weeknights when time is short but the craving for something hearty and flavorful is strong.
You might already be familiar with my Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas, which have long been a crowd favorite. But I promise you, once you try these simple ground beef enchiladas, they’ll become another cherished staple in your kitchen. They are straightforward to prepare, bursting with classic Tex-Mex flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit with both friends and family. Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary hug that promises to satisfy. Here’s why these ground beef enchiladas are destined to become a household favorite:
- Effortlessly Simple: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a fantastic meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those hectic weeknights!
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates a rich, savory experience that’s deeply satisfying and authentically delicious.
- Family-Friendly: Enchiladas are a universally loved dish. This recipe is mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults, making it a perfect choice for family dinners.
- Highly Customizable: While the recipe provides a fantastic foundation, it’s incredibly flexible. Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences by adjusting the spice level, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with various cheeses.
- Great for Meal Prep: Assemble them ahead of time for a quick bake-and-serve option later in the week, or freeze them for future meals. It’s convenience at its best!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Enchiladas
The beauty of this ground beef enchilada recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each component:
- Ground Beef: We use two pounds of ground beef for a hearty filling. Leaner ground beef (like 90/10 or 93/7) is ideal as it produces less grease, though any ground beef will work. Just be sure to drain any excess fat thoroughly. You can also experiment with other ground meats like ground chicken, turkey, or even venison for a different twist.
- Taco Seasoning: Two packets of your favorite store-bought taco seasoning provide the perfect blend of spices. If you prefer to control the ingredients, feel free to use a homemade taco seasoning blend. Adjust the amount to your taste, especially if you like things spicier or milder.
- Water: This is used to hydrate the taco seasoning and create a flavorful sauce for the beef. Always follow the instructions on your taco seasoning packets, as the recommended amount of water can vary slightly. Generally, it’s about ¾ cup of water per pound of ground beef.
- Sour Cream: This is a crucial ingredient for our creamy, tangy sauce. One cup of full-fat sour cream will give you the best richness and flavor. For a lighter option or if you’re not a fan of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, offering a similar tang and creamy texture. (And yes, you might just get those picky eaters to love it!)
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A can of condensed cream of chicken soup adds depth and a comforting creaminess to the sauce. You can use the standard store-bought version or try your hand at making Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup for an even fresher flavor. This ingredient truly brings the “creamy” to these enchiladas.
- Salsa: Use one cup of your favorite salsa. The type of salsa you choose will significantly impact the final flavor profile, so pick one you genuinely enjoy. I personally love Herdez mild salsa for its balanced flavor, but any mild, medium, or even hot salsa will work depending on your heat preference. A can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) can also be used as a substitute, but I find that a good-quality salsa adds more complex flavor dimensions.
- Flour Tortillas: Eight burrito-sized flour tortillas are recommended for making large, satisfying enchiladas. If you prefer smaller portions or want to yield more enchiladas, taco-sized tortillas are a great alternative. If you opt for corn tortillas, remember to warm them slightly before rolling to prevent them from tearing. This makes them more pliable and easier to work with.
- Cheddar Cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used for its classic melt and flavor. However, feel free to use any cheese you love! A Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even Colby Jack would be delicious. For a little kick, pepper jack cheese makes an excellent choice.
- Optional Toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and an extra dollop of sour cream are fantastic garnishes. Other great additions include fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, avocado slices or guacamole, and a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef Enchiladas
Creating these delightful ground beef enchiladas is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly cheesy and flavorful dinner:
- Prepare Your Oven and Beef: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, brown two pounds of ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease thoroughly to prevent your enchiladas from becoming greasy. Return the beef to the skillet.
- Season the Beef: Add the two ounces (two packets) of taco seasoning and 1½ cups of water to the browned ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef beautifully, typically for about 5-7 minutes. This infuses the beef with incredible flavor.
- Craft the Creamy Sauce: While the beef simmers, in a medium-sized bowl, combine one cup of sour cream, one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, and one cup of mild salsa. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and smooth. This creates the rich, creamy sauce that will envelop your enchiladas.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Take about one cup of the prepared sour cream mixture and stir it into the seasoned ground beef in the skillet. This step ensures the beef filling is moist and flavorful from the inside out.
- Fill and Roll the Tortillas: Lay out each of the eight burrito-sized flour tortillas. Spoon about ½ cup of the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Ensure they fit snugly to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Top with Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Once all the tortillas are filled and arranged in the pan, evenly spread the remaining sour cream mixture over the tops of the rolled enchiladas. This creates a luscious, creamy topping. Then, generously sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish. Feel free to add more cheese if you like an extra cheesy finish!
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking pan loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are lightly browned on the bottom. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispier top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and an extra dollop of sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making these ground beef enchiladas:
For this recipe, I use burrito-sized flour tortillas, which make large, generously filled enchiladas. If you prefer smaller portions or want to make more enchiladas, taco-sized flour tortillas work perfectly as well.
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the classic ground beef version, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute it with cooked, shredded chicken (like my Salsa Chicken recipe), ground turkey, or even my flavorful Mexican Shredded Beef recipe for a richer flavor profile.
The best salsa is truly a matter of personal preference. I personally recommend Herdez mild salsa for its consistent quality and balanced flavor. However, feel free to use any brand or heat level of salsa that you enjoy. A can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) can also be used as a convenient alternative, though a good quality salsa often adds more depth of flavor.
Simple shredded cheddar cheese is used in this recipe for its classic melty texture and savory taste. However, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses like a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or even Colby Jack. For a subtle spicy kick, pepper jack cheese is a fantastic option.
Leftover enchiladas can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These enchiladas also freeze beautifully! To freeze, wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, transfer them to your refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or individual portions can be warmed in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef Enchiladas
These ground beef enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a truly unforgettable feast. Consider serving them with:
- Mexican Rice: A classic pairing that adds texture and flavor.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and satisfying, they complement the richness of the enchiladas.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps to balance the richness of the dish.
- Corn on the Cob or Elote: Sweet corn adds a touch of freshness.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: For a cool, creamy counterpoint.
- Fresh Pico de Gallo: Adds a burst of fresh tomato, onion, and cilantro flavor.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings or when hosting. Here’s how to get ahead:
- Make Ahead (Refrigerate): You can assemble the entire pan of enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow all the steps through sprinkling the cheese on top. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats. Bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
- Freezing Instructions:
- Unbaked: Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, removing foil for the last 10 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.
- Baked: Allow baked enchiladas to cool completely. You can freeze individual portions or the entire pan (covered as above). Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of these easy Ground Beef Enchiladas! They truly are a delightful and simple meal that’s sure to impress.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved these ground beef enchiladas, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of our other fantastic recipes that bring comforting and flavorful meals to your table:
- Chicken Enchiladas with Red Sauce
- Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
- Smothered Beef Burritos
- Taco Bell Enchiritos
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos
- Lazy Chicken Enchiladas
- Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Swiss Enchiladas (Enchiladas Suizas)
- White Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Taco Rice
- Mexican Lasagna
- Slow Cooker Refried Beans
- White Chicken Enchiladas (For Two)
Ground Beef Enchiladas
These simple Ground Beef Enchiladas only have a few ingredients and make the perfect dinnertime meal everyone will love!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 ounces (2 packets) taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mild salsa (or a can of Rotel)
- 8 burrito size flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175°C). Brown 2 pounds ground beef. Drain any excess grease and put back in the pan. Add 2 ounces (2 packets) taco seasoning and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring heat up to high just until it bubbles then turn it down until thickened (stirring regularly).
- In a medium sized bowl mix together 1 cup sour cream, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup mild salsa.
- Mix in 1 cup of the sour cream mixture to seasoned ground beef in skillet.
- Fill each of the 8 burrito size flour tortillas with about ½ cup or so of beef mixture.
- Roll up all of the tortillas once filled and place into 9×13-inch pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread remaining sour cream mixture over top of filled tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over top (note: if you like more cheese, please feel free to add more.)
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes or until cheese has melted and tortillas brown a bit on bottom.
- Top with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Nutrition
Calories: 637kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 1201mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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