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Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground beef enchiladas made with tender corn tortillas rolled around a savory beef-onion-garlic filling, then baked until bubbly. Finish with a thick layer of melted cheddar, plus a cool sour cream dollop and fresh cilantro.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
rest 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

Ground beef filling
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 salt and pepper to taste
Enchilada assembly
  • 2 cup red enchilada sauce
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Set out a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cook the beef filling
  1. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet until cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring so the meat cooks evenly.
  2. Stir in 1 cup of red enchilada sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and taste well-seasoned.
Warm and soften tortillas
  1. Warm the remaining sauce in a shallow pan. Heat just until pourable and easy to dip.
  2. Dip each tortilla in the warm sauce to soften. Move quickly so they stay flexible but don’t tear.
Assemble and bake
  1. Fill each tortilla with about 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  2. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Spread it evenly so the tops bake golden.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F until bubbly and heated through. Look for melted cheese on top and sauce bubbling around the edges.
Finish and serve
  1. Rest the enchiladas for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set so the rolls hold together.
  2. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro before serving. Add a dollop and finish with herbs for a bright, fresh garnish.

Notes

Pro tip: If your tortillas feel stiff, dip them in warm sauce for just a few seconds and keep them covered with a clean towel while you roll. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot. Freezing is yes—freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheddar and light sour cream to keep the same melty cheese vibe with fewer calories.