When I first started cooking for my family, I needed meals that were quick, hearty, and full of flavor. That’s how these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas became one of my go-to dinners. One busy evening, I had leftover ground beef, a few tortillas, and some shredded cheese. Thirty minutes later, a bubbling pan of enchiladas was on the table, and my family was hooked.
These enchiladas are loaded with seasoned beef, smothered in rich sauce, and covered in melted cheese that makes every bite irresistible. They’re simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and always satisfying. You can even make a double batch and freeze one for later.
If you enjoy comforting, family-friendly dinners, you’ll also love my cheesy hamburger rice casserole and hobo casserole with ground beef.
Get ready for your new favorite meal. Let’s make these easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas tonight.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Every time I make these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can create something special. You don’t need fancy spices or hours in the kitchen. Just a few everyday staples and the right steps.
(Serves 8 enchiladas | Total Time: 30 minutes | Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 enchilada-size tortillas (corn or flour work)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
If you’re in the mood for something equally comforting, try my ground beef pasta bake with mozzarella. It’s another easy family dinner packed with flavor.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Equipment
- skillet
- mixing bowl
- baking dish (9×13-inch)
- oven
- spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 enchilada-size tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and taco seasoning until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together.
- Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Lay one tortilla flat, spoon the beef mixture down the center, sprinkle with cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas. Top with the remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracks and tearing.
- Always let the enchiladas rest for five minutes before serving; it helps them hold together perfectly.
- Top with sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- For a fun twist, mix half flour and half corn tortillas for the best texture and authentic taste.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for up to three months — just thaw overnight before baking.
- Add beans, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the beef filling for more flavor and color.
- Try making them with ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version.
- Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
NUTRITION FACTS
Per Serving (1 of 8 enchiladas):- Calories: 374 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Total Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 67 mg
- Sodium: 953 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 6 g
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
Cook the beef and onion. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and taco seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any fat.
Combine the cheeses. In a medium bowl, mix shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack so each bite melts smoothly.
Prepare the baking dish. Pour ½ cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the dish and spread evenly.
Assemble the enchiladas. Lay one tortilla flat, spoon the ground beef mixture down the center, and sprinkle with about ⅛ cup cheese. Roll up and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Top and bake. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then cover them with the rest of the cheese blend. Bake 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce bubbles.
Serve and enjoy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the enchiladas hold together. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or diced tomatoes if you like.
For a cozy, layered variation, you might love my cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 374 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 22 g (10 g saturated) |
| Cholesterol | 67 mg |
| Sodium | 953 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and based on one serving of eight total enchiladas.
Baking Secrets and Cheesy Tips for Perfect Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
When you’ve rolled up your enchiladas and covered them with sauce, the real magic happens in the oven. Getting that golden, bubbly finish is what takes these easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas from good to unforgettable. It’s not about complicated techniques just a few smart tips that guarantee perfect results every time.
Choose the Right Cheese and Tortillas for Melty, Flavorful Enchiladas
The best part of these enchiladas is the cheese. For the ultimate melt, I mix sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack. This combo gives you that stretchy pull everyone loves when serving. Make sure your cheese is freshly grated instead of pre-shredded it melts smoother and tastes richer.
When it comes to tortillas, I like using both corn and flour. Corn tortillas add traditional flavor, while flour keeps things soft and easy to roll. You can even layer them together for a blend of flavor and texture. That’s a trick I picked up while testing my cheesy ground beef and potato casserole; the layered approach makes every bite better.
Perfect Your Baking Time and Temperature for Gooey Results
Temperature and timing can make or break your enchiladas. I bake mine at 350°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the sauce starts bubbling around the edges. If you like a slightly crisp top, uncover them for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese brown lightly.
To keep the filling tender, cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the first half of baking. This helps trap steam, ensuring the tortillas don’t dry out. Remove the foil at the end to let the cheese get that golden finish. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture and taste.
For another oven-friendly favorite that bakes just as beautifully, check out my cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole. It follows the same principles of layering, baking, and achieving the perfect cheesy crust.
Once your easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas are done, let them rest for about five minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to settle and keeps everything from sliding apart when you scoop them onto plates. That short wait is the secret behind picture-perfect enchiladas that hold together beautifully.
Serving Ideas, Creative Variations, and Expert FAQs for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
The moment your enchiladas come out of the oven, the whole kitchen smells like comfort. That’s when you know dinner’s about to make everyone happy. Here’s how I love serving, styling, and reinventing these easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas.
Best Ways to Serve These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Toppings that pop: Add shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced avocado, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
- Simple sides: Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a street corn salad to balance the richness.
- Tex-Mex feast idea: Serve with my cheesy hamburger rice casserole for a complete, family-style dinner.
- Presentation tip: Let enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens and each piece holds perfectly together.
Tasty Variations and Freezer-Friendly Ideas
- Protein swaps: Use shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter twist.
- Flavor boosts: Add diced bell peppers, black beans, or jalapeños to the filling for more texture and spice.
- Tortilla mix: Combine corn and flour tortillas to get that balance of authentic flavor and softness.
- Freezer prep: Assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Meal-prep inspiration: For more freezer-ready comfort meals, check out my hobo casserole with ground beef.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
What goes in ground beef enchiladas?
Ground beef enchiladas include seasoned beef, onions, taco seasoning, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. Many cooks also add garlic, green chilies, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
What is the secret to good enchiladas?
The secret to making great enchiladas is warming the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracks, covering them evenly with sauce, and letting them rest a few minutes after baking so the filling sets perfectly.
What sides go well with ground beef enchiladas?
Mexican rice, refried beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp avocado salad are ideal sides for easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas because they balance the rich, savory flavor of the dish.
What cheese goes best in enchiladas?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and delivers creamy flavor. For extra spice, use Pepper Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
Should you cover enchiladas when baking?
Yes. Cover enchiladas during the first half of baking to trap moisture, then uncover them for the final minutes so the cheese browns and bubbles.
What spices are in enchilada seasoning?
Typical enchilada seasoning includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, giving the dish its signature smoky depth.
Are beef enchiladas better with flour or corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas roll more easily and stay soft, making them ideal for family dinners, while corn tortillas offer authentic flavor and a slightly firmer texture once baked.
How long should enchiladas bake?
Bake ground beef enchiladas at 350 °F for about 20 minutes or until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is fully melted, then let them cool for five minutes before serving.
These easy cheesy ground beef enchiladas prove that big, bold flavor doesn’t require complicated steps. With just a few simple ingredients and the right bake time, you’ll have a hearty dinner that fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with happy faces.
Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe always delivers. For another cozy comfort favorite, try my cheesy ground beef and potato casserole. It’s just as satisfying and just as easy to love.