Name: Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles; 1 (15 oz.) can red enchilada sauce; 8 corn tortillas; 3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded and divided; Sour cream; Fresh cilantro; Pico de gallo; Diced avocado; Shredded lettuce; Sliced green onions; Chopped red onions; Cotija cheese; Hot sauce

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug, you’re in the right place. This Beef Enchiladas Recipe combines juicy seasoned beef, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Let me show you how to make this crowd-pleaser step-by-step!

Beef Enchiladas - Two rolled enchiladas lie side by side on a white plate, each filled with a rich, dark brown meat mixture with visible small pieces of cooked onions and peppers spilling out at the front. The top of the enchiladas is covered with a layer of melted, golden cheese with some orange-red enchilada sauce peeking through. Fresh, chopped green cilantro is sprinkled generously over the cheese, adding a fresh touch of color. A silver fork rests on the plate behind the enchiladas, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I personally love making this Beef Enchiladas Recipe on busy weeknights or for casual gatherings because it’s straightforward yet packed with flavor. It hits all the right spots—savory beef, cozy melted cheese, and that unmistakable enchilada sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need already, making it an easy decision to cook.
Customizable: You can easily tailor it with your favorite toppings and sides to make it your own.
Family-Friendly: My family begs me to make this one again and again—the perfect balance of familiar and exciting.
Comfort Food Perfection: It’s the ideal mix of cozy, cheesy, and satisfying that warms you up from the inside out.

Beef Enchiladas - The image shows a white baking dish filled with four rolled enchiladas placed side by side. Each enchilada is covered with a thick, bright orange-red sauce and melted cheese that is slightly golden and smooth in texture. Inside the enchiladas, you can see a rich, dark brown meat filling that looks moist and chunky. Fresh, chopped green cilantro is sprinkled evenly on top, adding a pop of color. The sauce inside the dish pools slightly around the bottom edges, giving a saucy and inviting look. The dish is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Beef Enchiladas Recipe plays a key role in delivering that classic enchilada flavor and texture. I always find that balancing the seasoned beef with just the right amount of cheese and enchilada sauce makes for a perfect bite every time.

Beef Enchiladas - Flat lay of fresh ground beef with a rich red tone, diced yellow onion showing crisp white and pale yellow layers, cloves of garlic with papery white skin, bright green diced chiles with a glossy texture, vibrant red tomato paste smoothed in a small dollop, a pile of shredded Mexican cheese blend with creamy white, orange, and yellow hues, ripe avocado halves revealing smooth pale green flesh and dark skin, fresh cilantro sprigs with delicate bright green leaves, and colorful pico de gallo with red tomatoes, green jalapeños, and white onions, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ground Beef: It’s the hearty base that delivers rich flavor and protein. Use lean to avoid greasy excess.
Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic: A quick sauté brings out aromatic notes that complement the beef perfectly.
Taco Seasoning: Infuses the beef with smoky, zesty spices essential for that Mexican flair.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates flavor and enhances the tomato note in the filling.
Diced Green Chiles: For a mild kick and fresh vegetal flavor that brightens the filling.
Red Enchilada Sauce: This sauce turns the dish from good to unforgettable—rich, tangy, and perfectly spiced.
Corn Tortillas: I recommend warming them before rolling to avoid tearing and make folding easier.
Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts beautifully and offers that classic cheese pull everyone loves.
Toppings: Sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and pico de gallo bring freshness and texture that complete each bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is how easily you can switch things up to suit your tastes. I often double the cheese or add black beans for extra protein and fiber. You do you—enchiladas are forgiving and fun!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms and black beans—just as hearty and delicious.
Spice Level Adjustment: Add chipotle powder or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a smoky heat kick.
Green Sauce Swap: Try this with a tasty green enchilada sauce for a fresh twist.
Extra Filling: Mix in some cooked rice or refried beans to stretch the filling and add texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Season the Beef Filling

Start by browning the ground beef over medium-high heat until it's no longer pink. I like to break it up finely with my spatula for even cooking. Once cooked, remove the beef and drain excess fat from the pan—this keeps the enchiladas from becoming greasy. Then, sauté diced onions in a bit of oil until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and sweat for another 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown! Return the beef to the pan, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, diced green chiles, and add water as directed on the seasoning packet. Let it simmer gently until the liquid reduces, then taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. This step packs all the flavor into your filling, so take your time here!

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Tortillas

Spread about half a cup of red enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a casserole dish. This prevents sticking and gives the bottom layer that saucy goodness. Now, here’s a little trick to keep those corn tortillas from cracking when you roll them: warm each tortilla in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or stack them, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them pliable and easy to handle.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Lay your warmed tortilla flat and spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef filling in a line down the center. Top with roughly ¼ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend to get that perfect melt. Roll up the tortilla tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides if you can, then place it seam-side down in your prepared casserole dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until your dish is full!

Step 4: Top, Bake, and Serve

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the last cup of cheese on top. Pop the dish uncovered into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the cheese should be nicely melted and bubbly. Once out, let it cool just a bit before serving, so it doesn’t burn your mouth. Then, go wild with your favorite toppings!

Top Tip

From my many attempts at perfecting this Beef Enchiladas Recipe, a few tips have really transformed the outcome. These small tweaks ensure your enchiladas come out tender, flavorful, and just right every time.

Warm Your Tortillas: Don’t underestimate the power of warming your corn tortillas before rolling—they won’t crack and will taste better too.
Drain the Beef Fat: Removing excess fat from cooked beef helps keep your dish from turning greasy and overly rich.
Layer Sauce Generously: Spread sauce both under and over the enchiladas for moist, flavorful bites throughout.
Fresh Toppings are Key: Add fresh cilantro, avocado, or sour cream right before serving to balance the richness and add brightness.

How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are creamy sour cream, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, diced ripe avocado, and a spoonful of pico de gallo for some zing. I also love a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese on top for a salty finish. If you like a little heat, don’t hesitate to drizzle some hot sauce—there’s no shame in that!

Side Dishes

For a full meal, I usually pair these beef enchiladas with Mexican rice and refried beans. A fresh side salad or some grilled corn on the cob also compliments the heat and richness perfectly. Trust me, the combo is unbeatable!

Creative Ways to Present

Planning for a party? Try assembling individual enchilada portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Topping each one with cheese and baking gives a rustic, charming presentation that feels extra special. I also love adding colorful edible flowers on garnish trays for festive occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your enchiladas, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days. I usually portion them out in individual servings so it’s easy to grab and go for lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This Beef Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble the enchiladas in your casserole dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before popping them in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver on tired weeknights.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to keep them moist and melty. If you’re in a hurry, microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a minute or two, but the oven method really keeps that fresh-baked texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make beef enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and assemble the enchiladas just before baking, or fully assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to prevent corn tortillas from cracking?

Warming tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or heating them wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave makes them soft and pliable, which helps prevent cracking when rolling.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

You can, but corn tortillas are traditional and offer authentic flavor and texture. Flour tortillas will be softer and less likely to crack, but the dish will taste a bit different.

How spicy is this beef enchiladas recipe?

The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and diced green chiles, but you can easily increase heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this Beef Enchiladas Recipe as much as I do. There’s something so satisfying about pulling apart a warm, cheesy enchilada filled with that perfectly spiced beef. It’s a recipe that brings people together and feels like a celebration of good, honest food. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and make this classic dish your own—your taste buds will thank you!