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’ve been craving comfort food with a spicy kick, you’re in the right place. This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is packed with rich, savory beef, melty cheese, and a bold enchilada sauce that makes every bite a fiesta. Trust me, it’s easier to pull off than you think, and once you try it, it’ll be a go-to meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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 absolutely love sharing this Beef Enchiladas Recipe because it brings together simple ingredients that burst with flavor—and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made it, the whole kitchen smelled like a little celebration, and everyone was asking for seconds!

Classic comfort food: This recipe perfectly balances a hearty, savory beef filling with melty cheese and rich enchilada sauce.
Simple and approachable: You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just good basics and a little love.
Customizable to your taste: Whether you want to kick up the spice or add more veggies, you can easily tweak the filling to suit your mood.
Great for gatherings: You can make it ahead and bake it when guests arrive, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or party nights.

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

Every ingredient in this Beef Enchiladas Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. You’ll notice the earthiness from the ground beef and onion pairs beautifully with the tangy tomato paste and green chiles. The enchilada sauce ties everything together, and that melty Mexican cheese blend? Honestly, it’s the crowning glory.

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: The hearty base that provides savory richness and protein—lean or regular, either works depending on how much fat you want.
Yellow onion: Adds a naturally sweet depth when sautéed, balancing the spicy elements.
Garlic: A small touch adds big flavor—fresh is best for that punch.
Taco seasoning packet: Convenient, flavorful spice blend that layers heat and earthiness without hassle.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the filling’s tomato flavor, giving a subtle tang and richness.
Diced green chiles: Adds a mild heat and freshness that lifts the beef filling.
Red enchilada sauce: The saucy magic that coats the tortillas and delivers bold flavor and moisture.
Corn tortillas: Their sturdy but pliable texture holds the filling perfectly and adds authentic flavor.
Mexican cheese blend: Combines the best melting cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for that gooey, golden top.
Toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and more add freshness, creaminess, and a lovely contrast to the spicy richness.

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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

I love how versatile this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is! Personally, I sometimes swap out half the beef for cooked chorizo for extra smoky flavor, or sneak in some black beans to stretch it further when feeding a crowd. Don’t be afraid to play around—you’ll find what combos you love the most.

Variation: Try green enchilada sauce instead of red for a fresh, tangy twist that brightens the whole dish.
Vegetable boost: Add sautéed bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture and color.
Spice it up: Sprinkle in chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika to deepen the flavor and add smoky heat.
Make it cheesy: Add more cheese inside the tortillas for ultra-melty goodness, and don’t skimp on toppings!

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until it's cooked through with just a little pink left in the middle. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy filling. Then remove the beef and set it aside. Next, sauté the diced onion in a bit of oil until it’s soft and translucent—this step really softens the flavor and builds the dish’s base. Add the minced garlic last and sauté for just about 30 seconds so it doesn't burn but releases its aroma.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for the Filling

Return the browned beef back to the pan. Now stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and diced green chiles. Add water as per the taco seasoning packet instructions to help everything meld together and simmer gently until the mixture thickens and becomes rich and sticky. Give it a taste and add salt or pepper if it needs a little boost. This simmered beef mix is where the magic happens—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Prep Your Casserole and Tortillas

Spread about half a cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of your casserole dish—that keeps the enchiladas from sticking and adds extra flavor. Now, this step is all about making the tortillas pliable. If your corn tortillas feel stiff and tear easily when rolling, gently warm them in a dry skillet about 30 seconds each side, or microwave a stack covered with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds. Warm tortillas roll better and won’t break on you.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Grab one tortilla and place about ⅓ cup of the beef filling in a line down the center. Top it with roughly ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Roll it tightly and place it seam side down in the casserole dish on top of the sauce. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas until you have a nice cozy lineup filling the dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled-up tortillas, then sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese on top. Bake it uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until you see the cheese bubbling and lightly golden. The smell that fills your kitchen during this step? Pure happiness.

Step 6: Ready to Serve

Once out of the oven, let it sit for a couple of minutes to settle, then serve your enchiladas hot with your choice of toppings for that final fresh touch and contrast.

Top Tip

Having made enchiladas quite a few times, I learned some simple tips that make all the difference—especially for a beginner or anyone who wants guaranteed success.

Warm your tortillas: Heating them up before rolling keeps them from cracking and tearing, which can be frustrating if you skip this step.
Simmer your filling: Letting the beef mixture simmer lets all the flavors marry beautifully, and the filling gets just the right consistency—not too wet, not too dry.
Don’t skimp on sauce: The enchilada sauce isn’t just for flavor, it also keeps the tortillas moist while baking so they stay tender instead of dry.
Use sharp cheese: A good Mexican cheese blend with sharp flavors melts well and gives that classic gooey topping you expect from authentic enchiladas.

How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish these enchiladas with a few fresh garnishes like dollops of cool sour cream, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado for creaminess, and some crunchy shredded lettuce or sliced green onions to brighten the dish. A sprinkle of crumbly cotija cheese adds that salty bite I can’t resist. And if you love heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce seals the deal perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it simple and fresh: Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice always pairs beautifully, and some refried or black beans round out the meal. A crisp green salad or corn on the cob works great too to add texture without overwhelming the flavors of the enchiladas.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I've rolled smaller tortillas into bite-size enchilada "roll-ups" that make fun appetizers. Or try layering the filling and sauce in a baking dish lasagna-style for a deconstructed enchilada casserole. It’s a great way to switch things up and impress guests with something familiar but unexpected.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for about 3-4 days. Cover them well so the sauce doesn’t dry out, and you’ll have an easy lunch or dinner ready to go.

Freezing

This Beef Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully! I usually assemble the enchiladas in my casserole dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding extra baking time, and they come out just as tasty as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil so the cheese doesn’t over-brown. This method keeps the enchiladas moist and the cheese gooey—microwaving can sometimes dry them out, so oven reheating is my go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for this Beef Enchiladas Recipe?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear, which can make rolling easier especially if you have trouble warming your corn tortillas. Just know that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

What’s the best way to make the enchilada sauce from scratch?

While this recipe uses canned enchilada sauce for convenience, you can absolutely make your own by combining tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of broth or water. Simmer until thickened for a fresh, homemade touch.

Can I prepare the beef filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Making the beef filling a day ahead is a great time-saver. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container and assemble the enchiladas just before baking. The flavors often taste even better when they've had time to meld together overnight!

What can I substitute for the Mexican cheese blend?

If you can’t find a Mexican cheese blend, try combining equal parts cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. These melt well and provide a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess—key qualities for a delicious enchilada topping.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchiladas Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof that simple ingredients can come together for something truly special. It’s comfort food with character, perfect for cozy nights and sharing with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy and rewarding homemade enchiladas can be—you’re going to love every bite!