EASY GROUND BEEF ENCHILADAS

Imagine the delightful aroma of seasoned ground beef mingling with warm tortillas and melted cheese, all smothered in a flavorful enchilada sauce. These Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Get ready to create a family-favorite meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

For the Enchiladas:

• 10-12 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend
• 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce, or more to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives

Let’s Talk Ingredients: Your Enchilada Arsenal

Okay, friend, before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about the stars of our Ground Beef Enchiladas show. Ground beef is the heart of this dish, providing a savory and satisfying base. I usually opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize grease, but honestly, whatever you have on hand will work. Just be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning. The onion and garlic are our flavor building blocks, adding depth and aroma to the filling. Don’t skimp on these! Taco seasoning is our secret weapon for achieving that classic enchilada flavor without having to measure out a bunch of individual spices. Feel free to use your favorite brand or even make your own. Tomato sauce provides moisture and a hint of sweetness to the filling. As for the tortillas, you can use either corn or flour, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas are more traditional and have a slightly heartier flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. If using corn tortillas, I’ll share a tip later on how to prevent them from cracking. And of course, we can’t forget the cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great choices. Use whatever melts well and suits your taste. Finally, the enchilada sauce ties everything together. You can find it in mild, medium, or hot varieties, so choose accordingly.

Easy Dinner Prep: Winning the Weeknight

We all know how hectic weeknights can be. That’s why I love this Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe – it’s perfect for Fast Dinners Easy Families Weeknight! A little Easy Dinner Prep can make all the difference. Here’s how I streamline the process:

• Prep the veggies ahead: Chop the onion and mince the garlic the night before or during your lunch break. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Brown the beef in advance: You can brown the ground beef and even mix it with the taco seasoning and tomato sauce up to a day ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the enchiladas.
• Assemble early: You can assemble the enchiladas a few hours before you plan to bake them. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add a few minutes to the baking time.

Thinking ahead like this turns making Ground Beef Enchiladas into a breeze, even on the busiest of evenings!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Be sure to crumble it as it cooks.
2. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble Your Enchiladas: The Fun Part!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly to prevent cracking. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30-60 seconds, or by lightly frying them in a skillet with a little oil.
4. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
5. To assemble each enchilada, spoon about 1/4 cup of the ground beef filling down the center of a tortilla.
6. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
7. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
8. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese.

Bake and Enjoy: The Grand Finale

1. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, making sure they are evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.
4. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
6. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas!

My Secret Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

Alright, bestie, let’s level up your enchilada game with a few insider tips:

• Preventing Cracked Tortillas: If you’re using corn tortillas, they can be prone to cracking when rolled. The key is to warm them up first! I mentioned microwaving them, but another great method is to quickly dip each tortilla in warm enchilada sauce before filling and rolling. This softens them up and makes them much more pliable.
• Cheese Placement: Don’t just sprinkle cheese on top! Adding cheese *inside* the enchiladas along with the filling ensures every bite is cheesy and delicious.
• Sauce Consistency: If your enchilada sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or chicken broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef filling or the enchilada sauce. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill the tortillas! Too much filling will make them difficult to roll and they’ll be more likely to burst open during baking.

Dinner Ideas For Ground Beef: Beyond Enchiladas

Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient, making it a lifesaver for countless Dinner Ideas For Ground Beef. If you’re looking for more inspiration beyond these amazing enchiladas, consider whipping up a Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole for ultimate comfort food. Or, for a fun twist on taco night, why not try Birria Tacos? They’re seriously addictive! Another great option is Hamburger Rice Casserole, a classic that never disappoints. For a lighter option, you could try Chicken Enchilada Bowls, swapping out the chicken for ground beef. And don’t forget the Slow Cooker Taco Casserole for an effortless weeknight meal. If you are in the mood for something soupy, try Green Chile Enchilada Soup.

Variations to Make it Your Own

One of the best things about this Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or queso fresco for a milder flavor.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate your favorite vegetables into the filling, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
• Creamy Enchiladas: Stir a can of cream of mushroom soup or sour cream into the enchilada sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Ground Beef Enchiladas are even better the next day.

• Storage: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual enchiladas in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are more than just a recipe; they’re a hug in a pan, perfect for sharing with loved ones. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to make some enchilada magic! You’ve got this!