Kıymalı Enchilada

Transform your weeknights with our incredibly flavorful Ground Beef Enchiladas. Baked to perfection in a rich, savory red sauce and blanketed with gooey melted cheese, these enchiladas are a true celebration of Mexican cuisine. Garnish them with fresh cilantro, a dollop of cool sour cream, and sliced olives for an unforgettable family dinner.

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, homemade meal that can effortlessly feed a crowd, and these easy Ground Beef Enchiladas fit the bill perfectly. This recipe shines by taking a simple pound of ground beef and transforming it into a Mexican-inspired feast that’s bursting with flavor. The secret lies in our robust filling, meticulously seasoned with aromatic onion, earthy cumin, vibrant chili powder, savory oregano, and fragrant garlic powder. A can of stewed tomatoes adds a delightful tang and helps bind the ingredients, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious. This isn’t just another ground beef recipe; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of comfort food.

But what truly elevates these homemade enchiladas is the deeply flavored red sauce. Crafted with a base of beef broth, it boasts an incredible richness that complements the savory beef filling. This luxurious sauce is generously seasoned with a harmonious blend of garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano, creating a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of sauce that you’ll want to spoon over everything!

And let’s not forget the grand finale: a thick, irresistible layer of gooey, melted Mexican cheese that blankets every single enchilada. As it bakes, the cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust, adding a delightful texture and a burst of savory goodness that ties all the flavors together. This classic beef enchilada recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimum fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a festive weekend gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, beloved by adults and kids alike. It’s a complete meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Flavor-Packed: From the perfectly seasoned ground beef filling to the rich, homemade red enchilada sauce, every component is bursting with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, swap out cheeses, or add extra veggies to suit your family’s preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Enchiladas are fantastic for making ahead of time, ensuring a delicious and easy meal whenever you need it. They also freeze beautifully.
• Comfort Food at its Best: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, and these enchiladas deliver on that promise every time.

How To Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

(Find more detailed instructions and precise measurements in the recipe card below.)

1. Prepare the Flavorful Filling: In a large skillet, brown your ground beef with diced onion until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the carefully selected seasonings and a can of stewed tomatoes. Allow this mixture to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld and the tomatoes break down, creating a rich, hearty base for your enchiladas. This step is crucial for developing the deep, savory notes of the dish.
   

   

2. Craft the Rich Red Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its pungent aroma. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for just one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually, whisk in the beef broth and tomato sauce, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then let it simmer briefly before stirring in the remaining seasonings. This homemade red enchilada sauce is the backbone of the dish, providing moisture and a depth of flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
   

   

3. Assemble Your Enchiladas: Begin by spreading a thin layer of the prepared red sauce across the bottom of your baking dish; this prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor. Take each flour tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the ground beef filling slightly off-center. Sprinkle approximately 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the filling. Carefully roll up each tortilla, tucking the ends, and place it seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Arrange them snugly to create a beautiful, even layer.
   

   

4. Bathe in More Sauce: Once all the enchiladas are neatly arranged, pour the remaining savory red sauce generously over the top, ensuring every part of the tortillas is covered. This ensures they stay moist and absorb all that wonderful flavor during baking.
   

   

5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the enchiladas to heat through, the flavors to deepen, and the tortillas to soften beautifully in the sauce.
6. Add the Final Cheesy Layer: After the initial baking, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This final touch creates that irresistible cheesy crust everyone loves.
   

   

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: When browning the ground beef, cook until just no longer pink. Overcooking can make it dry.
• Roux is Key: For the sauce, ensure you cook the flour with the butter for at least a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This prevents a gummy sauce.
• Warm Tortillas: Briefly warming your flour tortillas before rolling them makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. You can do this in the microwave (30 seconds for a stack), or quickly in a dry skillet.
• Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling the tortillas can make them difficult to roll and prone to bursting. About 1/4 cup of filling is usually perfect.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This allows the sauce to settle and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.

What To Serve With Ground Beef Enchiladas

These savory Ground Beef Enchiladas are a meal in themselves, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your Mexican dinner experience to new heights. Here are some fantastic accompaniments:

• Fire-Roasted Salsa: A smoky, vibrant salsa adds a fresh counterpoint.
• Jalapeno Popper Guacamole: Creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive, this guacamole is a must-try.
• Mexican Rice: A classic side, fluffy and seasoned, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Slow Cooker Spicy Pinto Beans: Tender and full of flavor, a great hearty addition.
• Spicy Black Beans: Quick to make and packed with zesty flavor.
• Avocado and Corn Salsa: A light, fresh, and colorful salsa that adds sweetness and texture.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A lighter, zestier alternative to traditional Mexican rice.
• Simple Green Salad: Tossed with a light vinaigrette, it provides a refreshing contrast.

How To Add More Spice To This Recipe

While the chili powder in this recipe provides a pleasant warmth, if you’re a fan of spicy beef enchiladas, there are several ways to kick up the heat to your desired level:

• Add Fresh Jalapeños: Finely chop one or two jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat, keep them for more) and sauté them with the ground beef and onion.
• Cayenne Pepper in the Sauce: Stir in a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste) to the red enchilada sauce.
• Spice Up the Toppings: Serve your enchiladas with extra sliced pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce like Cholula or Tapatío, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Use Habanero or Serrano Peppers: For serious heat, finely mince a small amount of habanero or serrano pepper and add it to the ground beef filling. Handle these with care and wear gloves!

If you’re looking to explore other fantastic enchilada recipes, consider trying these Red Enchiladas with Beef. While they may require a bit more time to prepare, they reward your effort with incredibly tender, slow-cooked chunks of beef steeped in a rich, savory sauce. For a delightful change of pace, I also highly recommend my unique Creamy Chicken and Collard Green Enchiladas – a surprising and delicious fusion! No matter your preference, there’s an enchilada for every taste bud.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Leftover ground beef enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Enchiladas freeze wonderfully! For best results, allow them to cool completely. You can freeze them in the baking dish (covered tightly with foil and then plastic wrap) or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. They will keep for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating from Refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• Reheating from Frozen: To reheat a frozen dish, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake from frozen, but it will take longer (around 45-60 minutes at 350°F/175°C, covered, then uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes).

Ground Beef Enchiladas

5 out of 2 votes

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 10

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Ground Beef Enchiladas are baked in a richly flavored red sauce and covered in cheese. Top them with cilantro, sour cream, and olives for an amazing Mexican meal.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large nonstick skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk

Ingredients

Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes

Sauce

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Remaining Ingredients

• 10 (6 to 8-inch) flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• Optional toppings: olives, cilantro, sliced pickled jalapenos, sour cream

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Make filling: In a large nonstick skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat, crumbling the beef, until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
• Add filling seasonings (2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp oregano) and stewed tomatoes to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the tomato pieces into smaller chunks.
• Make sauce: While the filling is simmering, melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in 1/2 cup flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the beef broth and tomato sauce until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Add sauce seasonings (1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt). Remove from heat.
• Assemble the enchiladas: Pour about 1 1/2 cups of the red sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
• Place about 1/4 cup of the ground beef filling slightly off-center on each tortilla. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the filling. Roll up each tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
• Pour the remaining red sauce generously over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish.
• Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
• Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven to bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like olives, cilantro, sliced pickled jalapenos, and sour cream.

Video

A video demonstration for these Ground Beef Enchiladas is available to guide you through each step of the recipe for an even easier cooking experience.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 402kcal |
Carbohydrates: 28g |
Protein: 18g |
Fat: 24g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 69mg |
Sodium: 1080mg |
Potassium: 484mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 1057IU |
Vitamin C: 7mg |
Calcium: 239mg |
Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is an approximation calculated automatically and should be used as a guide.

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