Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Satisfy your cravings with these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, a perfect weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love.
These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish. Filled with flavorful ground beef, gooey cheese, and topped with a zesty enchilada sauce, they are sure to become a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
- Loaded with cheesy goodness and savory beef
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and fillings
Deliciously Simple Dinner
When it comes to weeknight dinners, simplicity is key. These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce makes for a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.
This recipe is a fantastic option for busy families. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a hearty dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you choose to add them, making it a balanced meal that caters to various dietary preferences.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of these enchiladas is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to add black beans for extra fiber, swap out the beef for shredded chicken, or load up on your favorite toppings, the options are endless. This adaptability ensures that you can make enchiladas that your family will love, no matter their preferences.
Don't hesitate to get creative with the toppings as well. From fresh guacamole to diced tomatoes, the sky's the limit. Personalizing your enchiladas allows everyone at the table to enjoy a unique experience, making dinner even more enjoyable.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These enchiladas are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and freeze them for later, providing you with an easy dinner option on those hectic days. To freeze, simply assemble the enchiladas without baking them, cover tightly, and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Additionally, they reheat wonderfully, maintaining their flavors and textures. This makes them ideal for leftovers, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious meal without the extra cooking time. It's a win-win for anyone looking to simplify their weekly meal planning.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onions until translucent. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, fill it with the beef mixture and sprinkle some cheese inside. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all tortillas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake the Enchiladas
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, top with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Feel free to customize your enchiladas with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, consider serving them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. These sides complement the dish perfectly and provide a heartier meal for those who are extra hungry. You can also add a fresh salad with a citrus dressing to balance the richness of the enchiladas.
For a fun twist, try serving the enchiladas with a variety of toppings on the side. This encourages everyone to customize their plate, making the dining experience interactive and enjoyable. Consider offering options like guacamole, salsa, or even a spicy chipotle sauce for those who like a bit of heat.
Storage and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly will keep them fresh for the next meal. Let the enchiladas cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date for easy tracking.
When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the enchiladas with foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be aware that the texture may differ slightly from when they were first made.
Nutritional Benefits
Ground beef is not only flavorful but also a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. By incorporating ingredients like onions and spices, you can enhance the flavor profile while adding health benefits. Onions provide antioxidants, while spices like cumin and garlic powder offer various health properties, including anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to include more vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, boosting the nutritional value even further. These enchiladas can easily fit into a balanced diet, making them a delicious choice for any meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas work well for enchiladas, but you may need to warm them up slightly to make them pliable.
→ Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with enchiladas?
They pair wonderfully with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Satisfy your cravings with these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, a perfect weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love.
Created by: Harriet Mason
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
How-To Steps
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onions until translucent. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla, fill it with the beef mixture and sprinkle some cheese inside. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Once all tortillas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, top with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 20g