Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of Mexican cuisine like Beef Enchiladas. Tender, savory beef wrapped in soft tortillas, drenched in a rich, flavorful sauce, and topped with melted cheese—what’s not to love? Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a taco night with friends, Beef Enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make beef enchiladas from scratch, including how to prepare the filling, sauce, and tips for making this dish your own. The combination of seasoned ground beef, a homemade enchilada sauce, and a generous amount of cheese is sure to make these enchiladas a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Beef Enchiladas are:

• Quick and easy to prepare, with a rich homemade enchilada sauce.

• Customizable with your favorite toppings or fillings.

• Packed with flavor from tender beef, spices, and the perfect amount of cheese.

• Ideal for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Let’s get started and dive into the full recipe for beef enchiladas that will make everyone at your dinner table asking for more!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Enchilada Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese

• 8-10 corn tortillas (flour tortillas work too)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity)

• 1 tsp salt

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For Topping and Garnish:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

• Sour cream (optional)

• Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)

• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: To the skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

3. Season the Beef: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to coat the meat evenly with the spices.

4. Add the Liquid: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and diced green chilies (if using). Stir to combine, then simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the mixture to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened.

2. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.

3. Add Tomato Sauce and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.

4. Balance the Flavors: Add the sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Warm the Tortillas: Lightly heat the corn tortillas by placing them in a hot, dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or until they are pliable and warm. This will help prevent them from breaking when rolling them up.

2. Fill the Tortillas: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle some of the shredded cheese on top of the beef filling.

3. Roll the Enchiladas: Carefully roll up each tortilla, tucking in the ends as you go. Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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Step 4: Top and Bake the Enchiladas

1. Pour the Sauce: Once the enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour the homemade enchilada sauce evenly over the top, making sure to coat each tortilla generously.

2. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the enchiladas.

3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, or jalapeños for an extra pop of flavor.

2. Serve: Serve your beef enchiladas hot with your favorite sides—rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

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Tips for Perfect Beef Enchiladas

1. Use Quality Beef

For the juiciest and most flavorful beef filling, opt for ground beef with a fat ratio of 80/20. This will ensure the meat stays moist and flavorful while cooking.

2. Don’t Skip the Homemade Sauce

While store-bought enchilada sauce can be convenient, nothing beats the depth of flavor in a homemade sauce. It’s easy to make, and the extra effort is totally worth it. Plus, you can adjust the spices to your liking!

3. Add Heat If You Like It Spicy

If you love spicy food, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef filling or enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top for an added kick.

4. Make Ahead and Freeze

Beef enchiladas can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them before baking—just wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

5. Experiment with Cheese

While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, try mixing in Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic taste. Adding a layer of cheese between the beef filling and the tortilla adds an extra creamy texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Beef enchiladas are hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with several side dishes to complete the meal:

• Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice

• Refried beans or black beans

• Guacamole and salsa

• Mexican street corn (Elote)

• Fresh salad with avocado, tomato, and lime dressing

For the perfect finishing touch, serve the enchiladas with a chilled margarita, cold cerveza, or sparkling agua fresca.

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Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also use beans for extra protein.

Chicken Enchiladas

Shredded cooked chicken can be used instead of ground beef. Simply replace the beef with about 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs.

Sauce Variations

For a smoky flavor, try using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the enchilada sauce. This will add a delicious depth of flavor and heat.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

As mentioned, you can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze the unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months.

Storage:

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, covered with foil to prevent the tortillas from drying out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. However, corn tortillas are more traditional and tend to hold up better with the sauce.

Can I make the enchilada sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The enchilada sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the spice level, you can add more cayenne pepper or chipotle peppers to the sauce, or incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers into the beef filling.

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Conclusion:

These Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. With their rich beef filling, homemade enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, these enchiladas are sure to impress.

Enjoy the comfort of homemade enchiladas—perfect for any occasion!

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