Searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare? Look no further! This recipe for cheesy ground beef enchiladas is truly the best, designed to bring the authentic flavors of a Mexican restaurant right to your dinner table. We’re talking about a dish that boasts a rich, savory filling, tortillas that are perfectly soft on the inside, and a gloriously crispy, melted cheese crust on the outside.

What makes these enchiladas stand out? They’re remarkably easy to make, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients that come together quickly for a satisfying meal. You won’t need any complex culinary skills or fancy techniques to achieve perfect results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen, my detailed tips and tricks will ensure your enchiladas turn out flawlessly. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible Tex-Mex classic!

Homemade Ground Beef & Cheese Enchiladas: A Tex-Mex Classic

Enchiladas have a fascinating history, tracing their origins back centuries to Aztec cuisine in Mexico. In those ancient times, tortillas were simply dipped in chili sauce and enjoyed as a staple. Over time, the dish evolved, and the concept of filling tortillas with various ingredients emerged, creating the delicious and versatile meal we know today. This particular recipe takes inspiration from the beloved Tex-Mex version, a culinary fusion that blends Mexican traditions with American flavors.

Our Tex-Mex interpretation elevates the classic by making it even creamier and richer. We achieve this by generously filling soft tortillas with savory ground beef, a delectable mix of cheeses, and a homemade tomato-chili sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The result is a truly comforting casserole: tender, moist tortillas embracing a spicy, hearty filling, all topped with a blanket of perfectly melted, bubbly cheese. These ground beef and cheese enchiladas are not just perfect for a quick and easy weekday dinner, but they’re also an absolute crowd-pleaser when you’re hosting guests or looking for a satisfying family meal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Enchiladas

Creating these incredible beef and cheese enchiladas starts with high-quality ingredients. While you’ll find the complete list with precise measurements in the recipe card below, here are some insights and handy tips to help you select and understand the role of each component.

Crafting the Flavorful Enchilada Chili Sauce

• Enchilada Sauce: This is the heart and soul of your enchilada dish. While store-bought options offer convenience, I highly recommend making your own homemade enchilada sauce. It’s incredibly flavorful, allows you to control the spice level and ingredients, and truly elevates the entire dish to a restaurant-quality experience. The depth of flavor from a homemade sauce is unparalleled.
• Butter & Flour: These two create a simple roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce and giving it a luxurious, smooth consistency. It’s the base that carries all the other wonderful flavors.
• Chicken Stock: Adds another layer of savory depth to the sauce, making it richer and more complex than just water.
• Aromatics & Spices: Garlic, brown sugar, fried onions, chili powder, oregano, and a touch of salt are carefully balanced to create that signature, irresistible enchilada sauce profile – a perfect blend of savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy notes. The fried onions, in particular, add a unique umami and crunch that really makes a difference.

Key Ingredients for Homemade Oven-Baked Enchiladas with Cheese

• Taco Spices: For that authentic Tex-Mex flavor in your filling, a good taco seasoning mix is crucial. If you prefer to customize your spices and avoid additives, consider making your own homemade taco spices. It allows you to adjust the heat and flavor to your liking, creating a truly bespoke experience.
• Tortilla Wraps: The choice of tortilla can significantly impact the final texture. Wheat flour tortillas offer a wonderfully soft bite, becoming tender as they bake in the sauce. Corn tortillas, on the other hand, provide a more robust flavor and an authentic, slightly chewier texture that some prefer. Experiment to find your favorite!
• Grated Cheese: The secret to a perfect, gooey, and crispy cheese crust lies in the blend. A mix of young, matured cheese (like a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack) and a sharper cheddar provides the ideal balance of creaminess, flavor, and a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked. You can also experiment with pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
• Ground Beef: This recipe primarily uses ground beef for a classic, hearty filling. However, feel free to get creative! If you don’t have ground beef on hand, ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian ground alternative will work beautifully, allowing you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
• Zucchini: Adds a delightful subtle sweetness and moisture to the filling, while also boosting the vegetable content. No zucchini? No problem! Diced bell peppers (any color) or sautéed mushrooms are excellent substitutes that will still provide great texture and flavor.
• Corn: Fresh or frozen corn kernels add a wonderful pop of sweetness and a satisfying bite to the savory filling, creating a well-rounded textural experience.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream inside the tortilla adds an extra layer of creaminess and tang, making the filling even more luxurious. It also helps to bind the ingredients together.

Effortless Enchilada Preparation in 4 Simple Steps

Creating these delicious beef and cheese enchiladas is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these four easy steps for a homemade meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant.

1. Step 1: Make the Rich Enchilada Sauce
   Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This step is crucial for thickening your sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth. Next, incorporate the garlic, dark brown sugar, fried onions, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Finally, stir in the enchilada sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken to perfection.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Savory Filling
   While your sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed zucchini and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring it coats the vegetables evenly, allowing the spices to bloom. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s completely browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Finally, stir in the corn kernels and mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the filling is well combined and seasoned.

3. Step 3: Assemble and Roll the Enchiladas
   Take one tortilla wrap and spread a thin layer of sour cream evenly across it. This adds an extra creamy dimension and helps keep the tortilla moist. Spoon a generous amount of the prepared ground beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle it with a portion of the grated cheese. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is securely tucked inside. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in a greased oven-safe baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese until your dish is full. Arrange them snugly to prevent them from unrolling during baking.

4. Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection!
   Pour about two-thirds of your flavorful homemade enchilada sauce over the bottom of your prepared oven dish before placing the rolled enchiladas. Once the enchiladas are in place, pour the remaining sauce evenly over the tops of the rolled wraps, ensuring every inch is coated for maximum flavor and moisture. Sprinkle generously with the remaining grated cheese. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and a glorious golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Serving: Once baked, carefully remove the cheesy ground beef enchiladas from the oven. Garnish them with freshly finely chopped spring onion for a burst of color and a mild oniony crunch. Serve immediately with extra sour cream on the side and a crisp, fresh green salad to balance the richness. Enjoy your homemade Tex-Mex masterpiece!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Enchiladas

These cheesy ground beef enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can truly elevate the dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to complement the rich, savory flavors of your homemade Tex-Mex feast:

• Fresh Guacamole & Tortilla Chips: A classic combination! The creamy, zesty guacamole provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty enchiladas, and crispy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up any extra sauce or topping.
• Authentic Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy, deliciously seasoned Mexican rice adds substance and a touch of extra spice to your meal, making it even more filling and satisfying.
• Light & Fresh Coleslaw: For a delightful crunchy and tangy contrast, a fresh coleslaw (especially one with a lighter, creamy dressing like crème fraîche) is an excellent choice. It cuts through the richness of the enchiladas beautifully.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are another traditional and beloved side dish that pairs wonderfully with enchiladas, adding a comforting and earthy element.
• Pico de Gallo or Salsa: A bowl of fresh pico de gallo or your favorite salsa adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant, zesty flavor that brightens the entire plate.

Did you whip up this delicious enchilada recipe? I’d absolutely love to see your culinary creation! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I enjoy seeing what you create in your kitchen and regularly share the most beautiful photos from my wonderful community. Did you truly enjoy this recipe? Then please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this recipe, and it means an enormous amount to me.

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Cheesy Beef Enchiladas with Spicy Sauce

Andréa

More Tex-Mex & Mexican Delights

If you loved these cheesy ground beef enchiladas and are eager to explore more vibrant flavors from Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, you’re in luck! Here are some additional recipes that are sure to spice up your meal rotation and bring even more fiesta to your home: