Description
Beef Enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with spiced ground beef, topped with a rich red enchilada sauce and blanketed in bubbling melted cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, these enchiladas are packed with savory flavor and comforting texture. I love making it with onion, garlic, ground beef, homemade sauce, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This simple, satisfying recipe is deeply nostalgic, balanced, and freezer-friendly. Also known as baked beef enchiladas or oven beef enchiladas, it can be stabilized for make-ahead casseroles or quick weeknight meals. I’ve tested both fresh-prep and frozen versions, and each comes out beautifully. Among enchilada recipes, Beef Enchiladas stand out for their bold taste, make-ahead convenience, and wide family appeal. If you’re building a reliable rotation of dinner favorites, this one deserves a permanent place.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 pinch cinnamon
1 cup tomato paste
1 1/2 cups beef broth
8 flour tortillas, warmed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
6. Add tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
7. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a towel and heating them slightly in the oven.
8. Spoon about 1/4 cup of beef mixture into each tortilla and roll tightly.
9. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
10. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas, covering them generously.
11. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
12. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Let rest for 5 minutes.
14. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Warming the tortillas before filling prevents them from cracking.
Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and texture.
Resting the dish before serving helps the enchiladas hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef enchiladas, ground beef, enchilada casserole, cheesy beef wraps