If you’re staring into your fridge wondering what in the world to make for dinner tonight, let me save you from the “What’s for dinner?” struggle. Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are your new go-to. They’re hearty, satisfying, and made with pantry staples that are probably already hanging out in your kitchen.
As a home cook and a busy Texan gal, I’ve learned that dinner doesn’t have to be fancy to be downright delicious. And if you’re feeding picky eaters or wrangling a wild schedule (or both), this easy dinner recipe with ground beef hits every mark.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Whether you’re hunting for dinner for tonight easy meals or need a simple recipe with ground beef to satisfy a crowd, these enchiladas have your back. They’re cheesy, saucy, and come together in under an hour with zero stress. Plus, you can make them ahead or freeze for later—a win in any busy household.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Ground beef — the flavorful star of the show
- White onion — for a little sweet-savory depth
- Taco seasoning — adds that punch of Tex-Mex flavor
- Water — helps simmer everything down nicely
- Corn tortillas — the traditional (and tastier) choice for enchiladas
- Enchilada sauce — gives the dish its signature tangy-sweet base
- Cheddar cheese — because more cheese is always a good idea
- Sour cream & fresh cilantro — for serving and freshness
Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
How To Make Them
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer until the water cooks off. Set aside.
- Fill and roll: Warm the corn tortillas so they don’t crack (a few seconds in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel does the trick). Spoon some beef mixture and cheese into each tortilla, roll ’em tight, and place seam-side down in your prepared dish.
- Sauce it up: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, covering all the tortillas generously. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake and serve: Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. Serve hot with sour cream and cilantro.
Tips from My Texas Kitchen
- Warming the tortillas is key—cold tortillas = cracked enchiladas.
- Don’t stress if they’re not rolled perfectly. I promise they’ll still taste like heaven.
- Want to make it a 2 lb ground beef recipe? Double up and make two pans—freeze one for a busy weeknight.
- Swap corn tortillas for flour if that’s more your style (my husband insists on flour, bless him).
A Little Story From My Table to Yours
I first whipped these up on a Wednesday night when the pantry was almost bare, and my husband had “that look” that says he’s hungry right now. I had ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and a jar of enchilada sauce—and boom, dinner magic happened. Ever since, it’s been one of our favorite easy weeknight dinners with ground beef. Even my niece, the queen of picky eaters, goes back for seconds!
FAQs About Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely. While corn is traditional, flour tortillas work great and may be easier to roll.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
What sides go well with these?
Try Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.
What if I only have 1 lb of ground beef but need more servings?
Stretch it with black beans or rice mixed into the beef.
Is this recipe good with ground beef that’s already seasoned?
Sure thing! Just go lighter on the taco seasoning so it’s not overpowering.
Whether you’re feeding a crew or just want something cozy after a long day, Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—without much fuss. This dish checks every box for quick meals using ground beef and dinner recipes for picky eaters.
So go ahead and make a pan. Or two. Your future self (and hungry family) will thank you.
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas: The Comfort-Food Hero Your Weeknight Needs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone craving a hearty, cheesy Tex-Mex meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 white onion, diced
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
10–14 corn tortillas, warmed
2 cups enchilada sauce
3 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
Sour cream, for serving
Fresh cilantro, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer until the water is mostly evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Fill each tortilla with some ground beef mixture and cheddar cheese. Roll tightly.
6. Place the filled tortillas seam-side down in the dish.
7. Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.
9. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Notes
To make ahead, assemble enchiladas and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
Use flour tortillas if you prefer—just note they may get a bit softer.
This is a great 2 lb ground beef recipe—just double everything and freeze one pan!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheesy ground beef enchiladas, dinner for tonight easy meals, recipes for dinner with beef, easy weeknight dinners with ground beef, taco meat enchiladas ground beef, 2 lb ground beef recipes