Go Back
Living Layered

Easy Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

These easy, cheesy beef enchiladas are filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and melted cheese, then smothered in red enchilada sauce and baked until hot and bubbly. Made with simple ingredients and plenty of flavor, they’re a family-friendly dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights and perfect for making ahead.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 small 4oz. can fire roasted green chiles, optional
  • 2-2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese
  • 12 taco-size flour tortillas, about 8 inches
  • 32 ounces red enchilada sauce

Equipment

  • Large skillet for browning the ground beef
  • Wooden Spoons
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • chef's knife
  • 9×13-inch baking dish, plus an additional dish if needed
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease your baking dish if desired.
Brown the Ground Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 2 pounds of ground beef with ½ small diced onion, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened, approximately 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Season the Beef
  1. Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon dried oregano. Stir well to distribute the seasonings throughout the beef.
  2. If using mild green chiles, stir in the 4-ounce can.
Add Enchilada Sauce to the Filling
  1. Pour approximately ¼ cup of the red enchilada sauce into the seasoned beef and stir to combine. This keeps the filling moist and adds extra flavor.
  2. For an extra-cheesy filling, stir in about ½ cup of the shredded cheese until combined.
Prepare the Baking Dish
  1. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and keeps the bottoms of the tortillas from drying out.
Fill and Roll the Enchiladas
  1. Pour some of the red enchilada sauce into a shallow dish or plate. Dip the tortilla into the sauce, lightly coat both sides of the tortilla.
  2. Place the sauce-coated tortilla on a clean work surface. Spoon a portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture down the center and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  3. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ground beef mixture until all are assembled. Use a second baking dish if needed.
Add the Sauce and Cheese
  1. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re generously covered.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake Until Bubbly
  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is completely melted. Because the beef is already cooked, you’re simply heating everything through and melting the cheese.
  2. If the enchiladas were assembled ahead and refrigerated, allow additional baking time until the centers are thoroughly heated.
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, green onions, or your favorite toppings.
  3. Serve with Mexican-style rice, beans, or a simple green salad for an easy, satisfying family dinner.