Cheesy Beef Enchiladas – An Irresistible Warm Hug on a Plate in 40 minutes

George

Growing up, Cheesy Beef Enchiladas were a family favorite, and every bite reminded me of the classic Mexican dishes my grandmother loved to recreate. These cheesy beef enchiladas, filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese, were always the highlight of our dinner table. Their rich, savory flavors, smothered in red enchilada sauce, felt like the perfect way to end a day—comforting and satisfying.

This classic Mexican dish is warm, hearty, and full of flavorful, satisfying goodness. Whether you are craving an irresistible comfort food or looking to replace Taco Tuesday, these enchiladas are the ultimate treat. If you enjoy dishes like Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese or Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, you’ll love diving into these hot, bubbly, ooey-gooey delights.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Inspired by Tara Ippolito’s collection, this cheesy beef enchiladas recipe is the perfect busy weekday dinner. It’s easy to put together, can feed a crowd, and delivers a delicious, stick-to-your-ribs meal that fills everyone up. My family requests this the most during the more extraordinary fall and winter months, making it the ultimate comfort food.

The rich, hearty flavors paired with a dollop of sour cream, my favorite topping, are sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight or a gathering, it’s a dish that guarantees smiles. This recipe will be your next favorite if you enjoy cozy meals like Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls!

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: The hearty base of the dish, seasoned to perfection.
  • Oil: For sautéing and enhancing flavors.
  • Onionand Bell Pepper: Freshly chopped for a flavorful, aromatic mix.
  • Taco Seasoning: Adds bold, spicy notes to the beef.
  • Cheddarand Monterey Jack Cheese: Hand-shredded for a creamy, smooth melt.
  • Red Enchilada Sauce: The rich, savory topping that ties the dish together.
  • Tortillas: Use medium or large sizes for easy rolling.
  • Parsleyor Cilantro: Optional garnish for freshness.
  • Sour Cream: A creamy topping to balance the spice.

These ingredients combine to create a satisfying, comforting dish with bold flavors and irresistible textures.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

Making Cheesy Beef Enchiladas is simple, but every step adds to the rich and bold flavors that make this dish irresistible. Follow these steps for a perfect bake:

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet and sauté the bell pepper and onion for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add the ground beef, break it into small pieces, and cook until browned. Drain the grease for a cleaner flavor.
  3. Follow the taco seasoning packet directions, using two packets for 1.5 lbs of beef to infuse bold and savory flavors.
  4. Turn off the heat and add enchilada sauce and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
  5. Distribute the beef filling evenly into the center of each tortilla.
  6. Roll each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish to keep its shape.
  7. Pour more enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and generously top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is hot and bubbly.
  9. Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve with sour cream for a creamy finish.

Enjoy your Cheesy Beef Enchiladas, packed with bold flavors and ooey-gooey deliciousness that will leave everyone craving more!

How to Add Spice to Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Elevate the heat in your cheesy beef enchiladas with these simple tips. Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking, or use spicier cheeses like pepper jack for extra flavor. Opt for a Hot and spicy taco seasoning packet instead of mild to intensify the spice.

1. Chipotle’s Smoky Heat

Mix in a finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a rich, smoky flavor. This adds both depth and spice to your enchiladas. For a milder version, use just the sauce from the can. Pair this smoky touch with something unique like Jalapeño Popper Burger for a spicy, flavorful meal.

2. Jalapeños: Fresh or Pickled

Dice jalapeños or slice pickled jalapeños to include in the filling or as toppings. The seeds pack extra heat, so adjust to your preference.

3. Chili Powder and Cayenne

Sprinkle chili powder, red pepper flakes, or ground cayenne to give your dish a fiery kick. Combine these with the filling or enchilada sauce for bold, spicy flavors.

4. Hot Sauce for the Final Touch

Finish your enchiladas with a splash of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce before serving. This small addition creates a spicy, vibrant layer to complete the dish.

Is It Necessary to Shred the Cheese Yourself?

Shred the Cheese Yourself
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

Yes, and I strongly urge you not to take a shortcut here. Pre-shredded bagged cheese often contains chemicals like cellulose to prevent clumping, hindering proper melting. When making cheesy beef enchiladas, shredding the cheese from a block ensures it melts smoothly and gives your dish a creamier texture.

Taking this extra step may seem small, but it significantly affects how your enchiladas turn out. Always opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best results—it’s worth the effort! Pair this freshly melted goodness with sides like Air Fryer Chicken Bites for a perfect meal.

Choosing the Best Tortillas for Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

When making cheesy beef enchiladas, you always have the choice of tortillas. I personally prefer flour tortillas for this recipe because I’m not a huge fan of corn. However, due to their authentic flavor, most people prefer corn tortillas for traditional enchilada recipes.

If you choose flour tortillas, remember they can tend to get soggy, but they still work wonderfully. Corn or flour tortillas suit this dish—go with whatever you like best!

Can I Add More Vegetables to Cheesy Beef Enchiladas?

Absolutely! You can easily add vegetables to your enchiladas for an extra hit of veggies. Try corn kernels—whether fresh, frozen, or canned—or finely diced zucchini (courgette) for added texture. For another creative vegetable idea, check out Sticky Soy and Garlic Chicken Nibbles for pairing.

Other great options include chopped mushrooms or shredded spinach, which blend seamlessly into the filling. These additions enhance the flavor and boost the nutritional value of your dish.

What Is the Best Melting Cheese for Cheesy Beef Enchiladas?

The best melting cheese for enchiladas is freshly grated cheese from a block, as it provides a smoother, creamier melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives like cellulose, making it grainy and preventing proper melting.

I recommend using cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack but feel free to choose whatever melting cheese you prefer. For another crowd-pleasing idea, try serving these enchiladas with Traeger Smoked Burgers for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Wrapping It Up: Perfecting Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

When wrapping it up, start with a clean, flat surface like a cutting board or parchment paper. Lay a tortilla flat, add 3-4 tablespoons of beef mixture down the center, and roll tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down into a dish with a bit of enchilada sauce already spread.

Repeat this process, placing the filled tortillas beside each other, ensuring they touch. Cover the top with the remaining sauce and sprinkle the cheese generously. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the dish is hot, bubbly, and gooey, with the tortillas slightly firmed.

Finish with toppings like cilantro, pico de Gallo, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or guacamole. This quick, affordable recipe showcases the rich, beefy flavors of the soft tortillas, red sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s a dish packed with bold flavors, making it a true winner!

Using Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
Images are for illustrative use; credits belong to original creators.

When using chipotles in adobo sauce, consider the spice tolerance of those enjoying the dish. The can of chipotles can quickly add heat, but its flavor is too valuable to skip. For a milder option, use only the sauce from the can, which still delivers an amazing balance of smokiness and spice.

If you want to ramp up the heat, include the peppers with seeds, as they carry the actual punch. Chop them finely—scissors work best—or add a couple of tablespoons of sauce to the enchilada sauce for extra flavor. Pair this smoky richness with Crispy Crumbed Chicken for a balanced, spicy meal.

Remember, the longer the mixture sits, the spicier it becomes. After cooking, you can still tweak the heat by adding sour cream or avocado as cooling agents or finish with a splash of hot sauce like Cholula for a flavorful kick.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Meal

No meal is complete without the perfect sides, and cheesy beef enchiladas pair wonderfully with classic Mexican flavors. Mexican rice and refried beans are traditional options that enhance the hearty, bold flavors of the enchiladas. For a balanced spread, add a fresh touch with guacamole, pico de gallo, or a crisp side salad.

Try pairing your enchiladas with recipes like Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls or the rich and creamy Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese for a unique twist. Explore vibrant sides such as halal-cart-style chicken salad or crunchy cornbread for a lighter option. Check out our Mexican Recipes Collection for even more serving ideas to elevate your table!

FAQs

  • What is the secret to good enchiladas?
    The secret is using freshly shredded cheese, a flavorful sauce, and adequately warming the tortillas to prevent cracking.
  • What kind of cheese is best for enchiladas?
    Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of melting cheeses works best.
  • What is an enchilada?
    An enchilada is a rolled tortilla filled with meat, cheese, or beans, topped with sauce, and baked.
  • What is a beef enchilada made of?
    A beef enchilada is made with ground beef, cheese, tortillas, and enchilada sauce.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

CHEESY BEEF ENCHILADAS

Packed with flavor and ooey-gooey goodness, these cheesy beef enchiladas are a quick 40-minute fix for a cozy dinner. Perfect to make any night feel like a special treat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet: For cooking the beef and sautéing vegetables.
  • Cheese Grater: To shred cheese for a smooth, creamy melt.
  • Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions, bell peppers, and garnishes.
  • Baking Dish: To assemble and bake the enchiladas.
  • Oven: For baking the enchiladas until hot, bubbly, and golden.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 pack of taco seasoning
  • 1 small can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce Only use 2–3 tablespoons
  • 1/4 cup of chicken stock
  • 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 19 ounce can of red enchilada sauce
  • 8 tortillas

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven or Smoker: Set it to 350°F to ensure even cooking.
  • Cook the Onions: Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened and lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  • Brown the Beef: In the same pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked onions, taco seasoning, and 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or just the liquid for a milder flavor). Add chicken stock and scrape the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom.
  • Melt the Cheese: Add half of the shredded cheese to the pan and stir gently until it melts, creating a creamy beef mixture. Remove the pan from heat.
  • Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Fill the Tortillas: Place 3-4 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of a tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until the dish is filled with tortillas snugly placed side by side.
  • Top and Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly and hot.
  • Finish with Toppings: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, pico de Gallo, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños for added flavor.

Notes

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Beef Enchiladas:
Each serving of Cheesy Beef Enchiladas contains approximately 420-450 kcal | 24-26 g protein | 22-25 g fat | 10-12 g saturated fat | 30-34 g carbohydrates | 4-5 g fiber | 3-5 g sugars | 70-80 mg cholesterol | 800-1000 mg sodium | 180-220 mg calcium | 2-3 mg iron. Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

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Cheesy Beef Enchiladas CHEESY BEEF ENCHILADAS Packed with flavor and ooey-gooey goodness, these cheesy beef enchiladas are a quick 40-minute fix for a cozy dinner. Perfect to make any night feel like a special treat! Course: Main Course Cuisine: American, Mexican Prep Time: 15m Cook Time: 25m Total Time: 40m Servings: 4 people – Large Skillet: For cooking the beef and sautéing vegetables. – Cheese Grater: To shred cheese for a smooth, creamy melt. – Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping onions, bell peppers, and garnishes. – Baking Dish: To assemble and bake the enchiladas. – Oven: For baking the enchiladas until hot, bubbly, and golden. – 1 1/2 pounds ground beef – 1 tablespoon olive oil – 1 small yellow onion diced – 1 pack of taco seasoning – 1 small can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce Only use 2–3 tablespoons – 1/4 cup of chicken stock – 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese – 1 19 ounce can of red enchilada sauce – 8 tortillas 1) Preheat the Oven or Smoker: Set it to 350°F to ensure even cooking. 2) Cook the Onions: Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened and lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. 3) Brown the Beef: In the same pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease and reduce the heat to medium. 4) Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked onions, taco seasoning, and 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or just the liquid for a milder flavor). Add chicken stock and scrape the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom. 5) Melt the Cheese: Add half of the shredded cheese to the pan and stir gently until it melts, creating a creamy beef mixture. Remove the pan from heat. 6) Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. 7) Fill the Tortillas: Place 3-4 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of a tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until the dish is filled with tortillas snugly placed side by side. 8) Top and Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly and hot. 9) Finish with Toppings: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, pico de Gallo, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños for added flavor. Nutritional Information for Cheesy Beef Enchiladas:Each serving of Cheesy Beef Enchiladas contains approximately 420-450 kcal | 24-26 g protein | 22-25 g fat | 10-12 g saturated fat | 30-34 g carbohydrates | 4-5 g fiber | 3-5 g sugars | 70-80 mg cholesterol | 800-1000 mg sodium | 180-220 mg calcium | 2-3 mg iron. Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. calories 450  

George

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