Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas: Prepare to be transported to a world of savory, cheesy goodness! Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef embraced by warm tortillas, smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, and then, the pièce de résistance, a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, a fiesta on your plate that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.

Enchiladas, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, boast a history as rich and layered as their flavors. Originating from ancient Mayan traditions of wrapping food in tortillas, they’ve evolved over centuries, incorporating influences from Spanish colonization and regional culinary innovations. Today, they represent a comforting and versatile dish enjoyed across generations and cultures.

What makes Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas so irresistible? It’s the perfect symphony of textures and tastes. The savory ground beef, seasoned with aromatic spices, provides a hearty foundation. The soft tortillas offer a comforting embrace, while the tangy enchilada sauce adds a vibrant kick. And, of course, the melted cheese – oh, the cheese! It’s the glue that binds it all together, creating a gooey, satisfying masterpiece. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient to make, perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing gathering. Get ready to create a dish that will become a family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10-12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Cooking oil or spray

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our enchiladas – the savory ground beef filling! This is where all the delicious flavors start to come together.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: First, grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add a little cooking oil or spray to prevent sticking. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the beef until it’s browned all over, making sure there are no pink bits left. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You can do this by tilting the skillet and using a spoon to scoop out the grease, or by using a colander. Getting rid of the extra grease will make the filling less heavy and greasy.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook the onion until it becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, and Spices: Pour in the can of tomato sauce and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (don’t drain them!). Stir everything together well. Next, add the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
5. Simmer the Filling: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. While it’s simmering, you can move on to preparing the sauce.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce

Next up, we’re making the creamy sauce that will blanket our enchiladas in cheesy goodness. This sauce is super simple to make and adds a wonderful richness to the dish.

1. Combine the Soup and Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. If you want a thinner sauce, you can add a little more milk.
2. Add Cheese (Optional): For an extra cheesy sauce, you can stir in about 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture. This will make the sauce even more decadent.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Alright, now for the fun part – assembling the enchiladas! This is where all your hard work comes together to create those delicious, cheesy rolls.

1. Warm the Tortillas: This is a crucial step! Corn tortillas can be brittle and prone to cracking if you don’t warm them up first. There are a few ways to do this:
   • Microwave: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until they are pliable.
   • Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side, until softened.
   • Oven: Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas: Now, take one warm tortilla and place it on a plate. Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the ground beef filling down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a little bit of the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the filling.
3. Roll Up the Enchilada: Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly, starting from one end. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch baking dish, but you can use a smaller one if you prefer.
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining tortillas and filling, placing them snugly in the baking dish.

Baking the Enchiladas

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the enchiladas until they’re bubbly, cheesy, and golden brown.

1. Pour the Sauce Over the Enchiladas: Once all the enchiladas are assembled in the baking dish, pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top. Make sure all the enchiladas are covered in sauce.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese – the more, the merrier!
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The sauce should also be bubbling around the edges.
4. Let Rest: Once the enchiladas are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent the enchiladas from falling apart when you serve them.

Serving and Garnishing

Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious cheesy ground beef enchiladas! Here are a few tips for serving and garnishing:

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the enchiladas for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top of each enchilada.
2. Sides: Serve the enchiladas with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or a simple salad.
3. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your homemade enchiladas! They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re a fiesta in your mouth, a comforting hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious package. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a satisfying and relatively easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and that tangy enchilada sauce is simply irresistible.

But what makes these enchiladas truly special is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your own tastes and preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a hotter enchilada sauce. If you’re a vegetarian, you can easily substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or even crumbled tofu. Just be sure to season your vegetarian filling well to mimic the savory flavor of the beef.

Looking for serving suggestions? These enchiladas are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with some classic Mexican sides. I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a side of guacamole. A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette also complements the richness of the enchiladas perfectly. For a heartier meal, consider adding some Mexican rice and refried beans to the plate.

And don’t forget about variations! If you’re short on time, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them just before serving. They also reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prepping. You can even make individual enchilada casseroles in ramekins for a fun and personalized presentation. Another fun variation is to use different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper jack all work wonderfully in this recipe.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. But the real magic happens when you make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create a version that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and enjoy your enchiladas! I am sure that you will find this recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas to be a new family favorite.