Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas - One-Pan Family Favorite!
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Savor the deliciousness of these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Packed with ground beef, gooey cheese, and vibrant enchilada sauce, this one-pan dish is not only hassle-free but also perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine without the fuss, and watch it disappear from your dinner table.
Why You'll Love It!
- Quick and easy to prepare
- One-pan meal for less cleanup
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Great for families and meal prep
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Finding time to prepare a nutritious meal during hectic weeknights can be challenging. However, this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe is designed to be a quick solution without sacrificing flavor. With minimal prep time and a single pan required, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in just under an hour. This means more time to spend with your family and less time worrying about the mess in the kitchen.
The simplicity of this dish lies in its efficiency. The all-in-one cooking method ensures that your flavors meld beautifully while keeping your kitchen tidy. Once you brown the beef and assemble the enchiladas, the oven does the rest, allowing you to relax or help your kids with homework while dinner bakes.
A Customizable Delight
One of the best aspects of Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas is their versatility. You can easily swap ingredients based on your family's preferences or dietary restrictions. Love a little heat? Add some jalapeños or chili powder into the beef mixture. Looking for a vegetarian option? Just replace the beef with black beans or grilled vegetables, and you'll have a delicious alternative without losing the essence of enchiladas.
The toppings can also be as varied as you like. Opt for fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness. This customization not only allows everyone to enjoy the dish the way they like but also adds an element of fun to dinner prep.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re looking for a meal that fits perfectly into your meal prep routine, look no further. Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas can be made in bulk and stored for later. Prepare a double batch on the weekend and freeze some for busy weekdays when cooking from scratch isn’t feasible. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Additionally, this dish reheats exceptionally well, making it ideal for lunch leftovers. Simply warm it in the microwave or oven for a cheesy, satisfying meal that’s just as good the next day. It’s the perfect way to ensure you always have a tasty meal ready when time is tight.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare to assemble your enchiladas!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your enchiladas:
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a bit of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the pan. Fill each tortilla with a scoop of the beef mixture, a sprinkle of cheese, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the pan.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all tortillas are in the pan, pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake
Cover the pan with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Why Ground Beef?
Ground beef is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an affordable and convenient ingredient to work with in the kitchen. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavors well, and pairs beautifully with various spices and sauces—making it the star of many beloved dishes, including enchiladas. Beyond its delicious taste, ground beef is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, helping to fuel your family's busy lifestyle.
Furthermore, using ground beef allows you to incorporate a good amount of veggies and spices into your meals without overwhelming picky eaters. Chopped onions, peppers, or even hidden spinach can blend seamlessly with the flavorful beef, promoting a healthy diet for your family without them even noticing.
The Magic of Enchilada Sauce
Enchilada sauce plays a crucial role in this dish, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting culinary experience. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, the rich and spicy flavors of enchilada sauce enhance the taste of the ground beef and cheese, bringing everything together beautifully. It adds moisture and depth, ensuring that each bite is as delicious as the last.
Additionally, if you're feeling adventurous, you can create your own enchilada sauce at home. Combining tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and onions can yield a fresher, more tailored flavor, enabling you to adjust the spice levels according to your family's preferences. Homemade sauce can elevate your enchiladas to new heights!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
→ How can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños or a spicy salsa to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas - One-Pan Family Favorite!
Savor the deliciousness of these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Packed with ground beef, gooey cheese, and vibrant enchilada sauce, this one-pan dish is not only hassle-free but also perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine without the fuss, and watch it disappear from your dinner table.
Created by: Lucy Price
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Spread a bit of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the pan. Fill each tortilla with a scoop of the beef mixture, a sprinkle of cheese, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the pan.
Once all tortillas are in the pan, pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Cover the pan with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 20g