• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Everyday Eileen
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Let's Go Shopping
      • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Let's Go Shopping
      • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Lifestyle
    • About
      • Let's Go Shopping
        • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Beef Dishes

    Easy Beef Enchiladas Recipe

    Published: Apr 28, 2022 · Modified: Jan 27, 2025 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe
    Easy beef enchilada recipe
    a collage of photos of tortillas filled with beef and beans, topped with melted cheese

    Easy Beef Enchiladas made with lean ground meat, shredded cheddar, a quick flavorful, enchilada sauce, succulent beans, and green chilies are perfectly seasoned and tossed together in tortillas.

    A beef enchilada in a plate with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • Freezing Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Similar recipes
    • Serving Suggestions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • The whole family will love this classic enchilada recipe. It's a crowd-pleaser!
    • As written, It's not too spicy. You can kick up the spices if you prefer more heat.
    • It's a freezer-friendly. So make a double batch and freeze one for another busy day.
    • These easy ground beef enchiladas are affordable

    Ingredients

    • ground beef - We use 80% lean for this recipe.
    • onion - adds a nice flavor to the beef.
    • fresh garlic - everything tastes better with garlic.
    • diced green chiles - another layer of flavor and a kick to enhance the beef.
    • black beans - additional protein is always a plus.
    • fire-roasted diced tomatoes - adds moisture to the beef filling. Fire-roasted has a smokiness that adds great flavor but regular diced tomatoes can be used.
    • red enchilada sauce - use either homemade enchilada sauce or store-bought, always great results.
    • flour tortillas - use burrito size tortillas to get a nice amount of filling in each one.
    • Mexican cheese, a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, balances so well with the beef and enchilada sauce.
    • black pepper and salt.

    Equipment

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • 9 X 13 inch casserole dish
    • 9 inch skillet
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Meat Masher

    Instructions

    step by step recipe instructions to make easy beef enchiladas

    This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

    Step 1:In a large skillet, brown beef, onions, and garlic. Drain excess fat. Add in tomatoes, beans, and chiles.

    Step 2: Place the filling down the center of each tortilla.  Roll up tortilla.

    Step 3: Pour some enchilada sauce in the bottom of the casserole dish.

    Step 4: Place rolled tortilla, seamed side down in the prepared casserole dish.

    Step 5: Cover tortillas with enchilada sauce and shredded cheddar cheese.

    Step 6: Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

    Serve with favorite toppings.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Guacamole
    • Pico de Gallo
    • Black bean salad
    • Cilantro rice
    • Black olives
    • Fresh cilantro leaves
    • Diced tomatoes
    Beef enchilada casserole in a casserole dish.

    Storage

    Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered, airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F/178°C oven until heated through.

    Freezing Instructions

    To freeze the ground beef enchiladas, it is best to use a freezer-safe aluminum baking pan. Wrap well with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    To heat the frozen enchiladas, ( be sure to remove the plastic wrap around the baking dish) place them in a preheated oven at 350°F oven, for 45 minutes, covered. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 5 - 10 minutes. Everything should be cooked through, tiny bubbles around the edges, and the cheese melted.

    The casserole can also defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes, uncovered.

    Expert Tips

    Expert Tip: Plan ahead, make the casserole the night before and just heat up when ready for dinner.

    Can I use corn tortillas?

    Traditional enchiladas use corn tortillas. We use flour tortillas because they are easier to work with and my family loves the flavor.

    Do I have to fry the tortillas before adding the filling?

    Another reason to use soft flour tortillas, there is no need for frying. Corn tortillas need to be fried to soften them before filling them with the ground beef mixture.

    Should I cover the casserole while baking?

    Cover the casserole with aluminum foil unt

    Variations

    • Use Shredded Mexican Beef instead of ground beef for amazing enchiladas
    • 1 cup of corn, either canned ( drain and discard the juices) or frozen corn, it doesn't need to be defrosted.
    • Swap 3 green onions, chopped instead of diced onions
    • Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef
    • For a spicy recipe use 1 teaspoon chili powder.
    • Taco Seasoning is also great added to the beef mixture.

    Similar recipes

    Chicken Enchilada Sliders.

     Tequilla Lime Steak,

    Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Mango Salsa

    Chicken Enchilada Soup.

    Frito Pie recipe

    Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken Fajitas

    Shredded Beef Enchiladas

    A cheesy rolled enchilada being lifted out of a casserole

    Serving Suggestions

    This is a great recipe to serve on its own with Pico de Gallo and Guacamole.

    Finish off the meal with a slice of Tres Leches Cake and Churros Bites.

    Do you want a fun, and festive Mexican dinner that everyone will love? A meal that after one bite, your family will ask to add this meal in as a favorite. Well then, this is your beef enchilada recipe.

    I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

    Keep up to date with recipes by following me on:

    FACEBOOK  INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TWITTER

    Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.

    Eileen  xo

    This recipe was first published April 25, 2020. It has been updated for reader experience.

    If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

    If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    📖 Recipe

    A casserole of beef enchiladas covered with melted cheese

    Beef Enchiladas Recipe

    Enjoy easy beef enchiladas loaded with a flavor-packed bean and beef filling. Topped with homemade enchilada sauce and Mexican blended cheese.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print (Email Required) Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: beef enchilada casserole, beef enchilada recipe, enchilada recipe
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Let the casserole cool after cooking: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 enchiladas
    Calories: 536kcal
    Author: Eileen Kellly

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    • 9x13 inch casserole dish
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • skillet, 9 inch

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef Note 1
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 small onion, peeled and diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
    • 14 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained Note 2
    • 14 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 4 ounce can green chiles
    • 28 ounces homemade enchilada sauce or store-bought, Note 3
    • 3 cups shredded cheddar and Colby Jack Cheese 1 ½ cups of each cheese
    • 8 flour tortilla
    • non-stick cooking spray

    Toppings

    • guacamole
    • pico de gallo
    • 1 green onion, chopped
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1 tomato, diced
    • sour cream
    • chopped cilantro

    Save the Recipe?

    Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox to view anytime. Plus the bonus of regular recipes to you for inspiration!

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray, set aside.
    • In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef and onions. Brown the beef, breaking it up it as it browns. When all the beef is just about browned, Mix in garlic. Stir occasionally to blend in the garlic. The meat will be browned through with no pink in the meat. Drain excess fat from pan and discard.
    • Season meat mixture with cumin, salt, and black pepper.
    • Increase the heat to medium-high, mix in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and green chiles. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a low-boil, reduce to medium heat, simmer another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
    • Taste the cooked beef mix for seasoning, if needed, adjust seasoning.
    • In the prepared casserole dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce to cover bottom of pan.
    • On a cutting board or any flat surface, lay out a tortilla, place ⅕ of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Then place a generous helping of shredded cheese, about 2 Tablespoons on the meat mixture. Roll the tortilla up and place seam side down in the casserole dish.
    • Repeat this process with remaining 7 tortillas.
    • Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the sauce. Cover with aluminum foil.
    • Bake for 15 minutes, covered. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5-8 minutes, until the sauce will be bubbly and the cheese is all melted.
    • Remove from oven. Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings

    NOTES

    Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.
    Note 1: We use 80% lean ground beef which is included in the nutritional facts. You can use 85% lean as well.  Also called hamburger meat or chop meat. Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb can be used in lieu of beef too. 
    Note 2: Fire-roasted tomatoes add an extra level of flavor. regular diced tomatoes can be used in the recipe. 
    Note 3: A double batch of homemade enchilada sauce.
     
    Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1enchilada | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 1350mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1370IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 393mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

    More Easy Beef Recipes for Dinner

    • A baking dish with baked meatballs in an enchilada sauce topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley.
      Baked Enchilada Meatballs Recipe
    • A black plate with thinly sliced cooked steak and noodles for a hibachi steak and noodles recipe topped with sesame seeds and chop sticks picking up the noodles.
      Hibachi Noodles and Steak
    • Hamburger hash brown casserole with cheesy topping.
      Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
    • A cast iron skillet with pasta and a pizza topping with pepperoni.
      Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

    Thank you for sharing!

    4414 shares
    • Share56
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Alaina K

      December 11, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Hello! Just a suggestion, you should add tortillas to your ingredient list. It seems obvious, but I forgot them at the grocery store because they weren't on the list!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 11, 2020 at 6:11 pm

        Hi Alaina, I am so sorry. I didn't realize tortillas were not listed in the ingredients. That has been corrected.

        Reply
    2. Bob Jurgens

      August 07, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      Super delicious and very easy to make.. needed 2 8 x 12 pans. Makes a lot. I did use 2 pounds of ground beef and 1/2 cup of frozen corn. Excellent step by step instructions. Will make again.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        August 07, 2020 at 11:30 pm

        I'm so happy you enjoy the enchiladas, Bob. I much appreciate your kind comments.

        Reply
    3. Jersey Girl Cooks

      May 04, 2020 at 10:53 am

      5 stars
      These are perfect for my son and husband. They are big meat eaters and love Mexican food!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        May 07, 2020 at 11:19 pm

        So happy your husband and son enjoy the enchiladas.

        Reply
    4. Terri

      May 03, 2020 at 12:07 am

      5 stars
      Enchiladas are so delicious - I've never made beef ones at home - I will be soon now that I have this recipe!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        May 10, 2020 at 8:22 pm

        Beef enchiladas are delish! I hope you try them.

        Reply
    5. Laura

      April 30, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      5 stars
      Love the step-by-step instructions. Made it look easy

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        May 07, 2020 at 11:19 pm

        Thank you Laura.

        Reply
    6. Romina

      April 30, 2020 at 8:24 am

      5 stars
      These look absolutely delicious and I love how you have included pictures to make this recipe even easier to follow.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        April 30, 2020 at 10:17 pm

        Thank you Romina, enjoy the enchiladas.

        Reply
    7. Danielle Wolter

      April 30, 2020 at 7:02 am

      5 stars
      I just love a good beef enchiladas and these were no different. They were delicious! Looking forward to making them again.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        April 30, 2020 at 10:18 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed the enchiladas, Daniellle.

        Reply
    8. Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter

      April 30, 2020 at 3:41 am

      5 stars
      That's a great party recipe! Once this quarantine is over, I'm making it for my girlfriends!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        April 30, 2020 at 10:18 pm

        Excellent Tania. I hope everyone enjoys the enchiladas.

        Reply
    9. Irina

      April 30, 2020 at 2:56 am

      5 stars
      What a beautiful and delicious recipe it is! I made the beef enchiladas tonight; it is all gone. My family is asking for more. Thanks for sharing: the recipe is a keeper!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        June 19, 2020 at 12:01 am

        I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed the enchilada, Irina.

        Reply
    10. Dannii

      April 30, 2020 at 2:35 am

      5 stars
      Oh I totally have an enchilada craving now. I am going to have to try these.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        May 03, 2020 at 12:57 am

        Excellent Dannii, enjoy the enchiladas

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Shop with me
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Everyday Eileen, Eileen Murphy Kelly

    4414 shares