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Beef/ Cheese/ Hearty Dinners/ Tex Mex

Ground Beef Enchiladas

August 12, 2023 by Chris Collins

These ground beef enchiladas are made with a homemade enchilada sauce, stuffed with Mexican beef and loaded with plenty of cheese!

If you’re looking for an epic enchilada recipe then look no further! Follow me…

overhead shot of two enchiladas on white plate with toppings

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Step away from the store bought enchilada sauce. I repeat, step away from the store bought enchilada sauce 🤪 All jokes aside enchilada sauce is WAY too easy not to make. It’s great to prep ahead of time and I bet you’ve already got half the ingredients on hand.

Red Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce typically comes in the ‘red’ or ‘green’ variety. Today we’re going red. To make the base of the sauce you’re essentially making a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. However instead of using your regular butter, flour and milk, you’ll use oil, flour and stock.

Tomato Puree

I.e. Tomato Paste. This will not only give you that gorgeous colour, but it also offers a nice base flavour for the sauce. One tip is to ensure you fry off the tomato puree. This will take the ‘bite’ out of it and ever-so-slightly sweeten it. So, once you stir the flour into the oil, stir in the tomato puree and fry before whisking in the stock.

Chilli Powder

This gives the bulk of the flavour. You can easily work to your spice preference and just add in as much as you’d like. Just absolutely make sure it’s regular mild chilli powder NOT cayenne pepper.

Process shots: heat oil (photo 1), stir in flour (photo 2), add tomato puree (photo 3), stir into paste (photo 4), gradually whisk in stock (photo 5), add seasoning (photo 6), simmer until able to coat the back of a spoon (photo 7).

7 step by step photos showing How to make enchilada sauce

Ground Beef Enchilada Filling

The beef filling again is very simple. I usually go for beef that’s around 5% fat – that way it doesn’t leak out too much fat and make the enchiladas oily. Alongside the beef and spices, I throw in some red pepper, onion and garlic and some of the enchilada sauce to keep the filling nice and juicy!

What else can I add to the beef filling?

To make them extra spicy you could add jalapeños, to bulk everything out a bit more consider adding black beans.

Process shots: fry pepper, onion and garlic in oil (photo 1), add beef (photo 2), break up and brown (photo 3), stir in seasoning (photo 4). 

4 step by step photos showing How to make enchilada filling

How to wrap enchiladas

Refried beans

These will not only add flavour, they’ll not only stop the filling from drying out, but they’ll all keep everything in tact.  I highly recommend adding these – you’ll find them in most mainstream stores.

Cheese

Because why only put cheese on top of enchiladas when you can stuff cheese through the centre? 🤣 Here I sprinkle a pinch of Mexican/Spicy cheese blend in the centre, you know, just to be extra.

Process shots: lay tortilla flat and spread with refried beans (photo 1), add beef (photo 2), add cheese (photo 3), roll (photo 4).

4 step by step photos showing how to roll enchiladas

Baked Beef Enchiladas

To kick things off you’ll want to pour around 1/4 of your enchilada sauce into the base of the dish. You’ll also want to pour a little in between each enchilada and between the outside enchiladas and the pan, just to stop everything from sticking together.

From there it’s just a case of pouring over the rest of your sauce, sprinkling over infinite amounts of cheese and popping in the oven until golden and delicious.

What cheese to use for enchiladas?

In reality you can use most ‘melty’ cheeses. As mentioned earlier, I use spicy cheese blend in the centre, and here I top with cheddar. Monterey Jack also works nicely!

Process shots: pour sauce in dish (photo 1), stuff in enchiladas (photo 2), pour over more sauce (photo 3) top with cheese and bake (photo 4).

4 step by step photos showing How to bake enchiladas

Serving Beef Enchiladas

Once they’re fresh out the oven I go in with a good sprinkling of fresh coriander/cilantro. From there I usually serve individual portions with the following toppings:

  • Sour Cream
  • Avocado
  • Tomato
  • Spring Onion
  • Lime Wedges (optional)

Can I prep these ahead of time?

I don’t recommend prepping them fully because they’ll go soggy, but you can definitely make the sauce and roll the enchiladas in advance, which actually make up the bulk of prep!

overhead shot of enchiladas fresh out the oven garnished with cilantro

And there we have it! All my top tips for the most glorious ground beef enchiladas.

If you’re after more ground beef Tex Mex recipes check out my Ground Beef Tacos and Ground Beef Quesadillas!

For more similar recipes check out these beauties too:

Delicious Tex Mex Recipes

Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these beef enchiladas shall we?!

two enchiladas on white plate with sour cream and other toppings

How to make Beef Enchiladas (Full Recipe & Video)

two enchiladas on white plate with sour cream and other toppings

Ground Beef Enchiladas

These ground beef enchiladas are made with a homemade enchilada sauce, stuffed with Mexican ground beef and loaded with plenty of cheese!
4.93 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Servings (click & slide): 4
Course: Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 942kcal
Cost per serving: £2.50 / $3

Equipment:

  • 11" x 14" Baking Dish
  • Large Pan & Wooden Spoon
  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
  • Jug (for stock)
  • Cheese Grater
  • Plastic Spatula/Turner
  • Whisk

Ingredients (check list):

Enchilada Sauce

  • 720ml / 3 cups Chicken Stock
  • 3 tbsp Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste in US)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 3 tbsp Flour
  • 1 tbsp Hot Chilli Powder, or to spice preference (see notes)
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste

Ground Beef

  • 500g / 1lb lean Ground/Minced Beef (5-10%)
  • 1 large Red Pepper, finely diced
  • 1 medium White Onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves of Garlic, finely diced
  • 2 tsp EACH: Paprika, Cumin
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Enchiladas

  • 8x 6"-7" Flour Tortilla Wraps
  • half a 435g/15oz can of Refried Beans
  • 200-250g / 2 - 2.5 cups Cheddar, to top
  • 100-150g / 1 - 1.5 cups Mexican/Spicy Cheese Blend, to stuff inside (or more cheddar)

To Serve (optional)

  • Sour Cream (recommended)
  • Avocado, diced
  • Fresh Tomato, diced
  • Green/Spring Onion, finely sliced
  • Fresh Coriander/Cilantro, finely diced
  • Lime Wedges

Instructions:

Sauce

  • In a large pot or pan over medium heat add 3 tbsp oil. Once hot, stir in 3 tbsp flour. Stir in 3 tbsp tomato puree and fry it off for a minute or so. By now a paste should form and at this point gradually begin adding in your stock, whisking as you go to avoid any lumps forming.
  • Once you've added the stock, season with chilli powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder and salt & pepper to taste. Simmer for a few mins to thicken, then remove from heat (it will thicken more as it rests).

Beef

  • In a large pan over medium heat add a drizzle of oil, then add in onion, red pepper and garlic. Fry until it all softens and begins to take on colour, then add in beef. Break up with a wooden spoon and fry until brown.
  • Stir in paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper, then stir in 1/4 cup / 60ml of the enchilada sauce. Remove from heat.

Enchiladas

  • Lay out all of the wraps and spread each one with a dollop of refried beans in the bottom 1/3 of the wrap. Top with the beef, finish with some cheese then tightly roll up.
  • Spread 1/4 of the enchilada sauce in a 11" x 14" baking dish, then place in the enchiladas seam-side-down. Pour over the remaining sauce, sprinkle with cheese then bake in the oven at 350F/180C for 25-30mins, or until the cheese is golden and gooey on top with the sauce bubbling around the edges.

Serve

  • Sprinkle over coriander/cilantro whilst in the pan, then serve up individual portions with desired toppings!

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Chilli Powder - I use 1 tbsp 'hot' chilli powder and the sauce comes out pretty spicy. You can use regular/mild chilli powder if you'd prefer. In all cases just start off with caution and work your way up.
b) Cheese - I use a 'spicy cheese mix' you can get from Morrisons for the filling. If you can't find something similar just use more Cheddar. Monterey Jack also works nicely if you can find it.
c) Make ahead - You can make the sauce in advance, just allow to cool then tightly cover and store in the fridge. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen up when needed (it will thicken as it cools). You can also roll the enchiladas ahead of time, just tightly cover in the fridge until needed. From there, just construct everything and pop in the oven. Add an extra 5 mins or so if making everything straight from fridge.
d) Calories - whole recipe divided by 4 without additional toppings. Based using 10% fat beef, 2.5 tbsp chilli powder, 1 cup Monterey jack and 2 cups cheddar.

Your Private Notes:

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
Ground Beef Enchiladas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 942 Calories from Fat 486
% Daily Value*
Fat 54.01g83%
Saturated Fat 29.996g150%
Trans Fat 0.612g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.271g
Monounsaturated Fat 16.191g
Cholesterol 156mg52%
Sodium 1427mg59%
Potassium 1186mg34%
Carbohydrates 58.43g19%
Fiber 6.2g25%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 57.77g116%
Vitamin A 3695IU74%
Vitamin C 54.1mg66%
Calcium 769mg77%
Iron 8.83mg49%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

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5 KNOCKOUT

4.93 from 13 votes

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Recipe Rating




30 Comments

  • Reply
    Emma
    July 31, 2024 at 12:56 am

    5 stars
    Such a great recipe! It’s so fresh and delicious. I like to add mushrooms and top with mango pico!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      July 31, 2024 at 10:45 am

      Thanks for the review, Emma! 🙂 C.

  • Reply
    Lee Wickham
    July 16, 2024 at 11:11 pm

    5 stars
    Made these tonight and WOW – stunning, will be making these time and time again – love every recipe of yours I’ve made so far Chris (especially the Chilli Hot Pot which is now a family favorite) – keep them coming!! Lee

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      July 17, 2024 at 1:48 pm

      So pleased to hear, Lee! Thanks so much for popping back for a review 🙂 C.

  • Reply
    Betty
    April 26, 2024 at 7:43 pm

    Yummm these remind me of what we call wet burritos here in California. They have similar ingredients just in a bigger tortilla, bigger portions and smoothered in enchilada sause and melted cheese. We like to top with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, salsa etc..Super tasty!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      April 27, 2024 at 10:12 am

      Sounds delish Betty! C.

  • Reply
    Lynn
    February 14, 2024 at 9:18 pm

    5 stars
    Hello Chris from Canada! First, I just have to let you know that I love your new cookbook! Congratulations! I commented earlier on this beef enchilada recipe and I was wondering if you could come up with a version of enchiladas using shredded or pre cooked chicken. I’d love to try your version!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      February 16, 2024 at 7:49 am

      Hey Lynn! So pleased the book has found its way to you 🙂 I’ll definitely put a chicken enchilada on the ‘to-cook’ list! C.

    • Reply
      Ingrid Gospodin
      April 3, 2024 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve just made these with shredded chicken, followed the exact same recipe but instead of the ground beef I just added shredded chicken thighs that I had already pressure cooked, it was delicious

      • Reply
        Chris Collins
        April 4, 2024 at 1:31 pm

        Thanks so much for the review, Ingrid! 🙂 C.

  • Reply
    Liza
    October 14, 2023 at 8:32 pm

    4 stars
    The sauce was yummy. However, usually you want to use corn tortillas vice flour tortillas to wrap your enchilada. They hold up better. And no to refried beans in the enchiladas, it’s usually served on the side. (Pro tip for sure bought refried beans, add some bacon grease when hearing it up to give it a smoky flavor.)

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      October 15, 2023 at 4:54 pm

      Thanks Liza! C.

  • Reply
    Angel
    September 2, 2023 at 11:30 pm

    Just made these and they were amazing! Super easy to make. I did two separate meats: ground beef and ground chicken. Both delicious. Thank you for the easy recipe!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      September 3, 2023 at 5:19 pm

      So great to hear they went down well!! 🙂 C.

  • Reply
    Teri
    July 31, 2023 at 5:27 pm

    5 stars
    Best enchiladas I’ve made. One tbs chipotle powder in the sauce was good for me. Thanks so much for the recipe. So excited to explore with chicken and pork. Easy to follow recipe.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      July 31, 2023 at 6:44 pm

      Thanks so much for the review, Teri! 🙂 C.

  • Reply
    Lynn
    March 4, 2022 at 1:41 am

    5 stars
    Soooo good! I made this recipe to the letter without any substitutions and we loved this dish. The enchilada sauce really makes this recipe! For our taste buds, 1 1/2 tbsps. of chili powder in the enchilada sauce was perfect. Bring on more sensational recipes, Chris!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      March 4, 2022 at 9:31 am

      So happy to hear this went down well, Lynn! Thanks for the review 🙂

  • Reply
    Toni
    November 22, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    5 stars
    This are incredibly delicious!! Thank you for your detailed photos and info. It made them very easy to pull together.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 24, 2020 at 10:26 am

      Great to hear! Thanks Toni 🙂

  • Reply
    Liz
    November 22, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    These look stunning! Nothing I love more than homemade sauces! I’ll definitely have to try these out!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 24, 2020 at 10:25 am

      Hope you love them! 🙂

  • Reply
    Erika
    November 22, 2020 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    These enchiladas look amazing! I’ve never made them with ground beef before, but I need to try this now! I love how flavorful this all looks.

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 24, 2020 at 10:25 am

      You so gotta try it! Ground beef is a game changer 🙂

  • Reply
    Suzy
    November 22, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    Seriously our favorite way to make enchiladas! The kids loved them! So tasty!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 24, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Awesome! Thanks Suzy!

  • Reply
    Angela
    November 22, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    5 stars
    Love enchiladas! These are absolute perfection. The flavors are spot on. YUM!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 24, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Thanks Angela!

  • Reply
    Jamie
    November 22, 2020 at 1:23 pm

    5 stars
    These look so incredible! I think this would make the perfect dinner for my family. Saving to try later this week!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 24, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Love it! Hope you enjoy 🙂

    5 KNOCKOUT

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