If you’re craving something cheesy, saucy, and soul-satisfying, this enchilada recipe is about to become your new favorite. Made with tender tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and baked under a blanket of melted cheese—this dish is the very definition of comfort food.
With roots in Mexican cuisine and popularity all over the world, enchiladas have evolved into a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this enchilada recipe delivers bold flavor and unbeatable texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Enchilada Recipe
Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
- Easy to make: Simple steps, no special tools required.
- Family-friendly: Loved by picky eaters and foodies alike.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance and baking later.
- Customizable: Switch up the fillings or sauces to suit your mood.
- Freezer-friendly: Store and enjoy later for a quick homemade meal.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Enchilada Recipe
Here are the core ingredients that make this enchilada recipe a standout:
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful filling.
- Taco seasoning: Adds bold, savory spice to the meat.
- Flour tortillas: Soft wraps that hold the filling and absorb the sauce.
- Enchilada sauce: The rich, tangy base that brings everything together.
- Shredded cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping.
- Sour cream & avocado (optional): Add a creamy, fresh finish before serving.
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Enchilada Recipe
Follow these easy steps to make perfect enchiladas at home:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until thickened.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly.
- Spread enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place rolled tortillas seam-side down into the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the top, covering evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over everything.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Expert Tip: Warm tortillas briefly in a microwave or skillet before filling—they’ll roll easier without cracking.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling or sauce for extra heat.
- Try different proteins: Swap beef for shredded chicken, pulled pork, or a vegetarian mix.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas and check your sauce labels.
- Lighter version: Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing flavor.
How to Store & Reheat
- To store: Let enchiladas cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Wrap the entire dish or individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this enchilada recipe, you’re going to love these other flavorful and filling meals that bring comfort and bold taste to the table:
- 🌯 Cheesy Potato Burritos with Beef – Hearty, cheesy, and loaded with seasoned beef and tender potatoes, wrapped in a warm tortilla.
- 🥑 Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos – A fresh and creamy twist on burritos with juicy chicken, avocado, and ranch dressing.
- 🥧 Sausage Gravy Puff Pie – Buttery puff pastry filled with savory sausage gravy for a Southern-inspired comfort dish.
These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best cheese to use in enchiladas?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese works great for melt and flavor.
Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
Do enchiladas freeze well?
Absolutely. Just wrap tightly and label before freezing. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight first.
Are enchiladas spicy?
That depends on your enchilada sauce and seasoning. You can control the spice level to suit your taste.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas are often easier to roll and work just as well.
This enchilada recipe is a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing favorite that never goes out of style. It’s easy enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for guests. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to dinner staple!
👉 Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments. Don’t forget to share it with your friends or save it for later!
Enchilada Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream optional
- Fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave or skillet until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with avocado slices, sour cream, and chopped cilantro before serving.