Beef Enchilada Recipe

Beef enchiladas with cilantro on a white countertop.

These easy beef enchiladas are a Mexican dinner favorite. They are made with seasoned ground beef filling and cheese then covered in enchilada sauce and baked!

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 1

Servings:

Ingredients

1 ½ -2 cups red enchilada sauce , divided
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup onion , finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper , chopped
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 teaspoon cumin , plus more to taste
1 teaspoon Kosher salt , plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can pinto or black beans , rinsed and drained
8 flour tortillas
1 ½ -2 cups shredded Monterey jack and pepper jack cheese , combined (can also use a mix of Mexican style cheese and Monterey Jack)

Optional toppings: Sliced olives, Chopped cilantro, Sliced green onions, Sour cream

Instructions

Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce.
Beef filling. In a large frying pan, brown one pound ground beef over medium-high heat. Add in 1/2 cup onions, 1/2 cup red bell peppers, 1 can green chiles, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Stir in the rinsed and drained canned beans.
Assemble. In the center of a tortilla, place 1/3 cup meat mixture. Sprinkle cheese over the top and roll up. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Pour remaining 1 cup enchilada sauce over top and sprinkle with cheese.
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and top with olives, if using. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes more, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Top with cilantro, green onions, and sour cream, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Tips + Variations

Softening tortillas. To soften tortillas prior to rolling your enchiladas, simply warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds between damp paper towels. This helps make them more flexible and easier to roll.
Meat. Instead of ground beef, this recipe also tastes delicious with Instant Pot shredded beef.
Fillings. You can bulk up the beef filling by adding in black beans, rice, tomatoes or corn.
Spice. For spicy enchiladas, add in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Toppings. Load on lots of delicious toppings like cilantro, sour cream, sliced olives, green onions or guacamole.

Make Ahead + Freezing

If you'd like to make ahead and freeze, simply freeze right before baking. Roll and assemble enchiladas in pan, then cover tightly with foil or lid. Place in freezer (in a leveled spot) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition