Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas – One-Pan Family Favorite!

Are you on the hunt for that one special meal that gathers the family around the table without any fuss? A dish that is rich in flavour, wonderfully comforting, and, best of all, remarkably easy to prepare on a hectic weeknight? Your search ends here, because we have perfected the ultimate recipe for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas – One-Pan Family Favorite! This dish is our trusted solution for a fulfilling meal that keeps the washing up to a minimum and turns up the deliciousness. We are certain that once you give this a go, it will earn a cherished spot in your family’s mealtime rota.

Filled with seasoned beef mince, drenched in a sumptuous enchilada sauce, and topped with a magnificent blanket of melted cheese, these enchiladas are the definition of comfort food. The real charm of this recipe is its sheer simplicity. We will walk you through each stage, promising a flawless result every time, even if you are just starting your culinary journey. Right then, let’s get our aprons on and make a meal to remember!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Enchilada Recipe

Before we get to the ingredients and instructions, let’s explore what makes this particular beef enchilada recipe so exceptional. We’re sure it will become a firm favourite for a few very good reasons:

• Minimal Washing Up: As a true one-pan dinner, the majority of the cooking is done in a single oven-safe frying pan or baking dish. This translates to less time spent at the sink and more time relaxing in the evening.
• Family-Friendly Flavours: The classic combination of savoury beef, gentle spices, and gooey, melted cheese is guaranteed to please everyone. It is flavourful enough for the adults to enjoy, yet mild enough not to deter the little ones.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: Thanks to its straightforward steps and everyday ingredients, you can have this dinner on the table in less than an hour. It’s the ideal answer to a busy schedule.
• Customisable: We adore a recipe that allows for a personal touch! Feel free to pop in some black beans, sweetcorn, or chopped peppers to the filling. You can also easily tweak the spice level to match your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These enchiladas can be fully assembled ahead of time. All that’s left is to bake them when you are ready to eat, making your weeknight even more straightforward.

Ingredients for Your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

To begin, we’ll need to gather all of our components. We’ve deliberately kept the list simple, featuring items that are readily available at your local supermarket. This helps to keep the process accessible and entirely stress-free. For the most authentic flavour, we suggest using a high-quality enchilada sauce. You can find some fantastic ready-made options, or you could even make your own enchilada sauce if you fancy giving it a go.

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 500g Lean Beef Mince
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/4 tsp Chilli Powder (or more, to taste)
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• 100g Grated Cheddar Cheese

For Assembly:

• 8 medium Flour or Corn Tortillas
• 500ml Red Enchilada Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 200g Grated Cheese Blend (we love a mix of Cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yoghurt
• Fresh Coriander, chopped
• Sliced Jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole
• Chopped Spring Onions

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

And now for the best bit! We have organised the process into three simple phases: making the filling, assembling the enchiladas, and baking them until they are golden and bubbly. Follow these steps closely, and a magnificent meal will be ready before you know it.

Step 1: Preparing the Savoury Beef Filling

1. Preheat and Sauté: To start, preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C Fan/Gas Mark 5). Warm the olive oil in a large, oven-safe frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for 3-4 minutes until it has softened and turned translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Beef: Pop the minced garlic into the pan and cook for one more minute until it becomes aromatic, taking care not to let it burn. Next, add the beef mince to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until browned all over. Carefully drain away any excess fat.
3. Season the Filling: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chilli powder. Season well with salt and pepper. Allow the spices to cook with the mince for a minute to toast them slightly and unleash their wonderful aromas.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour approximately 120ml (1/2 cup) of the enchilada sauce into the pan with the beef. Mix everything together and allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the 100g of grated Cheddar until it has melted into the filling. This is our secret for an exceptionally cheesy and flavourful centre!

Step 2: Assembling Your Enchiladas

1. Prepare Your Dish: If you didn’t cook the mince in an oven-safe frying pan, transfer the filling into a bowl. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce (about 120ml) across the bottom. This clever trick stops the tortillas from sticking and helps to keep them lovely and moist.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Warming your tortillas is key to making them pliable and stopping them from cracking as you roll. You can wrap the stack in a damp piece of kitchen roll and microwave them for 30-45 seconds, or warm them one by one in a dry frying pan for a few moments on each side.
3. Fill and Roll: Taking one tortilla at a time, spoon a generous amount of the ground mince enchiladas filling down the middle. Roll it up snugly and place it seam-side down into your prepared baking dish or oven-safe pan. Continue with the rest of the tortillas and filling, arranging them neatly together in the dish. If you enjoy recipes with a similar taste profile, our The Ultimate Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Wraps is another brilliant option.

Step 3: Baking to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

1. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are all nicely coated.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the 200g of grated cheese blend evenly across the top. This is where the magic really happens! Be generous with the cheese, as a good layer is what creates that irresistible golden-brown crust.
3. Bake: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce is bubbling away and the cheese is completely melted and lightly golden.
4. Rest and Serve: It is important to let the enchiladas sit for about 5-10 minutes after they come out of the oven. This helps them to firm up slightly, which makes serving much easier. Garnish with your chosen toppings, such as fresh coriander, a dollop of sour cream, and a few slices of jalapeño.

Top Tips for the Best Beef Enchiladas

Through making this dish many times, we’ve learned a few handy tricks to take our enchiladas from simply great to truly unforgettable. Here are our best tips for success:

• Don’t Skip Warming the Tortillas: This is an essential step! Cold tortillas are brittle and likely to crack when rolled. A quick warm-up makes a world of difference to the final result.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Although pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it is often coated in agents that stop it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese from a block will give you a much creamier, gooier finish.
• Customise Your Filling: You can easily bulk up the beef filling with a tin of black beans (rinsed and drained) or some frozen sweetcorn for added texture and nutrients.
• Control the Spice: This recipe is on the milder side, but you can certainly turn up the heat. Try adding a chopped jalapeño along with the onions, increasing the chilli powder, or choosing a hot enchilada sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are substantial enough to be a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a few simple side dishes. We love to serve them with:

• Coriander-Lime Rice: A zesty and refreshing rice that provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the enchiladas.
• Mexican-Style Street Corn (Elote): Creamy, tangy corn on the cob or a simple corn salad works wonderfully.
• A Simple Green Salad: A light salad tossed in a vinaigrette dressing offers a crisp, fresh element.
• Refried Beans: A classic accompaniment that rounds off any Mexican-inspired meal perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Of course! This is an excellent dish to prepare in advance. You can assemble the enchiladas completely, cover the dish tightly with foil, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best type of tortilla to use?

Both flour and corn tortillas work splendidly. Flour tortillas are generally softer and easier to roll without tearing, which makes them a fantastic choice for beginners. Corn tortillas lend a more traditional, authentic flavour but can be more susceptible to cracking if they aren’t warmed properly. It’s entirely up to you!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 175°C (155°C Fan) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, they freeze exceptionally well. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake them. Cover the dish tightly, first with a layer of cling film and then with foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake according to the recipe instructions. If you enjoy a hearty beef mince dish, you should also try our Tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Crispy Mashed Potatoes Delicious Easy for another comfort food classic.

Your New Favourite Cheesy Beef Bake Awaits!

So there you have it—a straightforward, delicious, and deeply satisfying recipe for the perfect cheesy beef bake that we are sure will become a regular feature in your home. This dish is proof that an incredible easy family meal doesn’t require complicated steps or hours in the kitchen. It’s all about gathering your loved ones for some wonderful food made with a bit of care.

We sincerely hope you and your family enjoy both making and eating these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas. The blend of seasoned mince, rich sauce, and that glorious melted cheese topping is truly irresistible. It is the sort of meal that helps create warm, happy memories around the dinner table.

We would be delighted to hear how your enchiladas came out! Did you add any of your own special ingredients or discover a new topping combination? Please leave us a comment below to share your story. And if you enjoyed this recipe, we would be so grateful if you shared it with your friends and family!