Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve prepared them earlier in the day and kept them covered in the fridge. When ready, I just bake them a little longer until heated through.

Absolutely. I’ve frozen a whole pan before baking, and it worked well. I simply thawed overnight in the fridge and baked as usual.

Can I use a different protein?

Definitely. I’ve swapped the ground beef with turkey and even shredded chicken, and the flavors still worked beautifully.

What cheese works best?

I usually go for a Mexican blend, but cheddar or Monterey Jack alone also melt perfectly and give great flavor.

One Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Name: One Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (or homemade); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 8 small tortillas (corn or flour); 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, lime wedges

Description

One Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious, easy-to-make meal featuring savory ground beef, warm tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (or homemade)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

8 small tortillas (corn or flour)

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, lime wedges.

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Build the Flavor: Add diced onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce to moisten the filling.

Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the pan.

Top and Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Cover with the rest of the shredded cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Finish and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Add toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican