The Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe is hearty, cheesy and full of rich flavor — just like your favorite Mexican restaurant version.
These enchiladas are soft, saucy and loaded with savory beef and melted cheese. They are perfect for dinner, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend meal.
This recipe is simple to make at home and uses ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. It’s a classic comfort food that pairs beautifully with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
When I First Tried Beef and Cheese Enchiladas
I first tried these enchiladas at a local Mexican restaurant years ago. The combination of tender tortillas, seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese blew me away.
I wanted to recreate them at home, and after a few experiments, I perfected the recipe. Now, these enchiladas are always a hit with family and friends — everyone asks for seconds!
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Beef and Cheese Enchiladas
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
Ingredients You Need for Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
- Set aside.
2. Prep the Tortillas
- Warm tortillas in a microwave or dry skillet for 20–30 seconds.
- This makes them soft and easy to roll.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Roll up and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over everything.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake enchiladas for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Let enchiladas rest 5 minutes.
- Top with cilantro, diced tomatoes, olives or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overfill tortillas — prevents tearing.
- Warm tortillas before rolling for easy handling.
- Use plenty of sauce for extra flavor.
- Be generous with cheese — it melts perfectly.
- You can assemble ahead and bake later — tastes great reheated.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This recipe works because it’s simple, forgiving, and packed with flavor.
The beef is perfectly seasoned, the cheese melts beautifully, and the sauce ties everything together. Even beginner cooks can make this and achieve a delicious result.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice.
- Pair with refried or black beans.
- Add fresh avocado slices or guacamole.
- Chips and salsa make a perfect starter.
- Fresh salad on the side rounds out the meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooked enchiladas in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked enchiladas before baking for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs about Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but soften them first to prevent tearing.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute cooked beans or sautéed vegetables for beef.
3. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Absolutely, but homemade sauce gives more flavor.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
5. How do I know when they’re done?
Cheese should be melted and sauce bubbly.
Conclusion
The Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe is hearty, cheesy, and comforting — just like your favorite restaurant version.
They’re easy to make at home, perfect for dinner or gatherings, and always a crowd-pleaser. Make them tonight, and watch them disappear fast!

Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 8 –10 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce store-bought or homemade
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions
Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
- Set aside.
Prep the Tortillas
- Warm tortillas in a microwave or dry skillet for 20–30 seconds.
- This makes them soft and easy to roll.
Assemble the Enchiladas
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Roll up and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over everything.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake enchiladas for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Let enchiladas rest 5 minutes.
- Top with cilantro, diced tomatoes, olives or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t overfill tortillas — prevents tearing.
- Warm tortillas before rolling for easy handling.
- Use plenty of sauce for extra flavor.
- Be generous with cheese — it melts perfectly.
- You can assemble ahead and bake later — tastes great reheated.
Extra Wonderful Recipes
- Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Low Sodium Tomato Soup Recipe
- Cream Of Mushroom Soup Gravy Recipe
- Gravy From Beef Broth Recipe
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.












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