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

Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight? These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a one-pan family favorite that delivers bold flavor, melty cheese, and minimal cleanup. With savory seasoned beef, a rich enchilada sauce, and layers of gooey cheese, this dish is destined to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation.

Not only are these enchiladas hearty and flavorful, but they’re also incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, spice lovers, or dietary restrictions, this recipe has a variation for everyone. Best of all, it’s made entirely in one skillet, saving you the hassle of a pile of dirty dishes.

For an even more personalized touch, consider making your own sauce using this homemade enchilada sauce recipe to elevate the flavor. And if you’re looking to sneak more veggies into your meals without sacrificing taste, check out these easy ways to eat more vegetables while customizing your enchiladas.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make the best cheesy ground beef enchiladas, you’ll want to use fresh, flavorful ingredients that melt and meld together perfectly in the pan.

🥩 Ground Beef

• Use 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor
• Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy
• Swap for ground turkey or plant-based meat if preferred

🌮 Tortillas

• 6-inch corn tortillas offer the most authentic flavor
• Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking
• Flour tortillas work too, offering a softer texture

🧀 Cheese

• Blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully
• Shred cheese yourself to avoid the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese
• Add queso fresco or cotija for more flavor depth

🍅 Enchilada Sauce

• Store-bought red sauce is great for convenience
• For more control over flavor, make your own from tomato paste, garlic, chili powder, and cumin
• Try mixing red and green sauces for a festive, “Christmas-style” twist

🍲 Optional Add-ins

• Black beans (rinsed and drained)
• Diced onions
• Green chiles
• Corn, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients

How to Make One-Pan Enchiladas

You only need one large, oven-safe skillet to bring this meal together from start to finish.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
• In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat
• Add:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 diced onion
  • Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned
• Stir in:
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
• Cook for another 30 seconds
• Mix in:
  • 1 cup black beans
  • ½ cup enchilada sauce
• Remove from heat

🌯 Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

• Microwave 8 corn tortillas for 30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to soften
• Fill each tortilla with:
  • 2–3 tbsp beef mixture
  • A sprinkle of cheese
• Roll and place seam-side down into the skillet
• Pour remaining 1 cup enchilada sauce over the top
• Top with the rest of the cheese blend

🔥 Step 3: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes
• For a golden, bubbly finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end

Customization Ideas

This dish is versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your taste or dietary needs.

🌶️ Spice Level

• Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
• Use mild green chiles or extra cheese to mellow it out

🌱 Vegetarian Swap

• Replace beef with:
  • Lentils
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Meatless crumbles

🌾 Gluten-Free Tips

• Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas
• Double-check the enchilada sauce label

🧀 Cheese Lovers’ Add-ons

• Sprinkle queso fresco or cotija on top before baking
• Add a layer of sour cream to the filling for richness

🌮 Fun Toppings

• Black olives
• Pickled red onions
• Tortilla strips for crunch

Serving Suggestions

Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Avocado lime salad
• Corn on the cob

Garnish with:

• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions
• Sour cream or guacamole

Leftovers & Meal Prep

This recipe keeps well and is ideal for make-ahead meals.

🧊 Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel or in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes

❄️ Freezing Tips

• Freeze assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking
• Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time

🕒 Meal Prep Tips

• Make beef mixture up to 2 days in advance
• Store separately and assemble when ready to bake

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 1½ cups enchilada sauce, divided
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar & Monterey Jack blend
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Garnishes: cilantro, green onions, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet.
2. Cook ground beef and onion for 5–7 minutes. Drain fat.
3. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir in black beans and ½ cup enchilada sauce.
4. Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce in skillet. Fill tortillas with beef and cheese. Roll and nestle seam-side down.
5. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake 15–20 minutes. Broil for golden top (optional).
7. Garnish and serve hot.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes! Flour tortillas provide a softer texture and are easier to roll. Just make sure they’re fresh to prevent tearing.

How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?

Use less sauce inside the tortillas and bake uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate. Broiling also helps crisp the top layer.

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time when you’re ready.

What cheese is best for enchiladas?

A combo of cheddar and Monterey Jack offers the best melt and flavor. You can also use pepper jack, queso fresco, or cotija.

What’s the difference between burritos and enchiladas?

Enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas, covered in sauce, and baked. Burritos use flour tortillas and are often wrapped and served dry.

How can I make enchiladas healthier?

• Use lean meat or plant-based alternatives
• Add more veggies to the filling
• Choose a low-sodium or homemade enchilada sauce
• Check out the ground beef nutrition facts to guide your protein choices

Final Thoughts

These Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas bring together all the elements of a perfect family meal—comforting, flavorful, customizable, and simple to make in one pan. Whether you follow the recipe to a tee or put your own spin on it, you’re in for a satisfying dinner that leaves everyone asking for seconds. So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and get ready to dig into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.