Beef enchiladas are a classic, hearty dish that combines soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This Mexican-inspired comfort food is perfect for a family dinner or when you're craving something flavorful and filling. You'll love how easy it is to prepare, and the results will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Cook the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add onion and garlic. Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
Assemble the enchiladas. Lay out each tortilla on a flat surface. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a little shredded cheese. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the greased baking dish.
Top with enchilada sauce. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring all are covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve. Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños if you like some extra heat. Serve hot and enjoy!
If you have time, make your own enchilada sauce for extra flavor. A homemade sauce often brings more depth to the dish. Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, but you can use corn tortillas if you prefer a more traditional texture. Just warm them before rolling to avoid cracking. For a balanced meal, try adding sautéed bell peppers or black beans into the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.