Beef Enchiladas Corn Tortillas

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Layers of flavor make these beef enchiladas a standout. Ground beef is cooked with onion, garlic, spicy seasoning, and green chiles for a savory filling. This mixture gets rolled inside warm corn tortillas along with a generous helping of shredded Mexican cheese. The filled tortillas nestle in a baking dish, smothered with bold red enchilada sauce and more cheese, then baked until bubbling and golden. Finish with toppings such as sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or pico de gallo. Hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:06:05 GMT
A dish of beef enchiladas with white cheese and sour cream. Save
A dish of beef enchiladas with white cheese and sour cream. | lilicooks.com

Nothing beats the comfort of cheesy beef enchiladas bubbling in tangy red sauce. This recipe delivers a cozy dinner bursting with classic Mexican flavors, perfect for family nights or feeding a hungry crowd.

Whenever I serve these enchiladas, the platter disappears in minutes and everyone comes back for seconds. My trick is loading it up with cheese and plenty of fresh toppings.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: adds savory richness and heartiness to the filling Choose fresh beef with bright color for best flavor
  • Yellow onion: builds a sweet flavor base
  • Garlic: brings bold aromatic depth Use fresh cloves for extra punch
  • Taco seasoning: gives the beef a classic Tex Mex taste Opt for low sodium if desired
  • Tomato paste: intensifies the meaty flavor Use double concentrate for even more richness
  • Green chiles: offer mild heat and subtle tang Look for cans with visible green pieces
  • Red enchilada sauce: coats everything with zesty tomato and chili flavor A good store bought brand or homemade both work
  • Corn tortillas: add authentic taste and structure Warm slightly before rolling for flexibility
  • Mexican cheese blend: delivers gooey melt and a sharp cheesy finish Shred your own for best melting
  • Toppings: like sour cream cilantro pico de gallo avocado lettuce and cotija cheese add color crunch and even more flavor Mix and match your favorites

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat until completely cooked breaking it up as you go This step creates a flavorful base and a meaty texture Remove beef from the pan and drain off any excess fat
Cook the Aromatics:
Add a little oil to the pan Sauté diced onions over medium heat until soft and translucent about 4 minutes Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 30 seconds This step layers in sweetness and aromatic flavor to the filling
Season and Simmer:
Return the beef to the pan and stir in taco seasoning tomato paste green chiles plus the recommended amount of water from your seasoning packet Let it simmer gently until the liquid almost evaporates The filling should be moist but not too wet Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
Prep the Baking Dish:
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Spread a generous half cup of red enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a nine by thirteen inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and boost flavor in every bite
Fill and Roll the Tortillas:
Lay a warm corn tortilla flat on your work surface Spoon about a third cup of beef mixture down the center Sprinkle a quarter cup of shredded cheese over the beef Gently but tightly roll each tortilla and place seam side down in the prepared dish Repeat for all tortillas keeping them snug together
Sauce and Cheese On Top:
Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas smoothing it to cover every inch Scatter the remaining cheese evenly across the top This topping melds the flavors together and turns golden in the oven
Bake Until Bubbly:
Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about twenty minutes You want to see the cheese melted with spots of browning and the sauce bubbling around the edges
Add Toppings and Serve:
Pull the enchiladas out when they look perfectly gooey Let cool a couple minutes Top generously with fresh options like sour cream cilantro diced avocado or pico de gallo then dig in while hot
A plate of beef enchiladas with white cheese and green onions. Save
A plate of beef enchiladas with white cheese and green onions. | lilicooks.com

The corn tortillas really make these enchiladas stand out They soak up the sauce without turning soggy and bring an earthy sweetness This was always a Sunday favorite growing up and the warm cheese always brings back memories of gathering around the table with family

Storage Tips

Beef enchiladas keep well covered in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven or microwave until the center is hot For longer storage freeze enchiladas in a tightly wrapped casserole Freezing before baking works best Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken Refried beans or cooked lentils add a vegetarian twist Flour tortillas can be used if corn are not available but they are a bit softer For extra flavor try green enchilada sauce or add some smoked paprika to the beef

Serving Suggestions

Serve enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or seasoned black beans A crisp green salad and lime wedges add freshness For a party set up a toppings bar so everyone customizes their own plate This dish also pairs well with a cold cerveza or fresh limeade

A plate of beef enchiladas with white cheese and green onions. Save
A plate of beef enchiladas with white cheese and green onions. | lilicooks.com

A Little Enchilada History

Enchiladas have roots reaching back to ancient Aztec street food Early versions were simply tortillas dipped in chili sauce Today every region in Mexico has its own twist embracing different sauces and fillings Making these at home always reminds me of the long tradition of handing down favorite family recipes

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I keep corn tortillas from breaking?

Warm tortillas before rolling by heating them in a dry pan or wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwaving briefly. This makes them flexible and less likely to tear.

→ What cheese blends work best?

Shredded Mexican cheese blends, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and asadero, melt well and add flavor. You can also try cotija or pepper jack for extra taste.

→ Can the filling be made ahead?

Yes. Prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready to serve for fresh, hot enchiladas.

→ How spicy is the dish?

Spice level depends on your taco seasoning, green chiles, and sauce. Choose mild or hot ingredients to your taste, or add chili powder for extra heat.

→ What toppings pair well?

Popular options include sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo, diced avocado, green onions, or hot sauce. Customize to your liking for flavor and texture.

→ Are there ways to make it heartier?

Bulk up the filling with refried beans, black beans, or cooked rice to make the enchiladas even more satisfying and filling.

Beef Enchiladas Corn Tortillas

Seasoned beef and cheese rolled in tortillas, baked with enchilada sauce for a classic Mexican main.

Preparation Time
25 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Output: 4 Serves (8 enchiladas)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Beef Filling

01 1 lb ground beef
02 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
05 1 tablespoon tomato paste
06 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

→ Enchiladas

07 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce
08 8 corn tortillas
09 3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded and divided

→ Toppings

10 Sour cream (optional)
11 Fresh cilantro (optional)
12 Pico de gallo (optional)
13 Diced avocado (optional)
14 Shredded lettuce (optional)
15 Sliced green onions (optional)
16 Chopped red onions (optional)
17 Cotija cheese (optional)
18 Hot sauce (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Over medium-high heat in a skillet, brown ground beef until cooked through. Remove beef and set aside, then drain any fat from the pan.

Step 02

Sauté onions in a little oil until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 03

Return beef to the pan and add taco seasoning, tomato paste, green chiles, and water according to taco seasoning packet instructions. Simmer until water has cooked down. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 05

Add 1/3 cup of beef mixture in a straight line down the center of each tortilla, top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the casserole dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 06

Cover tortillas with remaining enchilada sauce and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

Step 07

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo, or avocado.

Tips

  1. If corn tortillas start tearing, warm them in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side or microwave with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
  2. You can bulk up the enchiladas with additional fillings like refried beans, black beans, or rice.
  3. Try green enchilada sauce for a different flavor, or add more spices like chili powder or chipotle powder to the beef.
  4. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into delicious enchiladas smothered in sauce and cheese.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • 9×13 inch casserole dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 20 g