A comforting, family-friendly Mexican-inspired casserole made with soft tortillas, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This easy baked enchilada recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is ready in under an hour.
Prep Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups enchilada sauce or marinara sauce
4 medium flour tortillas
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Mexican cheese blend
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix in ½ cup of the enchilada sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Mexican rice
Fresh green salad
Guacamole
Sour cream
Salsa
Tortilla chips
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Notes
Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use corn tortillas for a more traditional enchilada texture.
Top with sliced jalapeños if you enjoy extra heat.
Keywords: cheesy beef enchiladas, easy enchilada bake, baked tortillas, Mexican casserole, ground beef dinner, family dinner recipe, comfort food, cheesy casserole, weeknight meal.
