Cheesy Beef Enchiladas: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
If you’re craving a flavor-packed, cheesy, and satisfying meal, nothing hits the spot quite like Beef Enchiladas with Extra Cheese on Top. This crowd-favorite Mexican-inspired dish brings together seasoned ground beef, smoky homemade enchilada sauce, soft tortillas, and a generous blanket of gooey melted cheese—baked to absolute perfection.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a dinner night, or prepping for a comforting weeknight meal, these homemade enchiladas are guaranteed to impress.
🌮 Ingredients for the Best Beef Enchiladas Ever
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
For the Homemade Enchilada Sauce:
- 1/4 cup oil or butter (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 cups low or no sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
For the Enchiladas Assembly:
- 1/4 cup canola oil (for softening tortillas)
- 12–15 white corn tortillas
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (plus more for topping—don’t hold back!)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease, if needed.
Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and tomato sauce. Stir until the mixture is thick, aromatic, and beautifully seasoned. Simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.
2. Make the Homemade Enchilada Sauce
In a saucepan, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells slightly nutty.
Add in the seasonings: black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and tomato paste until fully combined and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and rich in flavor.
3. Soften the Tortillas
To prevent tortillas from tearing or cracking, lightly fry each tortilla in a bit of canola oil (just a few seconds per side) until pliable. Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
One by one, fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Once all tortillas are filled, pour the enchilada sauce generously over the top, ensuring every inch is covered. Sprinkle with extra cheese—and don’t be shy!
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
🌟 Tips for the Perfect Enchiladas
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Don’t skip the homemade sauce—it makes all the difference and elevates your dish from average to amazing.
- Want it spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Freeze unbaked enchiladas for a ready-to-bake meal later—just thaw and bake as directed.
🌯 Serving Suggestions
Serve your beef enchiladas with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Guacamole and sour cream
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
🔥 Why These Enchiladas Are a Must-Try
✔️ Hearty and comforting
✔️ Perfectly spiced with homemade seasoning
✔️ Loaded with layers of cheese
✔️ Great for meal prep or freezing
✔️ Family-friendly and totally customizable
These Beef Enchiladas with Extra Cheese aren’t just a dish—they’re an experience. Every bite delivers tender beef, bold spices, cheesy goodness, and a sauce so good, you’ll want to lick the plate.