Ground Beef Enchilada Bake

Name: Ground Beef Enchilada Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups enchilada sauce; 8 corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup black beans (optional); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt to taste; Chopped cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Inspiration

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef Enchilada Bake for family gatherings or cozy nights in. It's an all-in-one dish that brings together the earthy flavors of seasoned ground beef, vibrant enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese. The best part is how easily it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights while still feeling like a treat. With layers of tortillas and filling baked melted to perfection, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds. Trust me, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home.

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:47:35.276Z

When I first whipped up this Ground Beef Enchilada Bake, I was on a quest for a dish that satisfied my cravings without demanding too much time or effort. The combination of ground beef, spices, and layers of tortillas made it feel like a comforting hug on a plate. I found that using a good quality enchilada sauce makes all the difference—it's amazing how a simple ingredient can elevate the whole dish.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add beans, corn, or even adjust the spice level to suit your tastes. The leftovers are just as delicious, quickly reheating wonderfully for lunch the next day. This is truly a dish I keep coming back to, and I know you will too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, flavorful ground beef with a hint of spice
Cheesy goodness that stretches with every bite
Easy to make and even easier to share

Choosing the Right Tortillas

When it comes to tortillas for this Ground Beef Enchilada Bake, corn tortillas are traditional and add a delicious, slightly nutty flavor. However, if you're looking for more flexibility or a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute with flour tortillas. Just be cautious, as flour tortillas tend to be softer and may become soggy if over-layered. I recommend lightly toasting them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side to give them some resilience and enhance the flavor before assembling your bake.

It's also essential to consider the size of the tortillas you use. Standard-sized corn tortillas are typically 6 inches in diameter. If you're using larger tortillas, like burrito-sized ones, adjust your layering accordingly to ensure the bake cooks evenly. Smaller tortillas might require overlapping, which can affect the final texture, making it denser in some areas, but with enough cheese, it’s still delicious!

Enhancing the Beef Mixture

The ground beef is the star of this dish and adds a depth of flavor. Using ground chuck or ground round is preferable due to their well-balanced fat content, which keeps the beef juicy without being overly greasy. If you're leaning towards a healthier version, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute, but be sure to season thoroughly since these meats can be milder.

For additional complexity, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or fresh jalapeños along with the onions and garlic. These added vegetables will contribute both moisture and crunch, taking your dish up a notch. Moreover, I suggest letting the meat mixture cool slightly before layering, as this prevents the tortillas from becoming soggy and ensures every ingredient maintains its texture.

Optimal Baking Techniques

Baking this enchilada dish requires some careful attention to temperature and timing to achieve that ideal bubbly and golden cheese topping. Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking phase helps to keep moisture in, allowing the tortillas to soften without burning or crystallizing. After the first 20 minutes, removing the foil is crucial for creating a beautifully browned top layer of cheese—about another 10 minutes in the oven should do the trick, but keep an eye on it. If your cheese isn't browning as expected, you can broil for one or two minutes, but stay close to avoid burning.

After baking, patience is key. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set a bit, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall presentation. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, layering parchment paper between slices to avoid sticking, and reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave for better texture.

Ingredients

For the Bake

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup black beans (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add Sauce and Seasoning

Stir in the enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Layer the Ingredients

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start layering: place a layer of tortillas, followed by the beef mixture, beans (if using), and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious enchilada bake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping the dish with diced avocado or sour cream before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Enchilada Bake is delightful on its own, but I recommend serving it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a bright contrast. Avocado slices or guacamole can also elevate the dish, providing creamy richness that balances the spices and acidity of the enchilada sauce perfectly.

If you're looking to add more toppings, consider offering a spread of sour cream, fresh pico de gallo, and chopped green onions on the side. This allows everyone to customize their serving and adds a vibrant splash of color and flavor. I often make it a point to have a plethora of toppings ready—it's fun and interactive!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare everything up until baking. Cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, it might require a few extra minutes in the oven since it will be cold. Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to your desired doneness.

To reheat leftovers, the oven is your best bet. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain the dish's texture compared to microwaving, which may result in dried-out tortillas or overcooked beef. Plus, the cheese can get wonderfully creamy again!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works beautifully in this recipe.

→ What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

You can make a quick homemade sauce using tomato sauce, spices, and a pinch of sugar.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just increase baking time slightly if cooking from cold.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.