Ground Beef Enchilada Bake

Name: Ground Beef Enchilada Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup enchilada sauce; 6 corn tortillas, cut into quarters; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Sour cream; Sliced jalapeños

Highlighted under: Family Recipes

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef Enchilada Bake for my family. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, thanks to its rich flavors and comforting goodness. Each bite is packed with seasoned beef, cheesy goodness, and a lovely kick of spice. Plus, the best part is that it comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I enjoy serving it with a side of warm tortillas and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flair.

Created by

Gillian Sykes

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:25:35.747Z

When I first decided to make this Ground Beef Enchilada Bake, I was looking for something hearty and satisfying. I experimented with different spices and toppings, finally landing on the perfect blend of flavors that truly elevates this dish. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder brings out the best in the beef and makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly.

One tip I learned while making this dish is to let it sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the enchiladas to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Trust me, the first time I skipped this step, it was a delicious mess on my plate!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Savory layers of seasoned ground beef and melty cheese
A hint of spice that perfectly complements the richness
Simple preparation with minimal cleanup

Mastering the Layers

The key to achieving a perfectly layered Ground Beef Enchilada Bake lies in how the ingredients are assembled. Start by spreading a generous layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the tortillas from sticking to the pan, ensuring a smooth serving experience. Layering the tortillas in quarters helps create even distribution of flavors, allowing every bite to be equally satisfying.

When layering, I recommend using a combination of soft and crispy tortilla pieces. The soft tortillas will absorb some moisture from the filling, while the crispier ones on top will provide a delightful texture contrast after baking. If you prefer a crunchy finish, you can also add a few crushed tortilla chips on the top layer of cheese, giving it an extra crunch that complements the gooey cheese.

Ingredient Insights

In this recipe, using a blend of cheddar and Mexican cheese gives you a perfect melty texture alongside a complex flavor profile. Cheese choices can dramatically impact your dish; if you want something more zesty, consider pepper jack or a blend that includes queso blanco for a creamier touch. For a healthier option, you can swap regular cheese with reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing too much flavor, though the meltability may vary slightly.

The addition of black beans not only elevates the protein content but also lends creaminess to the overall texture. If you don’t have black beans on hand, pinto beans or even refried beans work well as substitutes. Just make sure to drain and rinse any canned beans to reduce sodium content, ensuring that your enchilada bake remains healthy and delicious.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Ground Beef Enchilada Bake is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to two days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to maintain moisture. When you're ready to bake, allow the dish to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven for the best results. This ensures even cooking throughout.

If you want to batch cook and freeze it, you can wrap individual portions in foil or use airtight containers. This way, you have a satisfying meal ready after a long day. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Enjoy a homemade meal even on the busiest nights!

Ingredients

For the Enchilada Bake

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup enchilada sauce
6 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños

These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Layer the Bake

In a baking dish, spread a layer of enchilada sauce, then layer half of the tortilla quarters, half of the beef mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños before serving.

Your Ground Beef Enchilada Bake is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the ingredients by adding bell peppers or corn, and adjust the level of spice according to your preference.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your enchilada bake turns out too dry, it may be because you didn’t use enough sauce or your tortillas absorbed too much moisture. To fix this in the future, you can either add a bit more enchilada sauce or even a splash of broth before baking to create a more moist environment while cooking. Also, make sure to layer adequately — more layers can lead to a flavorful, juicy result.

Conversely, if the bake is too soggy, consider using a firmer, drier tortilla and reducing the amount of sauce used in between layers. Corn tortillas are great for this dish, but for a firmer hold, a combination with flour tortillas can also add sturdiness.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Ground Beef Enchilada Bake, consider serving it with fresh sides like a zesty Mexican street corn salad or avocado slices. These sides provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory bake, enhancing the overall dining experience. A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette can also cut through the richness beautifully.

As for garnishes, the usual suspects like chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños do justice to the dish, but why not try adding sliced green onions or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco? Each adds a distinct flavor note that brilliantly complements the beef and cheese in the bake.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with your Ground Beef Enchilada Bake! You can substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative to suit dietary preferences. If you prefer a veggie-loaded version, use sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach in place of the meat, adjusting the cooking time so that the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

To amp up the spice level, try adding diced jalapeños directly into the beef mixture during cooking, or use a spicier enchilada sauce. An extra sprinkle of chili flakes before serving can also bring an added dimension of heat for those who crave it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and will make the dish lighter.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans and vegetables.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish and cover it, then refrigerate and bake it when you're ready.

→ What toppings can I use?

Consider toppings like avocado, olives, or different types of cheese for variety.