Beef Enchiladas Flour Tortillas

These homemade beef enchiladas with flour tortillas deliver restaurant-quality Mexican flavor in just 45 minutes!

Quick Answer: Make beef enchiladas by cooking seasoned ground beef, rolling it in flour tortillas with cheese, topping with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4)

Dietary: None

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, savory beef filling with melty cheese in every bite
Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation
Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining
Budget-friendly comfort food
Great for make-ahead meals and freezing

Quick Benefits

These beef enchiladas with flour tortillas combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce for an easy weeknight dinner. The flour tortillas stay soft while baking and are easier to roll than corn tortillas.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cans (10 ounces each) red enchilada sauce
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
10 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated.
Spread 1 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Warm tortillas until soft. Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of cheese down the center of each tortilla, then divide the beef mixture evenly among them. Roll each tortilla tightly and arrange in the baking dish.
Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Top with sliced black olives and green onions. Serve immediately.

You Must Know

Don’t overfill tortillas or they’ll be hard to roll
Warm tortillas slightly to prevent cracking
Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving
Use a glass baking dish for even heating
Check cheese doesn’t burn in last few minutes

Serving Suggestions

Mexican rice and refried beans
Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado
Pico de gallo or fresh salsa
Mexican street corn (elote)
Lime wedges and hot sauce

Creative Variations

Use shredded chicken or pork instead of beef
Add black beans and corn to the filling
Try green enchilada sauce for a different flavor
Mix in diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra heat

Cultural Notes

While traditional Mexican enchiladas typically use corn tortillas, this flour tortilla version is a Tex-Mex adaptation that became popular in the American Southwest. The word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word “enchilar,” which means “to add chile to.”

Pro Tips

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting
Don’t skip browning the meat for best flavor
Slightly overlap enchiladas in the dish
Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze beef enchiladas with flour tortillas?
A: Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.

Q: How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?
A: Don’t oversauce and ensure filling isn’t too wet.

Q: Can I make these spicier?
A: Yes, add diced jalapeños or cayenne to the beef mixture.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: A Mexican blend or combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack works best.

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead?
A: Yes, but they need to be lightly fried first to prevent breaking.

Health Benefits

These beef enchiladas provide protein from the meat and calcium from cheese. Using lean ground beef reduces saturated fat, while the onions and garlic add antioxidants. Add extra vegetables to the filling for increased nutrition.

Nutrition

(Per serving) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 45g • Protein: 38g • Fat: 32g • Sodium: 1200mg

Notes

For best results, serve immediately while cheese is hot and melty. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven.