Ground Beef Enchiladas
Tex-Mex
Along with Indonesian and Italian food, we’re also big fans of Mexican cuisine. Well, sort of.
This dish, ground beef enchiladas, is actually a classic Tex-Mex recipe. Tex-Mex is a fusion of Texan and Mexican cooking that originated in the southern United States. Many of the dishes we associate with Mexican food, such as tacos, nachos, fajitas, and burritos, often have a Tex-Mex influence. And as you’ve come to expect from us, we prefer making things from scratch. Why buy a pre-made seasoning mix when you can make your own using spices you already have in your pantry?
Homemade tastes best
Instead of using a store-bought seasoning mix, you can create your own blend of flavors. The advantage is that you know exactly what’s in it, and you can adjust it to your own taste. Cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt are the basic ingredients you need for a great Tex-Mex seasoning blend.
These spices give the enchiladas their savory, mildly spicy flavor that’s so characteristic of Tex-Mex cooking. One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize. If you like a little extra heat, simply add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a little less.
Endless possibilities
One of the best things about enchiladas is how versatile they are. Traditional enchiladas are often filled with chicken or beef, but they can also be made with other ingredients such as beans, corn, or vegetables. We chose a simple version with bell peppers and ground beef, but the choice is yours. You can even use a plant-based ground meat substitute to make a vegetarian version. The possibilities are endless.
Perfect for busy weeknights
Ground beef enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights. They’re quick to make, satisfying, and easy to prepare ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, simply place the baking dish in the oven, make some guacamole or a fresh salad on the side, and you’ll have a complete meal everyone will enjoy. Finish with some fresh green onions for extra flavor and color. We like to serve them with sweet chili sauce, but that’s completely optional. Enjoy!
Ground beef enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ground beef enchiladas combine seasoned beef, bell peppers, tortillas, and melted cheddar in an easy Tex-Mex dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato passata
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 3 bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 beef bouillon cube (0.36 oz)
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- Sweet chili sauce, optional
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. Cut the bell peppers into small cubes.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook the onion and garlic for about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the seasoning mixture and stir well to coat the beef.
- Pour in the tomato passata and add the brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the crumbled beef bouillon cube. Stir well and taste to see if the seasoning is to your liking.
- Add the diced bell peppers and stir until everything is well combined.
- Take a tortilla and fill it with some of the beef mixture. Roll it up and place it in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Spoon the remaining beef mixture over the enchiladas. Top with the shredded cheese and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serve with fresh green onions and, if desired, sweet chili sauce.

- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican