Beef Enchiladas with Extra Cheese on Top (Rich, Cheesy & Comforting)
Beef enchiladas with extra cheese on top are the ultimate comfort food. Soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, smothered in flavorful enchilada sauce, and baked under a generous layer of melted cheese make this dish a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this classic enchilada recipe is easy to prepare and delivers bold, satisfying flavors in every bite.
What Are Beef Enchiladas?
Beef enchiladas are a traditional Mexican-inspired dish made by rolling tortillas around a savory beef filling, covering them with enchilada sauce, and baking until hot and bubbly. Adding extra cheese on top creates a golden, melty crust that takes this dish to the next level.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
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500 g (1 lb) ground beef
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling
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10–12 corn or flour tortillas
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2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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2½–3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Optional Toppings
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Chopped fresh cilantro
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Sour cream
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Sliced jalapeños
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Diced tomatoes
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
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Preparation Time: 25 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: About 55 minutes
Oven Temperature
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180°C (350°F)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry pan or microwave for 20–30 seconds. This makes them soft and easier to roll without tearing.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Enchiladas
Place a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef filling into the center. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese over the beef, then roll the tortilla tightly.
Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly in the dish.
Adding Sauce and Extra Cheese
Step 5: Pour the Enchilada Sauce
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure all enchiladas are well covered. This keeps them moist and flavorful while baking.
Step 6: Add Extra Cheese on Top
Generously sprinkle 2 to 2½ cups of shredded cheese over the entire dish. For extra cheesiness, make sure the cheese fully covers the sauce and reaches the edges.
Baking the Enchiladas
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Serving Suggestions
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps them hold their shape.
Serve hot with:
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Sour cream
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Fresh cilantro
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Mexican rice
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Refried beans
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Simple green salad
Tips for Perfect Beef Enchiladas
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Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
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Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they may tear.
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Cover while baking first to keep enchiladas moist.
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Let rest before serving for cleaner slices.
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Add extra cheese last for a rich, golden topping.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 170°C (325°F) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
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Enchiladas can be frozen (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Beef enchiladas with extra cheese on top are a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that never goes out of style. With seasoned beef, rich sauce, soft tortillas, and a thick layer of melted cheese, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive meal, these cheesy beef enchiladas are guaranteed to satisfy.