If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas are about to become your go-to recipe. Imagine perfectly seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, and a medley of melted cheese all snuggled inside soft tortillas, baked to bubbly perfection under a blanket of rich enchilada sauce. This dish is pure comfort layered with flavor, and it comes together easily for a satisfying weeknight meal or a festive gathering with friends. If you’re ready for a meal that wins smiles and second helpings, stick with me through this cheesy, saucy adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas at home is that the ingredients are simple but each one plays a starring role. From zesty spices to melty cheese, every component brings something special—texture, heat, savoriness, or vibrant color—for that irresistible, just-one-more-bite effect.
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 for juicy, flavorful filling that doesn’t dry out.
- Black Beans: Canned beans save time and add protein and creamy texture; just drain and rinse.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion turns sweet and tender, creating an aromatic base for the beef.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers a gentle punch and deep flavor.
- Olive Oil: A quick sauté in olive oil helps everything caramelize and come together beautifully.
- Chili Powder: The bold spice that gives your enchiladas signature warmth and color.
- Ground Cumin: For earthy undertones and that unmistakable Tex-Mex flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that takes the filling from good to unforgettable.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and heighten all the flavors.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, it’s the saucy hug that ties the whole dish together.
- Flour Tortillas: Medium-sized are perfect for rolling and soaking up all the goodness without falling apart.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts evenly for that glorious cheesy pull in every bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: For a bright, fresh garnish that wakes up every serving (optional, but recommended!)
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this is the sweet spot for bubbling cheese and tender tortillas. While it preheats, spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This little extra step keeps your enchiladas from sticking and adds a saucy foundation for each roll.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add that chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds so its fragrance blooms. These two simple steps set up a flavorful base for your Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas filling.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Toss the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Sauté until it’s well browned and fully cooked through. Once it’s ready, drain off any excess fat—this keeps your filling rich but not greasy.
Step 4: Season and Add Beans
Stir in the black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix so those spices coat every morsel. Pour in 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce and gently fold the mixture together. This step is what gives Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas their tantalizing depth and a nice saucy bite.
Step 5: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Grab your flour tortillas and lay them out. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef and bean mixture down the center of each one, then sprinkle a little of the shredded cheese over the filling. Roll each tortilla up tight and line them up seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over your rolled tortillas and crown the top with the rest of the shredded cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is what makes Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas irresistible!
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide your enchiladas into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden around the edges. The aroma alone is almost impossible to resist at this point!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with a shower of fresh cilantro if you like that herbaceous finish. Serve your Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas hot, and get ready for a wave of happy faces at the table.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas
Garnishes
The right toppings can take your Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas from tasty to absolutely show-stopping. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds color and a pop of herbiness. Dollops of sour cream, slices of ripe avocado, and a squeeze of lime enhance each bite with creamy, cool, and tangy layers. Don’t hesitate to add quick-pickled onions or even some crumbled queso fresco for an extra-special touch.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas shine brightly alongside easy sides. Try serving them with fluffy Mexican rice, zesty black beans, or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. Classic tortilla chips and fresh salsa are always welcome, or you can whip up some roasted corn for a sweet and smoky contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice each enchilada in half and arrange them upright on a serving platter for easy grabbing. You can also serve individually plated portions, drizzled with extra sauce and a tri-color garnish of cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a swirl of crema. For a casual family dinner, let everyone build their own plates and top their Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas as they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas hold up beautifully as leftovers. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get more delicious as they meld together overnight!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, simply assemble the enchiladas (leave off the garnish), cover tightly with foil, and pop into the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works well; add a splash of water or sauce before reheating to maintain that perfectly soft and saucy texture. The cheese gets melty and gooey all over again, just like when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas offer a classic flavor and work beautifully. Just warm them slightly to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
What’s the best type Main Course
A Mexican blend is ideal for its meltability and mild zip, but you can mix in cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness. Don’t be afraid to use whatever shredded cheese you enjoy most!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can spice things up by stirring diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the beef mixture. Pepper jack cheese or a drizzle of spicy salsa as a topping will also do the trick.
Can Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Are there any vegetarian adaptations?
You can absolutely skip the beef and double the beans (or use refried beans and sautéed veggies) for a delicious meatless version that still delivers all the cheesy comfort you crave.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress your family or just treat yourself to something undeniably comforting, give these Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas a try. Every bite is a delicious mix of saucy, savory, and cheesy goodness that’s sure to bring everyone running to the dinner table. You might just discover they become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Print
Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that the whole family will love. Flavorful ground beef and hearty black beans are wrapped in soft flour tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked until bubbly with melted cheese on top. Serve these easy-to-make enchiladas with your favorite toppings for a cozy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Bean Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce, divided
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, then brown the ground beef. Stir in black beans, spices, and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Fill tortillas with beef mixture, roll up, and place in the dish. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, or lime juice for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
