If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures, this Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite bursts with the perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, all topped with a luscious, tangy enchilada sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these enchiladas are sure to become one of your go-to dishes that everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the spice from the taco seasoning, the creamy texture from the refried beans, or the melty perfection from the blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty flavor and protein to make the enchiladas filling.
- Refried beans (1 can, 15 oz): Adds creaminess and depth, balancing the savory beef.
- Diced onion (1 small): Adds a mild sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Offers an irresistible fragrance and enhances overall flavor.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet, 1 oz): Brings in Mexican-inspired spices for that classic enchilada taste.
- Enchilada sauce (1 cup): The star sauce that ties everything together with tangy, spicy notes.
- Flour tortillas (8, 10-inch): Soft wraps that hold the filling and become delightfully tender after baking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds sharp, robust flavor and melts beautifully on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Contributes creaminess and a smooth melting texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing onions and beef, bringing out their flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all ingredients.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note when sprinkled before serving.
- Sour cream (optional): Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy enchiladas.
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who love an extra flash of heat and crunch.
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef & Bean Filling
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and releases its sweet aroma. Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook everything together until the beef browns fully, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning, refried beans, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom—this prevents sticking and adds a flavor base. Lay out one tortilla on a flat surface, scoop around 1/4 cup of the beef and bean filling into its center, then roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with all the tortillas until your dish is filled with neat little rolls bathed in sauce.
Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, making sure each one is well-coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly across the top, creating a rich, golden blanket of melty goodness. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the tortillas crisp up just slightly, teasing you with their perfect texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, give the enchiladas five minutes to cool slightly so the flavors settle and they’re not too hot to handle. Add any optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños to elevate the dish and personalize each bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really bring the dish to life. Chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich meat filling. A scoop of sour cream offers cool creaminess that balances the spiciness of the sauce and jalapeños. And those sliced jalapeños bring a fresh, crisp heat that can be tailored to your spice preference. Don’t be shy about piling these on—they make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
To complete the meal, serve these enchiladas alongside a crisp green salad or refreshing Mexican-style street corn for a vibrant combo. Spanish rice or a simple guacamole also pairs amazingly well, adding layers of flavor and texture. These sides keep the meal well-rounded and help balance the richness of the cheesy beef and beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, plate your Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe in colorful ceramic dishes or on rustic wooden boards, garnished with lime wedges for a zesty hint. You can also serve individual enchilada rolls stacked with layered toppings or slice them into mini portions for parties. A drizzle of extra enchilada sauce and sprinkle of chopped green onions add an inviting touch that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making reheated portions just as delicious as fresh ones. Just be sure to cover them well to keep the tortillas from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe later, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked dish before adding the cheese topping. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and bake as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the enchiladas uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly again. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Adding a little extra cheese before reheating can revive that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a nice authentic flavor and are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to warm them before rolling to prevent cracking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans, veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes. The cheese and sauce will still make it deliciously satisfying.
What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought enchilada sauce for convenience or make your own for a fresher, customizable flavor. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
How spicy is this Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe?
The level of spice depends largely on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you choose. You can control the heat by selecting milder or hotter versions, and adjust the jalapeño garnish accordingly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Just add the cheese right before baking for the best melty top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a plate of Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe that just warms the soul and brings people together around the table. This recipe balances simplicity with flavor in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes one of your favorites, too.
Print
Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A delicious and hearty meal featuring ground beef and refried beans rolled in flour tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to create cheesy, flavorful beef and bean enchiladas that can be garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Beef & Bean Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Enchiladas
- 8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef & Bean Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in taco seasoning, refried beans, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Sauce Base: Spread 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Lay one tortilla flat, spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef and bean filling into the center, then roll tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Add Sauce Over Enchiladas: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure all are coated for moistness and flavor.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the enchiladas.
- Bake the Enchiladas: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles and the tortilla edges become slightly crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and avoid burns.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños as desired for extra freshness, creaminess, and heat.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- To make this recipe spicier, add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- For gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat enchiladas covered with foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
