Creamy beef enchiladas with melted cheese are the ultimate comfort food. These hearty enchiladas are loaded with seasoned ground beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, and smothered in a luscious cream sauce and layers of melted cheese. Whether you are hosting a family dinner or simply craving a satisfying dish, these enchiladas deliver flavor, richness, and that unmistakable homestyle goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The enchiladas are rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for comfort food lovers.
• Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for all cooking levels.
• The flavor combination of savory beef, smooth cream sauce, and gooey melted cheese is irresistible.
• This dish is ideal for make-ahead dinners and reheats wonderfully.
• Customizable with your choice of toppings and add-ins like jalapeños, cilantro, or olives.
• Great for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
• Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly — a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
• Easily scalable to serve larger groups or to prepare freezer-friendly portions.
• A great way to transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Pairs well with rice, beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Yellow onion

• Garlic

• Green chilies

• Flour tortillas

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• Sour cream

• Cream cheese

• Heavy cream or milk

• Cumin

• Chili powder

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

directions

1. Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt cream cheese and stir in sour cream and heavy cream or milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a small amount of cream sauce over the bottom of a greased baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture into tortillas, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, then roll them up and place seam-side down in the dish.

4. Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining cream sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the top generously with the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and serve: Let the enchiladas cool slightly before garnishing with fresh herbs. Serve warm with sides of your choice.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 6

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy variation: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans and sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

• Chicken enchiladas: Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter alternative.

• Tex-Mex twist: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling.

• Low-carb version: Use low-carb tortillas or roll the filling in cabbage leaves before baking.

• Topping ideas: Add sliced olives, chopped green onions, or diced tomatoes on top after baking.

• Smoky flavor: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the creamy base.

• Cheese alternatives: Use pepper jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican blend cheese.

• Sauce swap: Use a red enchilada sauce in place of or in combination with the creamy sauce for a hybrid flavor.

• Freezer-friendly: Assemble the enchiladas without baking and freeze them in the baking dish. Thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze individual portions or the entire dish (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions until hot, covering to retain moisture.

FAQs

How can I make this dish less rich?

Use light sour cream and milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

What is the best way to prevent soggy enchiladas?

Do not over-saturate the tortillas with sauce before baking. Also, avoid overly watery fillings.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, though they may tear more easily. Warm them slightly before rolling to improve flexibility.

Is it okay to skip the cream cheese?

Yes, though it adds richness and thickness. You can simply use more sour cream or a thick béchamel sauce as a substitute.

What sides pair well with these enchiladas?

Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh green salad all complement this dish beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

The filling can be prepared in a slow cooker, but enchiladas are best assembled and baked in the oven for ideal texture.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and check all ingredient labels for gluten content.

What cheese melts best for enchiladas?

Monterey Jack and cheddar are classic choices, but you can also use mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend for great results.

Conclusion

Creamy beef enchiladas with melted cheese are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Their savory flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy topping make them a universally loved comfort food. Easy to customize and prepare ahead, these enchiladas are a reliable go-to recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.

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