If you have ever dreamed of a dish that brings warmth, melty cheese, and savory flavors wrapped up in a comforting tortilla, your dreams just came true with this Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of classic Mexican-inspired ingredients, layered together in the most delicious and satisfying way. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it combines hearty ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a mix of cheeses that melt to perfection. Each bite offers a little bit of spice, a lot of comfort, and a whole lot of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe so accessible. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The meaty base providing heartiness and rich flavor.
- Refried beans (1 can, 15 oz): Adds creamy texture and a subtle earthiness.
- Small onion, diced (1): Brings a mild sweetness and crunch.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Delivers aromatic depth and warmth.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet, 1 oz): Infuses the filling with zesty spices that elevate every bite.
- Enchilada sauce (1 cup): The saucy component that keeps everything moist and flavorful—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- Flour tortillas (8, 10-inch): Soft and pliable, perfect for stuffing and rolling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp, tangy, and melts beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): For that gooey stretch and creamy texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing the aromatics and beef.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to balance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness.
- Sour cream (optional): Creamy topping for cooling contrast.
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): Adds an extra kick for spice lovers.
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef & Bean Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic along with the ground beef, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Allow the beef to brown fully, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring every bit is flavorful. Once browned, stir in the taco seasoning, refried beans, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture cook together for another few minutes until everything is warmed through and perfectly combined, then remove it from the heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour about 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish to create a flavorful base. Lay out a flour tortilla on a flat surface and spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the beef and bean mixture into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Keep rolling and filling all eight tortillas until the dish is full and the filling is all used up.
Step 3: Sauce and Cheese Layer
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, making sure to coat them evenly. This keeps everything moist and enhances the cheesy, saucy experience. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. You want that beautiful golden, bubbly layer that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re waiting for the cheese to melt completely, bubble up, and the edges of the tortillas to crisp slightly for texture contrast. Once done, take the dish out and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving—this little rest helps everything set up so the enchiladas hold their shape.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this dish doesn’t stop at baking. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright herbal touch that uplifts the rich, cheesy flavor. A dollop of sour cream lends cool creaminess, perfect for balancing the spices. If you love heat, sliced jalapeños bring a lively burst of spice on top—don’t be shy with these!
Side Dishes
Enchiladas pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides to contrast the richness. Try a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch or some Mexican-style street corn for a sweet and smoky companion. Alternatively, simple Mexican rice or black beans complement the dish beautifully without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up, drizzle a little crema or chipotle sauce artistically over the top for an eye-catching presentation. Serving each enchilada individually rolled and garnished on colorful plates makes the meal feel extra special. For casual gatherings, set up a toppings bar with guacamole, chopped onions, and salsa so everyone can customize their own plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe is even better the next day. Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the enchiladas cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake yet. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking to avoid overheating and drying out.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a lovely traditional touch and a slightly different texture. Just be sure to warm them before assembling to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and toppings you choose. The base recipe is mildly spiced, but you can add sliced jalapeños or a spicy enchilada sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work well here. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and season to taste.
How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?
For a simple homemade sauce, combine chili powder, tomato paste, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of cumin and oregano. Simmer until thickened. This allows you to control flavors and spice levels exactly.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy enchiladas?
Don’t overload the filling or sauce, and allow the dish to rest a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps excess moisture settle and achieve a nice texture balance.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of hearty, cheesy, and comforting with just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s a meal that invites sharing, laughter, and satisfaction with every forkful. If you haven’t tried making enchiladas from scratch before, this is a wonderful place to start—warm, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. Trust me, once you make this, it will be one of those dishes you come back to again and again.
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
Delicious and comforting Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas featuring a savory ground beef and refried bean filling, wrapped in soft flour tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this dish makes a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
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)
Assembly
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 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 and Garlic: Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning, refried beans, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay one tortilla flat on a surface, spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef and bean mixture into the center, then roll it up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
- Add Sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the assembled tortillas, making sure they are all evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
- Bake the Enchiladas: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the enchiladas to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the enchiladas with freshly chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños as desired before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more jalapeños or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version but be sure to soften them first to prevent cracking.
- Leftover enchiladas reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Make sure not to overfill the tortillas to avoid them splitting during baking.
