Go Back
–+ servings
Beef and Bean Enchiladas served on a plate

Beef and Bean Enchiladas

No ratings yet
Ground beef and refried beans rolled inside warm corn tortillas, covered with enchilada sauce, and baked to bubbly, melty perfection. Warming the tortillas before rolling prevents cracking and ensures pliability. Browning the beef first builds rich flavor making this a great weeknight Mexican dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef use 85/15 blend for flavor and manageable fat
  • 1 can refried beans 15 oz can, traditional style for creamy texture
  • 12 corn tortillas fresh or refrigerated for pliability
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce red sauce preferred for traditional flavor
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack for melting
  • 1 onion chopped finely
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing onion and garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Equipment

  • Large skillet Used to cook beef and bean filling
  • 9x13 inch baking dish Used to assemble and bake the enchiladas
  • Microwave Used to warm tortillas wrapped in damp towel

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking up clumps with a spatula until no pink remains and edges turn golden. Drain excess fat and discard.
    1 lb ground beef
  2. Add olive oil to the same skillet. Cook chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in refried beans and stir until heated through.
    1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 can refried beans
  3. Wrap corn tortillas in a damp kitchen towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Keep covered to stay pliable.
    12 corn tortillas
  4. Pour ½ cup enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread 2-3 tablespoons beef-bean filling down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
    2 cups enchilada sauce, 1 lb ground beef, 1 can refried beans, 2 cups shredded cheese, 12 corn tortillas
  5. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles at the edges. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set the filling.
    2 cups shredded cheese, 2 cups enchilada sauce

Notes

  • Warm tortillas just before assembling to prevent cracking during rolling.
  • Drain fat from beef to avoid greasy filling and soggy tortillas.
  • Rest enchiladas 5 minutes after baking for best texture and easier serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!