Name: Irresistible Beef Enchiladas With Green Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups green enchilada sauce; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend); 10 corn tortillas; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

When you need a dinner that hits every note of comfort, spice, and satisfaction, beef enchiladas with green sauce are the answer. This dish wraps seasoned ground beef in soft tortillas, blankets it in a tangy tomatillo-based green sauce, and melts cheese over the top until golden and bubbly. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug and a fiesta all in one.

Green enchiladas are a brilliant twist on the classic red sauce version. The green sauce brings a fresh, slightly tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s the perfect harmony of cozy and zesty, ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a meal prep option. Every bite delivers layered flavors and a satisfying texture that will have everyone going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas With Green Sauce

This recipe is a keeper for busy weeknights because it’s simple, flavorful, and loved by all ages. The green sauce offers a lighter, brighter flavor than the traditional red, and it pairs beautifully with seasoned beef and melted cheese. Whether you’re new to enchiladas or a seasoned pro, this version brings comfort and a touch of excitement to your dinner table.

These enchiladas also freeze and reheat well, making them ideal for meal planning. They’re hearty without being heavy, and every component can be adjusted to fit your taste—whether you prefer spicier sauce, more cheese, or even shredded chicken as a substitute. This flexibility makes the recipe both foolproof and crowd-pleasing.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Corn tortillas are the traditional and most flavorful choice for enchiladas. They hold up well to sauce and baking without becoming too soggy. If you prefer flour tortillas for their soft texture, they can be used too—just keep in mind that they absorb more sauce and may become a little softer in the bake. To avoid cracking, warm your corn tortillas before assembling to make them pliable.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Beef Enchiladas With Green Sauce

To create this vibrant, savory dish, you’ll need just a few essential ingredients that come together in a delicious way. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavor and texture.

Ground beef
Yellow onion
Garlic
Cumin
Chili powder
Salt
Black pepper
Green enchilada sauce
Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend)
Corn tortillas
Olive oil
Fresh cilantro

The ground beef is your hearty base. Choose lean for less grease but still lots of flavor. Yellow onion and garlic are the aromatics that give depth, while cumin and chili powder bring warmth and classic Tex-Mex flair. A touch of salt and black pepper is essential for seasoning.

Green enchilada sauce is the star of this recipe. Use store-bought or homemade; look for a tomatillo-forward version with bright flavor. Shredded cheese adds gooey richness, and corn tortillas provide that authentic bite. A bit of olive oil helps soften the tortillas and gives them a golden edge when baked. Finish with fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness.

Irresistible Beef Enchiladas With Green Sauce (1)

How To Make the Irresistible Beef Enchiladas With Green Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Cook the ground beef until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, then continue cooking until the onion is soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the spices bloom for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the corn tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them flexible. This prevents cracking when rolling.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spoon a bit of the beef mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Green Sauce

Pour green enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure they’re well coated. Sprinkle more cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving and Storing These Enchiladas

These enchiladas are best served hot right out of the oven, with extra green sauce spooned over the top and a generous sprinkle of cilantro. They feed around 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice adds a lovely touch.

To store leftovers, let the enchiladas cool completely, then cover the baking dish with foil or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

What to Serve With Beef Enchiladas?

Mexican Rice

Fluffy and seasoned just right, Mexican rice makes a perfect side to soak up the extra green sauce.

Refried Beans

Creamy refried beans add a smooth, earthy contrast to the tangy enchiladas.

Guacamole and Chips

Cool, creamy guacamole and crunchy chips bring texture and freshness to the plate.

Simple Side Salad

A crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and vibrant.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Grilled corn slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili, and lime is always a hit.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This fresh salsa adds color and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully.

Mango Pico de Gallo

A fruit-forward twist on classic pico de gallo brings a sweet heat to the mix.

Churros or Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

For dessert, end your meal with something sweet and crunchy.

Want More Mexican-Inspired Ideas?

If these beef enchiladas hit the spot, you might love trying out these other recipes from MiaPlates:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how you personalized these enchiladas. Did you go all-in on spice? Add extra cheese? I love hearing how others make recipes their own, so don’t be shy to share!

Explore more flavorful and cozy dishes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest for daily comfort meals, family favorites, and creative twists you’ll keep coming back to.