Beef Enchiladas – Flavor-Packed and Lightened-Up Comfort Food

These Beef Enchiladas are everything you love about the classic dish—tender seasoned beef, savory sauce, and melted cheese—wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. What makes this version special is that it delivers all that bold, Tex-Mex flavor with a few smart ingredient swaps to keep things lighter. It’s the perfect dinner when you want something hearty, satisfying, and easy on the prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor, Lighter Build – Everything you love, made more balanced.
Easy Weeknight Dinner – From stovetop to oven in under an hour.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Makes great leftovers or freezer meals.
Comfort Food Classic – Cheesy, saucy, and family-approved.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (96% lean preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (low-sodium if available)
• ¾ cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 12 small corn tortillas (6-inch)
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, light sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce, and remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas
Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave to make them more pliable. Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef mixture into each tortilla, roll up, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

4. Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.

5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of light sour cream if desired. Serve hot with a side salad or roasted veggies.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 enchiladas, Approximate)

Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 11g
Protein: 26g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Extra-Lean Ground Beef: Cuts back on fat without losing flavor.
• Warm Tortillas First: This prevents cracking when you roll them.
• Make Ahead: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
• Add Veggies: Try adding chopped bell peppers or spinach to the filling for an extra nutrient boost.

Why This Recipe Works

With bold spices, melty cheese, and saucy layers, these enchiladas hit all the right notes—comforting, filling, and crowd-pleasing. Smart ingredient choices like lean protein, light cheese, and corn tortillas help keep the dish balanced while maintaining full flavor.

These lighter Beef Enchiladas are a no-fuss, all-flavor dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. They’re satisfying without being heavy and easy enough to make part of your regular meal rotation. Top them how you like, serve with simple sides, and enjoy a classic dish made just a bit better for you.