Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods. Imagine the crispy edges of a pizza combined with the warm, flavorful goodness of enchiladas. They make a perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself. I remember the first time I made them for my family; we were all gathered around the dinner table, and their eyes lit up with excitement. It’s hard to resist the cheesy, meaty layers wrapped in a soft tortilla, topped with zesty enchilada sauce. This recipe is not only easy and fun to make, but it also brings a smile to everyone’s face. If you’re looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is worth trying!
Why Make This Recipe
What makes Pizza Enchiladas so special? For starters, they are incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy cooking skills—just chop, mix, roll, and bake! The main ingredients consist of ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and cheese—foods most households already have on hand. You can whip them up on a busy weeknight or make them for a gathering with friends and family.
Speaking of family, this recipe often sparks laughter and stories during mealtime. It is a dish that encourages a sense of togetherness. Whether you are sharing memories of where you last enjoyed pizza or discussing your favorite ingredients, this dish brings warmth to the table. Plus, who doesn’t love gooey cheese and hearty beef wrapped in soft tortillas? Everyone will be asking for seconds!
How to Make Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef
Making Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is as easy as pie—or shall I say pizza? Start by gathering all your ingredients so you don’t have to run back and forth during cooking. This helps keep the kitchen tidy and your mind focused.
The aroma of the beef and onions sizzling in the skillet will fill your kitchen, making everyone curious about what’s for dinner. As you mix the spices in, you’ll notice how the flavors blend perfectly. The smell will be heavenly!
Once you’ve assembled the fillings and rolled up the tortillas, pouring the enchilada sauce over the top feels satisfying. It’s like giving your dish a warm blanket of flavor before it takes a cozy nap in the oven. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that looks just as good as it smells!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef: This is the base of the dish, offering rich flavor and heartiness. You can substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Onions add a sweet and savory taste, elevating the flavor of the beef. Shallots can be a good substitute if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce: This sauce brings zest and moisture to the dish. If you prefer mild flavors, look for a low-sodium or mild variety.
- 8 flour tortillas: These provide a soft, chewy wrap for the hearty fillings. If you want a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work well too.
- 1 cup shredded pepperoni: Adds a pizza-like twist to your enchiladas. You can swap this for turkey pepperoni or omit it entirely for a healthier version.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty cheese binds everything together, adding deliciousness. You could try cheddar or even a dairy-free cheese.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This spice adds a strong aroma and depth of flavor. Fresh minced garlic can be used for an even stronger taste.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: A staple herb that enhances the Italian flavor of the dish. Dried basil could be a nice alternative.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Always adjust it according to your personal preference.
Directions
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Preheat your oven: Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Pizza Enchiladas cook evenly.
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Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet, add the lean ground beef and the diced onion. Cook them over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces. Stir until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a healthier dish.
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Add spices: Once the beef and onions are cooked, sprinkle in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, allowing the spices to coat the beef evenly. The fragrance will be intoxicating!
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Prepare the baking dish: Take a small amount of enchilada sauce and spread it evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents the tortillas from sticking and adds more flavor.
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Assemble the enchiladas: Now it’s time to fill the tortillas! Take one tortilla and place a few spoonfuls of the beef mixture in the center. Add a handful of shredded pepperoni and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Carefully roll it up tightly, then place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.
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Top it off: Once all the tortillas are packed in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Make sure every corner is coated. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over it. This will create a beautifully cheesy top crust.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
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Cool and serve: When finished baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Slicing into hot enchiladas can result in a messy plate, so this step is quite important. Enjoy the bubbling goodness!
How to Serve Pizza Enchiladas
Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef is a versatile dish. You can serve it straight from the oven, letting everyone dive into the cheesy goodness. For added flair, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream. Sliced jalapeños can add a bit of heat if desired.
These enchiladas are great for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even as a fun dish for game day. You can pair them with a fresh green salad, some tortilla chips, or a warm bowl of soup. For drinks, a simple soda or iced tea can complement the meal perfectly.
How to Store Pizza Enchiladas
If you happen to have leftovers (but let’s be honest, that might be rare!), storing them is easy. First, let the enchiladas cool completely before putting them away. You can either cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container.
In the fridge: They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat them properly so they retain their deliciousness!
In the freezer: If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. I recommend slicing them before freezing to make individual servings easier. Wrap them securely in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but keep in mind that the texture may not be as appealing. Always ensure they are heated all the way to the center.
Tips to Make Pizza Enchiladas
- Prep your ingredients first: Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother.
- Don’t overfill your tortillas: If you pack too much inside, they can burst open while cooking.
- Use fresh cheese: Grating cheese fresh instead of pre-shredded results in a creamier, meltier product.
- Let it cool before slicing: This step helps keep the enchiladas from falling apart when you dish them out.
- Experiment with layers: This recipe is flexible! Don’t hesitate to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations you can try:
- Spice it up: For a kick, add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Go veggie: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. You could also add spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Cheese change: Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or a blend of different cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Pizza Enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just bake until heated through.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy edges.
Q: Can I use a different cheese or flour?
Yes! Feel free to substitute mozzarella with your favorite cheese or try a dairy-free alternative. For tortillas, corn, whole wheat, or gluten-free tortillas can also be used.
With all these details, you’ll not only enjoy making Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef but also sharing them with those you love. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every bite of this tasty dish!
Print
Pizza Enchiladas with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on pizza and enchiladas, combining crispy edges and warm, flavorful goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle in garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, pepperoni, and cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or sour cream. Consider adding jalapeños for heat or serving with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pizza, enchiladas, beef, comfort food, family dinner