Cheesy Beef Enchiladas with Creamy White Sauce
A quick and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef with a rich white cheese sauce, baked into warm flour tortillas for a satisfying, family-friendly meal. Simple, bold, and ready in 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
½ onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for sauce)
6 medium flour tortillas
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened
Stir in cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper
In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until smooth
Cook sauce on medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes
Stir cheese into the sauce until melted
Layer half the cheese sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange tortillas in the dish, top each with beef mixture, then pour remaining sauce over the top
Sprinkle with remaining cheese for a golden crust
Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden
Garnish with parsley or cilantro before serving
Notes
Ground chicken or turkey can substitute for beef
Use 100% whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber
For a richer sauce, substitute ½ cup heavy cream for ¼ cup milk
Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crisp texture