Description
Cream Cheese Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish, combining seasoned ground beef and creamy softened cream cheese with salsa and spices, all wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with melted colby-jack cheese, and baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make recipe yields a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mild salsa
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup water
Assembly
- 1 1/2 cups mild salsa (divided: 1/2 cup for beef, 1 cup for baking)
- 2 cups shredded colby-jack cheese, divided (1 tablespoon per tortilla for filling, remainder for topping)
- 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas (corn tortillas can be used as an alternative)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to use later.
- Cook the Beef Filling: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup mild salsa, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until thoroughly heated and creamy. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread 1/2 cup of salsa evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. For each tortilla, spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture and add 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese on top. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down, side by side in the baking dish.
- Add Salsa and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining salsa evenly over the enchiladas, coating all of them well. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded colby-jack cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Once done, remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve with additional salsa or your favorite toppings such as sour cream or jalapeños. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy beef enchiladas!
Notes
- You may substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas for a gluten-free option, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
- Using low-sodium taco seasoning helps control salt content, but adjust seasoning to your taste.
- To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with foil before spraying.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier version, use medium salsa or add diced jalapeños to the filling.
