It is 6pm on a busy Tuesday evening. You are tired and the kids are hungry. They want pizza but you want something hearty. This pizza enchiladas ground beef recipe is the perfect solution. It brings two family favorites together in one dish.
This fusion meal is a total game changer. It is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Your family will love the fun pizza twist. You will love how simple it is to serve. It is the ultimate comfort food for any night.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is perfect for those busy fall evenings. It takes the best parts of two worlds. You get the bold flavors of pizza in every bite. The assembly is just like making classic enchiladas. It is a great way to use ground beef. Your kids will ask for seconds every time.
It is also very budget-friendly and uses pantry staples. You likely have most ingredients in your kitchen now. It feeds a whole family without any stress. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
How to Make Pizza Enchiladas Ground Beef
Making this dish is very easy and fun. You start by browning the beef in a skillet. Then you roll the mixture into soft tortillas. Even beginner cooks can handle these simple steps. It feels like a fun kitchen project. You will have dinner on the table fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and easy to find. Most are likely in your pantry or fridge already.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 12 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the beef and onions in a large skillet.
- Cook until beef is brown and onions are soft.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef.
- Cook for 60 seconds until it smells very fragrant.
- Stir in 0.5 cup marinara and 0.5 cup mozzarella.
- Mix until the cheese is partially melted.
- Spread 0.5 cup marinara in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture.
- Roll them tightly and place them in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara over the center.
- Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these enchiladas while they are warm and gooey. They look beautiful right out of the oven. Pair them with a fresh garden salad. Some warm garlic bread is also a great choice. It makes the meal feel very special. Your family will enjoy every cheesy bite.
How to Store Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze them for later. Reheat in the oven to keep them tender and delicious. This is a great meal prep option for lunches. It tastes even better the next day.
Tips for Best Results
- Drain the ground beef very well before filling.
- Do not overfill the tortillas so they stay closed.
- Use a high-quality marinara for the best flavor.
- Let the dish rest so it stays together.
- Add a pinch of red pepper for heat.
- Double the pepperoni for extra pizza flavor.
- Try using fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add diced green peppers for more crunch.
- Swap flour tortillas for whole wheat options.
- Add black olives on top before baking.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in the morning. Keep it covered in the fridge until dinner. Just add five minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for busy weeknight schedules.
Will my kids actually like this?
Most kids love the familiar pizza flavors. The pepperoni and cheese are very kid-friendly. It is a fun way to eat dinner. Even picky eaters usually enjoy this mashup.
I hope this cozy recipe brings your family together. It is a fun twist on two classics. Give it a try tonight and enjoy!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio)
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 12 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess rendered fat.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate 0.5 cup of marinara sauce and 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella into the beef mixture, stirring until the cheese is partially melted.
- Spread 0.5 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Distribute the beef mixture evenly among the 12 flour tortillas. Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the center of the rolled tortillas.
- Evenly distribute the remaining 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, and grated Parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden brown.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure internal structural integrity.
