If you’ve ever wanted an irresistible, no-fuss dinner that delivers total satisfaction, look no further than these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. This dish brings together rich, savory beef, zesty salsa, melty cheese, and a luxuriously spiced enchilada sauce, all neatly wrapped up in soft tortillas. It’s a recipe built for both busy weeknights and cozy gatherings with friends or family, proving you can create something utterly delicious with just a handful of simple ingredients—and little effort. Get ready to fall in love with a meal that hits every flavor note, all while keeping things blissfully simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas is seeing how a few everyday staples can work such delicious magic. Each ingredient earns its place—think of them as the core team that brings taste, color, and soul to every bite.
- Lean ground beef: Browned for maximum flavor, this makes your enchiladas hearty and so satisfying.
- Chunky salsa: Adds both moisture and a boost of zesty tomato flavor, plus little bites of veggies throughout.
- Red enchilada sauce: Binds everything together with a pop of spice, giving the whole dish its signature saucy goodness.
- 8-inch flour tortillas: These create the perfect soft-yet-structured base for rolling and baking your enchiladas; feel free to sub corn tortillas for a more traditional twist.
- Shredded Four Cheese Mexican: Melts into gooey perfection, offering savory richness and that irresistible cheesy top.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a coating of nonstick spray—this makes cleanup a breeze later on and keeps those enchiladas from sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add your ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon until it’s beautifully browned with crispy edges and no pink remains. Drain off any extra fat so the filling stays rich but not greasy. Return the beef to the pan and reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 3: Mix in Salsa
Pour in your chunky salsa and stir until everything is well combined. Let the flavors mingle for a minute or two just until heated through, then remove from the heat—you want a thick, juicy filling for rolling the best 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas.
Step 4: Sauce the Pan and Roll the Tortillas
Pour about half the enchilada sauce into the base of your prepared baking dish and spread it out. Next, warm the tortillas according to the package directions to make them extra pliable (trust me, this step makes rolling a breeze). Spoon roughly 1/4 cup of beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of cheese over it, then roll them up tightly. Place each one seam-side down in the saucy dish as you go.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over your filled tortillas, then shower on the remaining cheese. Wrap the dish snugly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheese will bubble and melt to golden perfection, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
How to Serve 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Garnishes
I’m a firm believer that a few fresh toppings make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas feel restaurant-worthy. Sprinkle on some chopped cilantro for color, a dollop of sour cream for coolness, or diced avocado for buttery richness. Even a few sliced green onions add a gentle crunch and pop of brightness.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with some classic sides. Think Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. Roasted corn or black beans are big hits, too. These sides soak up extra sauce and cheesiness, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice the enchiladas into bite-size pieces and serve with toothpicks—they’re the ultimate finger food. Or, try a “build-your-own” enchilada bar, letting friends pick their garnishes or sidekicks. It’s such a fun twist, especially when family is gathered around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply let the enchiladas cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They become even more flavorful as the ingredients meld.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas freeze beautifully. Assemble as directed but hold off on the final bake. Instead, wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. A quick reheat in the microwave works, too—just be sure to cover so the enchiladas don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a classic, slightly earthy flavor. Just warm them well before rolling to prevent cracking.
What’s the best salsa to use?
Go with your favorite! A chunky salsa adds great texture, and you can choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference. Even homemade salsa works wonderfully.
Can I add extra fillings to these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas?
Of course! While the heart of this recipe is its simplicity, feel free to toss in black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers for a little extra flair.
Can I make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas vegetarian?
Definitely. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, or try a hearty mix of beans and grilled vegetables for a completely vegetarian option.
Why do I need to cover the enchiladas when baking?
Covering keeps in moisture and ensures the cheese melts evenly without over-browning. For an extra golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about a homemade pan of 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas—it’s the kind of dish that turns an everyday dinner into a celebration. When time is short but cravings are big, this recipe truly delivers. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes your new go-to favorite for family, friends, or any time you want a little extra comfort on the table!
Print
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make beef enchiladas that are perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. These enchiladas are filled with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in tortillas and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup chunky salsa
Enchiladas:
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 8 (8-inch) tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1 (8-ounce) package Borden® Cheese Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, return to skillet, add salsa, and heat through. Remove from heat.
- Layer Sauce: Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the baking dish.
- Fill Tortillas: Warm tortillas, spoon meat mixture down the center of each, top with cheese, roll up, and place seam side down in the dish.
- Bake: Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, sprinkle with cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 295kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 951mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
