5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Sink your teeth into comfort with these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas, a brilliantly simple weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavor without the fuss. Richly spiced beef, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce all wrap up in soft tortillas, making each bite even better than the last. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something warm and filling, this recipe shows off how a short ingredient list can still guarantee big satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical that happens when you keep things simple: each ingredient gets its chance to shine. These five essentials work together seamlessly, creating layers of flavor and texture—and there’s absolutely nothing here that doesn’t matter.

• Lean ground beef: The heart of your enchiladas, it soaks up all the saucy goodness and provides a satisfying, savory base.
• Chunky salsa: Brings not just bold flavors but extra moisture and pops of veggies—choose your favorite heat level for a custom kick!
• Red enchilada sauce (10-ounce can): The secret weapon for that classic tangy, mildly spicy flavor that soaks into every corner.
• 8-inch tortillas: Flour tortillas wrap beautifully and stay super soft, but if you love tradition, try corn for a hearty twist.
• Four cheese Mexican blend (about 2 cups): Shredded thick cut cheese melts into gooey layers, giving each bite irresistible richness.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray—this keeps the tortillas from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. This simple step sets you up for enchilada success before you even start cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Grab your largest skillet and cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and fragrant. Don’t rush this part—the slight browning gives the beef deeper flavor. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat, then return the meat to the skillet and turn the heat down to medium-low.

Step 3: Add Salsa and Simmer

Stir in the chunky salsa right into the skillet with your beef. Let it cook together for a few minutes so the beef absorbs all that salsa flavor and the mixture is heated through. Once it smells irresistible, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside for assembling the enchiladas.

Step 4: Prep the Baking Dish with Enchilada Sauce

Pour about half of your red enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms a luscious base, keeping the enchiladas moist and giving them that signature saucy finish underneath.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

Warm the tortillas according to the package (this step makes them much easier to roll without breaking). Spoon roughly 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then top each with a generous heap of cheese. Roll them up snugly and lay them seam-side down in the dish, right into the sauce.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese on Top

Once all your enchiladas are lined up, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tops. Sprinkle the rest of your cheese over everything—the more surface area covered, the better!

Step 7: Bake Until Melty and Perfect

Tightly wrap your baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is gently simmering. When you uncover the dish, get ready for a wave of irresistible aroma.

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

Turn your pan of 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with a shower of fresh toppings. Try a handful of chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess and color. For a zesty punch, add diced avocado or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve these enchiladas alongside classic Mexican rice or a scoop of seasoned black beans. For something a little lighter, a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette brightens everything up. Even chips and fresh guacamole will feel right at home on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or love a casual vibe, try serving 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas buffet-style with little bowls of extra toppings. Or, slice them up into bite-sized pieces for a fun appetizer platter everyone can share. Stack two enchiladas per plate, stack-style, and drizzle with extra sauce for a dramatic, “foodie” presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly or transfer individual enchiladas into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas keep beautifully for up to 3 days—just enough time to enjoy them all over again.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the enchiladas right up until baking, then cover tightly and freeze the whole dish for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Frozen leftovers also reheat well for delicious, no-fuss meals later.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For individual portions, a microwave will do the trick in a few minutes—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are tasty alternatives that lighten things up but still soak in all that savory salsa flavor. You might need a splash more salsa to keep the filling juicy.

How can I make these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas spicier?

If you like heat, use a hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne while cooking the beef. You can also sprinkle in chopped jalapeños or use spicy enchilada sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Which kind of tortillas are best for enchiladas?

Flour tortillas give the softest, most pillowy result and are easy to roll, but traditionalists often prefer corn tortillas for their flavor and heartiness. Both work beautifully—choose what you love!

Can I add extra fillings to this recipe?

You can! If you don’t mind going beyond five ingredients, toss in beans, sautéed peppers, or even some corn. Just keep the overall filling amount steady to avoid overstuffing the tortillas.

What cheese works best for melting in 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas?

A shredded Mexican blend melts into the dreamiest layer, but you can swap in Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even pepper jack if you prefer a little spice. Thick-cut shreds give you that extra-gooey topping everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas pack loads of deliciousness into every bite with no complicated steps or fanciful ingredients required. Give them a try—the flavors are irresistible, the process is completely stress-free, and chances are you’ll put this recipe on repeat in your own kitchen!

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