5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re like me, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a pan of homemade enchiladas bubbling away in the oven. These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are my ultimate go-to when I want bold Tex-Mex flavor without a lengthy grocery list or all-day kitchen commitment. They’re incredibly easy to pull together on a busy weeknight or for feeding a hungry crowd. Each bite delivers hearty beef filling, melty cheese, and just the right kick from salsa and enchilada sauce — all wrapped up in soft tortillas for a classic, soul-satisfying dish that’s simple, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only five ingredients, every component of these enchiladas pulls double duty when it comes to taste, texture, and color. You’ll see how these simple staples layer up to make something much greater than the sum of their parts!

• Lean Ground Beef: Delivers heartiness and soaks up flavor, while keeping each bite juicy. Go for lean to avoid greasy enchiladas.
• Chunky Salsa: Adds a punch of acidity, heat, and texture—choose your favorite for extra personality!
• Red Enchilada Sauce (10 ounces): Bathes everything in that signature tangy, gently spiced flavor you crave in classic enchiladas.
• 8-inch Tortillas: The essential wrap—use flour tortillas for a softer, pliable bite or corn for tradition and a little more bite.
• Shredded Four Cheese Mexican Blend: Creamy, melty, and utterly irresistible as it bubbles and browns; it’s what ties the whole dish together.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray — this ensures your enchiladas won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and crumble in the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly until no pink remains and you get those beautiful browned bits for extra flavor. Drain away any excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet and adjust heat to medium-low.

Step 3: Add the Salsa

Pour the chunky salsa over the beef and stir to combine. Let it warm through and mingle with the meat, infusing loads of flavor and keeping the filling nice and juicy. Remove the pan from heat when it’s bubbling gently and perfectly blended.

Step 4: Layer the Sauce

Pour half of your red enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful foundation for the tortillas and keeps them from sticking or drying out while baking.

Step 5: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

To make rolling easier, warm your tortillas following the package instructions. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the salsa-beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with a heaping tablespoon of the shredded cheese. Roll each one tightly and line them up seam-side down in your saucy baking dish.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Once all your enchiladas are in the dish, pour over the remaining enchilada sauce to cover. Sprinkle generously with the rest of the cheese so it bubbles and browns beautifully. Wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until gooey, hot, and irresistibly tempting!

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

While these enchiladas are dreamy as-is, I love showering them with fresh toppings for extra flavor and color. Think chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a little diced avocado. Each bite gets a pop of freshness alongside all that cheesy, saucy goodness!

Side Dishes

If you want to make this meal a fiesta, serve your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas with classic Spanish rice, creamy refried beans, or a zesty corn salad on the side. Even a crisp green salad with lime dressing pairs perfectly to lighten up the plate and balance the richness of the enchiladas.

Creative Ways to Present

Take these enchiladas from weeknight staple to party centerpiece by baking them in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or arrange them snugly on a platter and drizzle with extra sauce for a family-style, help-yourself vibe. Try stacking them “open-faced” in a casserole for a layered enchilada bake twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are nothing short of a gift. Cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day lunches that taste even better.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, too! Simply assemble your enchiladas (before baking), cover well with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed—or bake straight from frozen with a little extra time.

Reheating

To recapture that gooey, just-baked texture, reheat enchiladas in a 350°F oven (covered) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in 1-minute bursts, but the oven gives you the best cheesy top!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well in this recipe, offering a lighter alternative while still delivering tons of flavor. Just follow the same cooking and assembly steps for equally delicious results.

What’s the best salsa to use for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas?

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Use a mild salsa if you’re serving kids or those sensitive to spice, or try a hot, smoky salsa if you want to turn up the heat. Even fruit salsas, like pineapple or mango, can add a fun twist!

Can I make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the enchiladas completely, cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a lifesaver for busy nights or dinner parties—just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.

Should I use flour or corn tortillas?

For these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas, flour tortillas are generally softer and easier to roll, making them a favorite for this recipe. But if you love that authentic, slightly chewy corn flavor, go for corn and soften them before rolling.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Certainly! Just divide the ingredients between two baking dishes and follow the same steps. It’s a super easy way to feed a hungry group at potlucks, game days, or family gatherings. Everyone will go home happy and full!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas yet, you are in for a true treat! I promise, once you see how easy and flavor-packed they are, they’ll earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. Give them a try and let them work their cheesy, saucy, soul-warming magic on your table—you won’t regret it!

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