5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or fuss, let me introduce you to the magic of 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. This dish hits all the right notes with a hearty, savory ground beef filling, a tangy salsa kick, and creamy, melty Mexican cheese all wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered with rich enchilada sauce. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat yet comes together quickly and easily, making it an absolute weeknight hero. Trust me, once you try these enchiladas, they’ll become your go-to when you want something delicious without the hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas so irresistible is its reliance on simple, readily available ingredients that each bring their own star quality to the dish. From the juicy ground beef to the spicy salsa, every component contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

• 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base of the filling, providing ground-up meaty goodness that soaks up the salsa flavor.
• 1 cup chunky salsa: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness with just the right amount of texture thanks to bits of tomato, onion, and peppers.
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce: This is where the dish gets its classic enchilada flavor, rich and slightly smoky with mild heat.
• 8 (8-inch) tortillas: Flour tortillas are preferred here for softness and flexibility, but corn tortillas are a great traditional alternative.
• 1 (8-ounce) package Borden® Cheese Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican (about 2 cups): This cheese blend melts beautifully, creating gooey, cheesy pockets of joy throughout the enchiladas.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your baking dish a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, brown your lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat. Return the meat to the pan on medium-low heat and stir in the chunky salsa, letting it heat through and marry the flavors beautifully. This step infuses the beef with a bright, slightly tangy undertone that complements the richness to come.

Step 2: Layer the Sauce

Pour about half of your red enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This helps create a flavorful base that keeps your enchiladas moist while baking, ensuring each bite is tender and saucy all the way through—a crucial step for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Warm the tortillas according to package directions until they’re nice and pliable—this reduces breakage and makes rolling easy. Spoon roughly 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then add about one heaping tablespoon of the shredded cheese on top. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam side down in the baking dish. This tight roll keeps all those luscious fillings snug inside during baking.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, coating them generously. Then sprinkle the leftover cheese over the top, which will melt into a bubbly, golden crust as the dish bakes, adding irresistible flavor and a lovely finish to your enchiladas.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. This gentle heat melds all the flavors and textures together, while the cheese melts beautifully. When you remove the foil, you’ll be greeted with bubbling, perfectly cooked enchiladas that are ready to dive into!

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

While the enchiladas themselves are delightfully rich and cheesy, fresh garnishes can add brightness and contrast. Think chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note, a dollop of sour cream for creamy tang, sliced jalapeños if you crave heat, or diced avocado to introduce cooling creaminess. These little touches take the dish to the next level and personalize it perfectly to your taste.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve your enchiladas alongside simple sides like Mexican-style rice or refried beans for a traditional pairing. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or corn on the cob seasoned with chili powder and lime provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty enchiladas. These sides keep the meal balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or add a little flair? Try serving individual enchiladas stacked vertically on a plate with a drizzle of additional enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. Or create a build-your-own enchilada bar with your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas as the centerpiece and bowls of assorted toppings like diced onions, black olives, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce available for guests to customize their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are absolute winners to keep on hand. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after sitting overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prep this meal for later, try freezing the assembled enchiladas before baking. Just assemble as usual in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed—easy, convenient, and perfect for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking helps maintain that fresh-from-the-oven texture and toasty cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey has a milder flavor, so you might want to add a pinch of extra seasoning or a bit more salsa to boost flavor.

Are corn tortillas a good choice?

Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas and offer a wonderful authentic flavor. However, they tend to be less flexible and can crack during rolling. Warming them thoroughly before assembling helps prevent that issue.

Can I make this spicy?

Definitely! For more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture, or choose a spicier enchilada sauce. You can also top with sliced hot peppers for an extra kick.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Yes! If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn can be mixed into the beef filling. Just cook them along with the beef for the best texture and flavor.

What cheese alternatives work best?

The four-cheese Mexican blend is ideal for melting and flavor, but you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella if needed. Just pick cheeses that melt well and complement the Tex-Mex profile.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned enchilada lover or trying them for the first time, these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are destined to become a cherished recipe in your collection. They prove how a handful of simple ingredients can create something deeply satisfying and full of flavor. So go on, heat up your oven, gather your five ingredients, and treat yourself to this delicious, cozy meal that feels homemade with minimal effort. Your taste buds will thank you!

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