5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’ve ever craved bold, Tex-Mex comfort but thought you’d need a dozen ingredients, let these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas change your mind (and your weeknight dinner rotation). Imagine tender flour tortillas stuffed generously with spiced beef, bubbling cheese, hearty salsa, and a river of rich enchilada sauce—each bite is pure magic. Even better, every layer of this classic enchilada is built from only five simple supermarket staples. Get ready to fall in love with how easy, satisfying, and utterly crowd-pleasing this recipe is!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a small shopping list for this crowd-pleaser, but each item plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at why these five items make the ultimate 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas.

• Lean ground beef: The savory, juicy base for your filling—using lean ground beef ensures the enchiladas stay hearty without getting weighed down by excess grease.
• Chunky salsa: More than just a secret shortcut, salsa brings moisture, a zesty tomato punch, and a balanced blend of peppers, onions, and spices to every bite.
• Red enchilada sauce: This rich, tomato-based sauce infuses the dish with that signature tangy, just-spicy-enough flavor and keeps every tortilla soft and saucy.
• Flour tortillas: Ultra-soft and pliable for rolling, flour tortillas soak up the sauce beautifully—making every forkful tender (but corn tortillas are perfect for a truly classic touch!).
• Thick cut shredded four cheese Mexican blend: Melty, stretchy, and full of flavor, this cheese blend tops your enchiladas with gooey golden goodness and tucks rich creaminess inside.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick mist with nonstick cooking spray, which will help with easy cleanup (and keep those cheesy edges from sticking). This step makes assembly a breeze and ensures your enchiladas slide right out, still picture-perfect.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab your favorite large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. You’ll want to stir often, breaking it up, until it’s cooked through and deliciously crumbly. Drain off any extra fat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, stir in the chunky salsa for a burst of flavor and juiciness—let it all mingle until the filling is nice and hot, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Sauce the Baking Dish

Pour about half of the enchilada sauce into that prepared baking dish, spreading it over the bottom. This little pool of sauce is your secret weapon for soft, saucy enchiladas, guarding the bottoms from getting dry or crispy as they bake. You won’t believe the flavor payoff!

Step 4: Fill and Roll

Before you roll, give your tortillas a quick warm-up—it makes them perfectly pliable for wrapping. Scoop about a quarter cup of that savory beef-salsa mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle on a heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese. Tightly roll each tortilla up, then nestle them seam-side down into your saucy baking dish. This step is oddly satisfying, and you can already tell you’re in for a treat.

Step 5: Top, Cover, and Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the lined-up, filled tortillas, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese all over. Every inch should be blanketed in cheesy goodness! Tightly wrap the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, then bake on the middle rack for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is irresistibly melty and the sauce bubbling at the edges.

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

To turn your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas into a feast for both the eyes and tastebuds, finish with some vibrant, fresh garnishes! Think chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or some diced avocado for creamy coolness. Each topping adds its own splash of color and punch of flavor, making every plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

These enchiladas are the stars of the show, but they play so well with classic sides! Try fluffy Mexican rice, slow-simmered beans, a bright corn salad, or a simple green salad dressed with zesty lime vinaigrette. Sides not only round out the meal but help balance the hearty richness of your enchiladas.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or just feeling playful, try serving 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas family-style, straight from the baking dish for maximum gooey cheese pulls. Or plate individual servings with a splash of extra sauce, some pickled jalapeños, or even a handful of crisp tortilla strips for crunch. For a unique riff, slice them up and offer as party bites on a platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are a dream for next-day lunches or lazy dinners. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to scoop up plenty of that extra sauce so nothing dries out.

Freezing

Want to get ahead on dinner? These enchiladas freeze beautifully! After assembling (but before baking), wrap your dish tightly with both foil and plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, you can even bake directly from frozen; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time and keep covered until hot throughout.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes (or until heated through and melty again). For a quick single serving, the microwave works just fine, but be sure to add a spoonful of leftover sauce to keep things extra moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work deliciously here, soaking up the salsa and seasoning for a lighter but still satisfying enchilada. Just cook as directed, and enjoy a new twist on the 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas.

Should I use flour or corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas create that ultra-soft, saucy texture many people love, but corn tortillas are the classic choice and offer a bit more structure and subtle sweetness. Use whichever you prefer, or mix it up for a fun combo!

Can I make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Definitely—these enchiladas are perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble everything up until baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Pop them in the oven when you’re ready for a fuss-free dinner.

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

If you love extra heat, choose a hot salsa or a spicy enchilada sauce, or toss in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne with the beef. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who want to amp it up!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply use a larger baking dish or two and double all the ingredients. The 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are perfect for parties or potlucks because they’re easy to prepare in big batches and always disappear fast.

Final Thoughts

It’s almost impossible not to adore these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas—easy enough for weeknights, but special enough to impress your family or guests. Grab your ingredients, get rolling, and see just how simple Tex-Mex greatness can be. The first forkful is guaranteed to bring smiles all around!

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