5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re the kind of cook who loves big flavor with a tiny ingredient list, these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are about to become your new weeknight go-to. Imagine juicy beef, gooey melted cheese, and a punchy kick of salsa all wrapped inside pillowy tortillas, then drenched in vibrant enchilada sauce. With just a handful of common pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a bubbling batch of enchiladas that taste like you put in way more work than you actually did. This recipe takes quick comfort food to a whole new level, proving you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list to pull off something delicious and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making unforgettable 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas, every ingredient shines. Each one brings its own unique texture and flavor, building layers of classic Mexican comfort in every single bite.

• Lean ground beef: The hearty base—choose lean for less grease and maximum meaty flavor.
• Chunky salsa: Adds moisture, a hint of spice, and fresh vegetable notes to the filling with zero chopping required.
• Red enchilada sauce: Provides that signature tangy, smoky, and savory sauce essential to any good enchilada.
• 8-inch tortillas: Flour tortillas make for soft, pliable rolls, but if you crave tradition, corn is the way to go.
• Thick cut shredded Four Cheese Mexican blend: Melts perfectly for that irresistibly stretchy, golden cheese topping.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F and grabbing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a light coating of nonstick spray—trust me, nothing’s sadder than a sticky, baked-on mess when you’re ready to serve. While this step might seem small, it’s your first defense against stuck-on cheese and sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Add Salsa

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in your ground beef. Stir frequently while it browns, breaking it into small, bite-size crumbles. Once the beef is perfectly browned, tilt the pan and carefully drain off any excess fat to keep your filling rich rather than greasy. Place the pan back on medium-low and stir in the chunky salsa—this infuses the meat with flavor and keeps every bite moist and flavorful. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, then take it off the heat.

Step 3: Layer the Sauce

Before rolling your enchiladas, create a flavor foundation by pouring about half the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This step is key—the sauce acts as both a tasty cushion and a moisture barrier that prevents sticking and adds another layer of tangy, savory flavor.

Step 4: Warm and Fill the Tortillas

Now, warm your tortillas according to the package directions so they’re easier to roll, then get ready to fill! Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef and salsa mixture down the center of each tortilla and follow with a generous heap of shredded cheese. Roll ‘em up snugly and nestle them seam side down in the saucy dish. Don’t worry if things aren’t perfect—rustic is part of the charm with 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas!

Step 5: Top, Cover, and Bake

Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over your rolled tortillas, making sure every bit is coated (those crispy edges are part of the magic!). Sprinkle the remaining cheese all over the top for that classic, bubbly, melty finish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, bake for 30 to 35 minutes, and get ready for a kitchen filled with irresistible, savory aromas.

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

The finishing touches can take your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas from comforting to memorable! A shower of freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on each serving creates fantastic contrast and bursts of flavor. Avocado slices and a squeeze of lime up the freshness factor even more.

Side Dishes

Round out the meal with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad with a citrusy vinaigrette. If you want something a bit different, roasted corn or sautéed zucchini bring sweetness and color, complementing the lively flavors of your enchiladas perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make dinner feel like a party? Serve the enchiladas family-style right from the baking dish, or cut them into pinwheels and arrange on a platter for a fun twist. You could even pile on a mountain of toppings and let everyone build their own ultimate plate—hands down the most interactive way to enjoy 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are nothing short of a blessing. To store, simply cover your baking dish with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making lunch or a quick dinner later in the week a breeze.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Assemble the enchiladas all the way up to the final bake, then wrap your baking dish tightly in foil and freeze. Alternatively, portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Either way, your enchiladas will keep their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes for a big batch or 2-3 minutes in the microwave for single servings. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw in the fridge first for the best results. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheese before serving perks up the melty factor, making your leftovers taste fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, ground turkey works great. You’ll keep the same simple prep and bold flavors, so your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas will still be a crowd-pleaser.

What’s the best way to keep tortillas from tearing?

Warming the tortillas first is key! Warm them in a damp towel in the microwave or wrap in foil and heat in the oven. This makes them extra pliable so they roll up beautifully without breaking.

Can I add beans or veggies to the filling?

Of course! While this recipe keeps it to five ingredients for ultimate simplicity, feel free to mix in some drained black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers for extra nutrition and texture—just remember it will go beyond the basic 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas approach.

Is it better to use flour or corn tortillas?

It’s a matter of personal preference! Flour tortillas are softer and won’t break as easily, making them the easier option for most people. But if you love the classic, slightly chewy texture and flavor of corn tortillas, go for it!

How spicy will the enchiladas be?

Spice level depends on the salsa and enchilada sauce you choose. For mild heat, opt for a milder salsa and sauce; if you like things bold, pick spicy versions. You’re in full control of how hot your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas turn out!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about how so few ingredients can come together to create a meal that tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen. These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are proof that homey, flavorful, and comforting dinners don’t have to be complicated—so grab your skillet and get rolling, you’re about to make everyone at your table smile!

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