Name: Savor the Flavor: 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Made Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (Can use shredded chicken or leftover roast beef.); 1 cup Chunky Salsa (Use homemade salsa or adjust spice level to preference.); 2 cups Four Cheese Mexican Blend (Use any favorite cheese or homemade cheese blend.); 8 pieces Tortillas (8-inch) (Flour tortillas preferred for softness; corn tortillas are more traditional.); 1 cup Red Enchilada Sauce (A green enchilada sauce can be used for a different taste profile.)

The aroma of sizzling beef and melted cheese fills the kitchen as I roll up the tortillas for a weeknight feast. Let’s face it—life gets busy, and sometimes a delicious homemade dinner feels like a luxury we can’t afford. Enter my Quick and Easy 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas! With just five simple ingredients, these enchiladas not only promise a mouthwatering meal but also deliver maximum flavor without breaking a sweat. They’re not just quick to prepare, but they also make for a family-friendly crowd-pleaser, perfect for those hectic evenings when you want comfort food made easy. Want to spice things up? Stick around to explore fantastic variations that make these enchiladas easily customizable. What will you put in your perfect roll?

Why You’ll Adore These Enchiladas

Simplicity at Its Finest: With just five ingredients, you’ll whip up a delightful meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Customizable Options: Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian option, these enchiladas can be tailored to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, everyone will love the gooey cheese and zesty filling.
Quick Prep Time: Ready in under an hour, these enchiladas are ideal for those busy weeknights.
Comfort Food Appeal: They offer a warm, satisfying experience that recalls cherished family moments, making dinner feel special.
For more hearty inspirations, check out our French Onion Beef or Cheesy Hot Beef recipes!

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Ingredients

• Let’s gather what we need!

For the Filling
• Ground Beef – Provides the main protein and flavor base for the enchiladas. Substitution: Can use shredded chicken or leftover roast beef.
• Chunky Salsa – Adds flavor, moisture, and a hint of spice. Substitution: Use homemade salsa or adjust spice level to preference.
• Four Cheese Mexican Blend – Enhances the creaminess and flavor of the dish. Substitution: Use any favorite cheese or make a homemade cheese blend.

For the Assembly
• Tortillas (8-inch) – Acts as the wrapping for the enchiladas, with flour tortillas preferred for softness. Substitution: Corn tortillas are more traditional and can be used to make it gluten-free.
• Red Enchilada Sauce – Coats the enchiladas for added flavor and moisture during baking. Note: A green enchilada sauce can be used for a different taste profile.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your delicious 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are ready to bake, the temperature is just right for the perfect cook. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, set over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 7 to 10 minutes until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to break it up into small pieces. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your enchiladas light and delicious.

Step 3: Mix the Filling
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chunky salsa along with about half of the four cheese Mexican blend into the cooked beef. Cook everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until well combined and heated through. This mixture will be the flavorful filling for your enchiladas.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Take an 8-inch tortilla and spoon a portion of the beef filling down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight. Repeat this process for all tortillas, lining them up seam-side down in a baking dish as you go along.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Pour a generous layer of red enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture. This step creates a flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas as they bake and bubble.

Step 6: Place Enchiladas in Dish
Carefully arrange your rolled enchiladas in the baking dish, ensuring they’re placed seam-side down. Once they’re lined up neatly, drizzle the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the sauce to create a deliciously melty topping.

Step 7: Bake the Enchiladas
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, creating a mouthwatering aroma in your kitchen.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once baked to perfection, remove your beef enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced olives. Dive into these cozy, creamy enchiladas that are sure to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead Options

These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can easily assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance by preparing them fully and covering them tightly with foil in the refrigerator. To keep the tortillas from becoming soggy, be sure to layer some red enchilada sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before placing the rolled enchiladas inside. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade meal, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 35-40 minutes, covered with foil for the first 25 minutes. With this make-ahead approach, you’ll save time on busy weeknights while serving up a comforting dish just as delicious as when freshly made!

What to Serve with 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Transform your enchilada night into a full fiesta with these perfect pairings.

Mexican Rice: A fluffy side that absorbs the flavors of the enchiladas, enhancing the overall experience of the meal.
Refried Beans: Creamy and dense, they add a wonderful texture complement to the softness of the enchiladas, making each bite satisfying.
Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens and veggies drizzled with lime vinaigrette that balances the rich flavors of your dish and adds a crunch.
Guacamole: Creamy and zesty, this dip not only elevates your enchiladas but also provides a fresh contrast to the savory filling.
Sour Cream: A dollop of tangy sour cream on top adds creaminess and cuts through the spice, making each bite delightfully smooth.
Corn Salad: Bright and sweet, this dish introduces a fresh crunch that complements the warm and melty enchiladas beautifully.
Chips and Salsa: This classic snack brings a delightful crunch and an extra kick, perfect for sharing while waiting for the main course.
Horchata: A sweet beverage, cooling and creamy, that perfectly complements the spiciness of the enchiladas for a delightful meal balance.

How to Store and Freeze 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Fridge: Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezer: For longer storage, assemble enchiladas but do not bake them. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. On baking day, add sauce and bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating: When reheating leftovers, consider adding a splash of enchilada sauce to keep them moist. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until cheese is melty and the filling is heated through.

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Variations

Ready to make these enchiladas truly your own? Let’s explore some tasty twists that will elevate this dish to new heights!

Healthier Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter, equally delicious version. Both options still deliver that savory comfort.
Vegetarian Delight: Replace the meat with black beans or pinto beans to create a protein-packed vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Cheesy Twist: Use a smoked cheese blend for a rich and savory flavor with a hint of smokiness. Try pairing with a touch of chipotle salsa for an extra kick.
Tortilla Swap: Opt for corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option that brings a delightful traditional flavor often found in Mexican cuisine.
Spicy Additions: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your beef mixture for a fiery kick that heat lovers will appreciate.
Garnish Upgrade: Top with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a zingy freshness that elevates every bite.
Saucy Variation: Experiment with green enchilada sauce instead of red for a vibrant flavor palette that adds tanginess—and pair it with Gordon Ramsay Beef for another flavor duo.

Keep the creativity flowing with these variations, and feel free to mix and match ideas. Let the fun begin in your kitchen!

Expert Tips for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Prevent Sogginess: To keep your tortillas from becoming soggy, cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil during baking.
Spice It Up: Consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the beef mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Freezing Savvy: If you want to meal prep, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish without sauce. On baking day, just add the sauce before cooking.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or spice levels in the salsa to personalize your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas.
Quick Fix for Leftovers: Don’t waste any filling! Use leftover ingredients in quesadillas or tacos for delicious, quick lunches or snacks.

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right meat for my enchiladas?
Absolutely! Ground beef is traditional, but for a leaner option, ground turkey or shredded chicken works beautifully. If you have leftover roast beef, it can provide wonderful flavor too!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very easy! Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring they remain deliciously fresh!

Can I freeze enchiladas and how should I do it?
Definitely! For freezing, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish without the sauce. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. On baking day, simply add the sauce directly to the frozen enchiladas and bake, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

How can I avoid soggy tortillas when baking?
To prevent soggy tortillas, ensure to cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil during baking. This helps trap the steam but keeps the tortillas from becoming too moist. Adding a layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom also helps with moisture retention without over-saturating the tortillas.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! For those with gluten sensitivities, using corn tortillas makes this dish gluten-free. Additionally, if you or your loved ones have dairy allergies, consider dairy-free cheese alternatives to maintain that creamy texture while avoiding lactose.