As I stood in my kitchen the other night, I realized that sometimes, simplicity holds the key to culinary delight. These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas, a family favorite, remind me that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something that feels thoughtful and comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only quick and easy to whip up but also freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for those evenings when the thought of cooking feels overwhelming. The cheesy, flavorful filling wrapped in warm tortillas will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Are you ready to dive into a dish that’s sure to become your next weeknight champion?
Why are 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas a hit?
Simplicity: With only five ingredients, this recipe makes cooking a breeze, even for beginners!
Versatile: Substitute the beef with chicken or turkey, or even go vegetarian with black beans; the options are endless!
Flavor-Packed: The combination of salsa and enchilada sauce creates a mouthwatering explosion of taste in every bite.
Make-Ahead: Assemble these enchiladas ahead of time and freeze them, ensuring a delicious meal is always at your fingertips.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfectly cheesy and savory, they’re sure to impress family and friends, making them a go-to dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Dive into more delightful dinners with our Gordon Ramsay Beef and explore other quick meals like Chinese Tomato Beef!
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful family meal with these simple yet delicious ingredients!
For the Filling
- Lean Ground Beef – Provides a rich, savory flavor; substitute with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Chunky Salsa – Adds moisture and spice; opt for mild or spicy based on your heat preference.
For Assembly
- Red Enchilada Sauce – Coats the enchiladas in flavorful goodness; swap for green enchilada sauce for a refreshing twist.
- Tortillas (8-inch) – The cozy wrapper of the filling; flour tortillas are softer, while corn tortillas bring a traditional touch.
- Borden® Cheese Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican – Melts beautifully, adding creaminess; can be replaced with any preferred cheese blend.
These comforting 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are eagerly waiting to be poured into your weeknight dinner rotation!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling healthy. Stir in the chunky salsa and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Take an 8-inch tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the beef filling in the center, sprinkle with a handful of cheese, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly.
Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a cheesy, bubble-topped finish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap the moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will help the flavors develop beautifully.
Step 4: Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, allowing the top to crisp up. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust. Keep an eye out for the cheese turning a lovely golden brown, indicating the enchiladas are ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Serve your delightful 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado for an extra touch. Enjoy your homemade family-friendly feast!
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Variations
Feel free to get creative with these enchiladas—there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored!
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Chicken or Turkey: Substitute lean ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey for a lighter option. Each brings its unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the enchilada sauce.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace the meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. These protein-rich alternatives make a comforting meal without sacrificing flavor.
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Cheesy Twist: Incorporate a blend of your favorite cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smokier taste. The right cheese elevates every cheesy bite.
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Veggie-Loaded: Add diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or corn to your beef mixture for a nutrition boost and vibrant color. Veggies not only enhance the flavor but make the dish even more visually appealing.
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Different Sauces: Experiment with green enchilada sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce for an extra kick. Changing up the sauce can transform the dish entirely, keeping it exciting!
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Spice It Up: Crank up the heat by adding jalapeño slices or hot salsa to the filling. Adjusting the spice level can create a whole new experience for your taste buds.
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Freezer-Friendly Options: For a ready-to-go meal, assemble enchiladas using different fillings, and freeze them. When the busy week hits, just pop them in the oven, and you’ve got dinner sorted.
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Garnish Magic: Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime just before serving to elevate the flavors. A little fresh garnish can make a big difference in presentation and taste.
Now, if you’re craving more meal ideas, you should try our scrumptious Gordon Ramsay Beef or whip up the delightful Chinese Tomato Beef for an exciting twist!
Storage Tips for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
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Room Temperature: Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before storing. They can sit out for no longer than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
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Fridge: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
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Freezer: Assemble enchiladas but do not bake them. Freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen for an additional 15-20 minutes.
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Reheating: For best results, reheating covered with foil keeps the enchiladas moist while warming, maintaining their cheesy goodness!
What to Serve with 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
There’s nothing quite like a cozy dinner filled with flavors that dance on your taste buds, inviting everyone to the table.
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Sour Cream: A dollop of cool sour cream enhances the richness of the enchiladas, balancing the spicy flavors with creamy goodness. It adds a delightful contrast to each bite.
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Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a fresh, zesty touch that complements the savory beef filling while adding a vibrant color to your plate.
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Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice, seasoned with tomatoes and spices, offers a comforting side that rounds out the meal beautifully, soaking up extra sauce.
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Refried Beans: These hearty beans add protein and a lovely creaminess that pairs well with the enchiladas and rounds out your meal perfectly.
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Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color, lifting the dish with its herbal brightness and making everything pop!
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Fresh Salad: A light salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette introduces a refreshing crunch that complements the warm enchiladas beautifully.
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Mexican Street Corn: Sweet, grilled corn coated in lime and spices brings a delightful sweetness and creamy texture that pairs nicely with the enchilada’s savory profile.
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Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with your favorite salsa create a great appetizer to enjoy before diving into the main event.
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Watermelon Agua Fresca: A refreshing fruity drink adds sweetness and quenches thirst, making it the ideal accompaniment on warm nights.
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Chocolate Flan: End the meal with a slice of velvety chocolate flan for a sweet finish, its richness perfectly complementing the savory enchiladas.
Make Ahead Options
These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are a meal prep dream come true! You can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them, ensuring a quick dinner option when the week gets busy. Just prepare the filling, fill the tortillas, and arrange them in your baking dish. To maintain quality, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the tortillas from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the sauce and cheese on top, then pop them in the oven. If you prefer, you can also freeze the assembled enchiladas for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time for amazing results!
Expert Tips for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
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Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there’s enough space in the baking dish for easy heat circulation, preventing uneven cooking.
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Pre-Cook Tortillas: Briefly warming the tortillas in a skillet makes them more pliable and less likely to tear during assembly.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the salsa’s spice level to match your family’s preference, ensuring everyone enjoys these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas.
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Cheese Choice: Opt for a cheese blend that melts well, like Mexican or cheddar, to achieve that perfect creamy texture on top.
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Freezing Tips: Wrap assembled enchiladas securely in plastic before freezing to maintain freshness and avoid freezer burn.
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Reheating: When reheating leftovers, cover with foil to keep them from drying out and maintain that delightful cheesy goodness.
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ground beef for my enchiladas?
Absolutely! Look for lean ground beef with about 85% lean meat to 15% fat for a perfect flavor without being excessively greasy. Fresh ground beef should be bright red and firm to the touch. If you prefer alternatives, ground turkey and shredded chicken are wonderful substitutes that are lighter yet flavorful!
What’s the best way to store leftover enchiladas?
Very simple! Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will safely keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (about 15-20 minutes) until warmed through.
Can I freeze 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas?
Yes, you can! I recommend assembling the enchiladas but not baking them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake from frozen, just add 15-20 minutes to the original baking time for a delicious weeknight meal at your fingertips!
How can I adjust the spiciness of the beef enchiladas?
For spice control, select a salsa that matches your family’s preference—try a mild version for children or those sensitive to heat. If you’re really brave, toss in some sliced jalapeños when mixing your beef filling. For added flavor and heat, add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
What if my tortillas crack when rolling?
No worries at all! If you find your tortillas are cracking or breaking, try pre-heating them in a pan for a few seconds on each side. This softens them and makes them more pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds to achieve the same effect!
Are these enchiladas suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, they can be! To make them gluten-free, simply replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of the enchilada sauce as well; check the label to ensure it’s free of gluten-containing ingredients. Enjoy your meal without worry!
Easy 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas for Busy Weeknights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling healthy. Stir in the chunky salsa and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Take an 8-inch tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the beef filling in the center, sprinkle with a handful of cheese, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a cheesy, bubble-topped finish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap the moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, allowing the top to crisp up. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Serve your delightful 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado for an extra touch.
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