5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

When dinner needs to be fast, simple, and satisfying, 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are the answer. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a cheesy, saucy, comforting meal that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual entertaining, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal prep and cleanup.

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen staring into the refrigerator wondering what you can make without a long grocery list, this recipe is about to become one of your favorites. The beauty of 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas lies in their simplicity. No complicated steps. No hard-to-find ingredients. Just classic comfort food that always satisfies.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the best 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas, including tips for success, variations, make-ahead instructions, storage advice, serving ideas, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this recipe fits seamlessly into your routine.

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Why You’ll Love These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

There are countless enchilada recipes out there, but few can compete with the ease and convenience of this one. Here’s why so many home cooks swear by 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas:

• Minimal ingredients – Only five pantry-friendly items.

• Budget-friendly – Affordable and accessible.

• Quick and easy – Perfect for weeknights.

• Family-approved – Kid-friendly and customizable.

• Versatile – Easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs.

• Comforting and hearty – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Sometimes, less truly is more. By focusing on a small number of quality ingredients, each flavor shines through, creating a dish that feels both simple and indulgent.

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What Makes 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Special?

Traditional enchiladas often involve long ingredient lists, homemade sauces, and multiple prep steps. While those versions are delicious, they’re not always practical.

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas strip the process down to the essentials:

1. Ground beef

2. Salsa

3. Red enchilada sauce

4. Tortillas

5. Shredded cheese

That’s it.

Yet, despite their simplicity, these enchiladas still deliver:

• Rich, savory beef

• Tangy tomato flavor

• Creamy, melty cheese

• Soft tortillas soaked in sauce

It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to make an incredible meal.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 enchiladas
Calories: ~361 kcal per enchilada

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Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 cup chunky salsa

• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce

• 8 (8-inch) tortillas (flour or corn)

• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican-blend cheese (about 2 cups)

These simple ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, which makes this recipe especially convenient.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the salsa and cook over medium-low heat until warmed through. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Dish

Pour about half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

4. Fill and Roll

Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla and top with about 1 tablespoon of cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

5. Top and Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

6. Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

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Helpful Tips for Perfect 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Choose the Right Beef

Lean ground beef (85–90% lean) works best. It provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy.

Warm Tortillas First

Warming tortillas prevents cracking and tearing when rolling. You can microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel or heat them briefly in a skillet.

Don’t Overfill

Too much filling makes rolling difficult and can cause tortillas to burst. Stick to about 1/4 cup per tortilla.

Cover While Baking

Covering the dish traps moisture, keeping the enchiladas soft and preventing the cheese from over-browning.

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Flavor Variations

One of the best things about 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas is how easy they are to customize.

Spicy Version

• Use hot salsa.

• Add chili powder, cayenne, or crushed red pepper to the beef.

Mild Version

• Choose mild salsa and mild enchilada sauce.

• Use Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese.

Extra Cheesy

• Add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.

• Mix some cheese into the beef filling.

Beef and Bean Enchiladas

• Stir in 1 cup of canned black beans or pinto beans with the beef.

Creamy Twist

• Mix a few tablespoons of sour cream into the beef mixture.

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Corn vs. Flour Tortillas

Both options work beautifully for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas.

Corn Tortillas

• More traditional flavor.

• Slightly firmer texture.

• Gluten-free option.

Flour Tortillas

• Softer and easier to roll.

• Slightly milder taste.

Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

These enchiladas are perfect for meal prep.

• Assemble the enchiladas but do not bake.

• Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• When ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Freezer-Friendly Option

To freeze:

1. Assemble enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish.

2. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.

3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To bake:

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Bake as directed.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

• Or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas with:

• Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice

• Refried beans or black beans

• Simple green salad

• Guacamole

• Sour cream

• Pico de gallo

These sides turn a simple dish into a complete meal.

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Common Questions About 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works well and reduces fat content.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Diced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions.

How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?

Don’t over-sauce the bottom of the dish, and bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes if needed.

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Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families

Busy schedules demand simple solutions. 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas:

• Require minimal prep.

• Use common ingredients.

• Please picky eaters.

• Reheat beautifully.

They’re the kind of recipe you can rely on again and again.

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Budget-Friendly Comfort Food

With rising grocery costs, affordable recipes matter more than ever. These enchiladas use inexpensive staples and stretch a single pound of beef into a hearty meal for multiple people.

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Entertaining with 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Hosting friends or family? Double the recipe, serve with a toppings bar, and let everyone customize their plates. It’s casual, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

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How to Turn This into a Complete Dinner Menu

• Start with chips and salsa.

• Serve enchiladas as the main dish.

• Add rice and beans on the side.

• Finish with churros or cinnamon sugar cookies.

Simple, satisfying, and stress-free.

Print

Nutrition (Per Enchilada – Approximate)

• Calories: 361 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 29 g

• Protein: 24 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Cholesterol: 64 mg

• Sodium: 1089 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Calcium: 283 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

The Simplicity Advantage

Complex recipes have their place, but sometimes what we really crave is something easy, warm, and familiar. 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas offer exactly that.

They prove that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Final Thoughts

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Cheesy, saucy, hearty, and endlessly customizable, these enchiladas deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

If you’re looking for a reliable, comforting, and budget-friendly dinner idea, look no further than 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. Once you try them, you’ll understand why this simple recipe has become a favorite in so many kitchens.