5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas – The Ultimate Easy, Cheesy, Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to comfort food that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, few dishes can compete with 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a satisfying, family-friendly meal that everyone will love. With just five simple components, these enchiladas come together effortlessly, making them perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas—from why this recipe works so well, to step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, storage ideas, serving suggestions, and more. By the end, you’ll not only have a go-to enchilada recipe, but also a deeper understanding of how to make it perfectly every time.

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Why 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Are a Must-Make Recipe

One of the biggest challenges home cooks face today is balancing time, budget, and flavor. That’s exactly where 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas shine. This recipe was designed to be:

• Simple – only five ingredients, no complicated prep

• Affordable – budget-friendly pantry staples

• Versatile – easy to customize to your taste

• Comforting – cheesy, saucy, and satisfying

• Family-approved – mild enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults

Unlike traditional enchilada recipes that require making homemade sauces, chopping multiple vegetables, and seasoning layers, this streamlined version delivers the same comforting experience with a fraction of the work.

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What Makes These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas So Special?

The magic of 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas lies in how each ingredient pulls its weight:

1. Lean ground beef provides hearty, savory protein

2. Chunky salsa adds instant flavor, texture, and seasoning

3. Red enchilada sauce brings classic Mexican-inspired richness

4. Tortillas wrap everything together into perfect rolls

5. Mexican blend cheese melts into gooey, irresistible goodness

Each component is already packed with flavor, which means you don’t need extra spices or add-ins to make the dish taste amazing.

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5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Time & Serving 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 tortillas are softer and easier to roll

  • Corn tortillas are more traditional

• ▢ 1 (8-ounce) package Borden® Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican (about 2 cups)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

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2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Break it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.

Once cooked, drain excess grease, then return the beef to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.

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3. Add the Salsa

Stir 1 cup of chunky salsa into the cooked beef. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes. This step infuses the beef with bold flavor and moisture without the need for additional seasoning.

Remove the skillet from heat once combined.

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4. Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour about half of the enchilada sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a saucy base that prevents the enchiladas from drying out while baking.

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5. Fill and Roll the Enchiladas

Warm the tortillas according to package directions to make them flexible and prevent cracking.

For each tortilla:

• Add about ¼ cup of the beef mixture down the center

• Top with 1 heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese

• Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish

Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

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6. Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously on top.

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7. Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is fully melted.

For a lightly browned top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

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Why This Recipe Works with Only 5 Ingredients

The success of 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas comes down to smart ingredient choices. Each item is pre-seasoned or naturally flavorful, eliminating the need for extra spices, vegetables, or sauces.

• Salsa replaces onions, garlic, and spices

• Enchilada sauce adds depth and richness

• Cheese adds saltiness and creaminess

• Tortillas provide structure and comfort

This is minimal cooking at its best—simple, efficient, and delicious.

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Flour vs. Corn Tortillas: Which Is Best?

Both options work well for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas, but each has advantages:

Flour Tortillas

• Softer and easier to roll

• Less likely to crack

• Kid-friendly and mild

Corn Tortillas

• More traditional

• Slightly firmer texture

• Stronger corn flavor

Tip: If using corn tortillas, warm them thoroughly or lightly fry them to prevent splitting.

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Expert Tips for Perfect 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

• Drain beef well to prevent greasy enchiladas

• Warm tortillas first for easier rolling

• Don’t overfill—this keeps enchiladas neat and prevents splitting

• Use good-quality cheese for better melting

• Cover while baking to keep everything moist

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Easy Variations Using the Same 5-Ingredient Concept

One of the best things about 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas is how adaptable they are.

Spicy Beef Enchiladas

Use hot salsa or spicy enchilada sauce for extra heat.

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Add an extra ½ cup of cheese on top for ultra-gooey results.

Chicken Enchiladas

Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.

Bean & Beef Enchiladas

Mix in canned black beans (drained) for added texture and fiber.

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What to Serve with 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Turn your enchiladas into a complete meal with simple sides:

• Mexican rice

• Cilantro lime rice

• Refried beans or black beans

• Simple green salad

• Guacamole or sliced avocado

• Sour cream and fresh cilantro

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Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are excellent for meal prep.

Make Ahead

• Assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance

• Cover tightly and refrigerate

• Bake when ready, adding 5–10 minutes to cook time

Freezing Instructions

• Assemble but do not bake

• Wrap tightly with foil and freeze up to 3 months

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F until warmed through

• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 60-second intervals

Print

Nutritional Overview

Each enchilada contains approximately:

• Calories: 361 kcal

• Protein: High from ground beef and cheese

• Carbohydrates: From tortillas and sauce

• Fat: Balanced, especially when using lean beef

This makes 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas a filling and satisfying option without being overly heavy.

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Why Families Love 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

• Kid-friendly flavors

• Easy to customize toppings

• Simple ingredients most households already have

• Perfect for busy nights

• Minimal cleanup

It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a regular rotation favorite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and keeps the recipe lean.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and sauce.

Do I need to add seasoning?

No—salsa and enchilada sauce provide all the flavor needed.

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Final Thoughts

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are proof that incredible comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just five simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a warm, cheesy, satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, hosting a casual dinner, or just craving something comforting, this recipe delivers every time.