5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe
These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are a quick and satisfying dinner made with seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy Mexican-inspired recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes!
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
- Made with only 5 simple ingredients.
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients Overview
- Ground Beef – Lean ground beef creates a flavorful and hearty filling.
- Tortillas – Corn or flour tortillas both work well for rolling the enchiladas.
- Shredded Cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
- Enchilada Sauce – Red or green enchilada sauce adds rich, authentic flavor.
- Optional Toppings – Sour cream, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro add freshness and extra flavor.
Variations
- Chicken Enchiladas – Replace the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Turkey Enchiladas – Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Bean & Cheese Version – Swap the meat for black beans or refried beans.
- Spicy Enchiladas – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef filling.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned.
Drain any excess grease.
Stir in half of the enchilada sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas for a few seconds to make them easier to roll.
Place one tortilla on a flat surface.
Spoon some of the beef mixture down the center.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese across the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with sour cream, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets
- Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Drain the cooked beef well so the enchiladas aren’t greasy.
- Freshly shred the cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving to help them hold together.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.
- Pair with refried beans or black beans.
- Add guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo on the side.
- Enjoy with a fresh avocado salad or corn salad.
How to Store 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Freeze assembled (unbaked) or baked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor. Warm them first to make rolling easier.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lighter alternatives.
Can I freeze beef enchiladas?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months in a tightly wrapped baking dish.
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- spatula
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 6-8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can enchilada sauce (red or green)
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- sour cream (optional)
- diced onions (optional)
- sliced jalapeños (optional)
- fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in half of the enchilada sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Lay a tortilla flat, spoon some of the beef mixture down the center, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll it up tightly.
- Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Serve with your favorite toppings if desired.
