Easy 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas (Family Favorite!)

There are some weeknight dinners that feel like a warm hug, and these 5 ingredient beef enchiladas are at the top of that list for my family. This is one of those recipes born from a busy evening, a nearly-empty pantry, and a craving for something comforting and cheesy. It’s the meal I turn to when I need a guaranteed win, something that brings everyone to the table without any fuss. It’s more than just a quick meal; it’s our go-to for a delicious, stress-free evening, making it one of our favorite Dinner Ideas Fast And Easy.

What makes this recipe so special is its incredible simplicity without sacrificing any of the flavor you expect from a great plate of enchiladas. With just five common ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. This has become my secret weapon for everything from hectic school nights to casual Recipes For Family Gatherings. It’s a fantastic option when you need Quick Dinner Ideas Picky Eaters will actually eat, because who can say no to savory beef and melted cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla? It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something truly memorable.

Ingredients for 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas (We much prefer flour for their softness, but corn works too)
• 1 (8-ounce) package Borden® Cheese Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican (about 2 cups)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick cooking spray to prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned all the way through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the chunky salsa and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld together.
3. Pour about half of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish and spread it around. This creates a nice base for the tortillas and stops them from drying out.
4. Warm your tortillas just enough to make them soft and pliable—this is key to preventing them from cracking when you roll them. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a heaping tablespoon of the shredded cheese.
5. Roll each tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Once they’re all nestled in, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top, making sure to cover them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese all over.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps steam the enchiladas and melt the cheese perfectly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Tips & Tricks for the Best 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take these simple enchiladas from good to great. First and foremost, don’t underestimate the power of browning your beef properly. You want to see those nice, crispy brown bits form in the skillet. This process, called the Maillard reaction, develops a deep, savory flavor that you just can’t get if you only cook the meat until it’s gray. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in the final taste. This is one of my top tips for any Quick Ground Meat Recipes; developing that initial flavor is everything. After browning, letting the salsa simmer with the meat for even just two or three minutes allows the flavors to marry, infusing the beef with a bit more moisture and zest before it even gets into the tortilla.

Another tip is to be generous when you coat the bottom of the pan with enchilada sauce. It might seem like a small detail, but it prevents the tortillas from sticking and turning gummy. It creates a flavorful layer for the enchiladas to bake in, keeping them moist and tender. When it comes to the cheese, using a thick-cut shredded blend is a game-changer. It melts more slowly and evenly, giving you that glorious, cheesy pull without becoming greasy. This dish is a staple for our Dinner Recipes For Family Of Four, and these little details are what make it feel special every time.

How do I keep my enchiladas from getting soggy?

The key to avoiding soggy enchiladas is twofold. First, make sure you drain the ground beef thoroughly after cooking. Excess grease or liquid in the filling is the number one culprit. Second, don’t go overboard with the sauce on top. You want enough to cover the tortillas, but not so much that they’re swimming in it. Following the instruction to use half the sauce on the bottom and half on top provides the perfect balance, ensuring they are flavorful and saucy, but not mushy.

Substitutions & Variations for Your Beef Enchiladas

The beauty of this 5 ingredient beef enchilada recipe is its flexibility. It’s a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. If you’re not a fan of ground beef or just want to change things up, ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully. For a vegetarian option, you can use a can of black beans (rinsed and drained) mixed with a cup of corn and the salsa. It’s a simple swap that makes for a hearty and satisfying alternative, perfect if you’re looking for Meals Without Pasta that still feel incredibly comforting.

You can also play around with the other ingredients. If you don’t have red enchilada sauce, a can of green enchilada sauce offers a tangier, brighter flavor profile that’s equally delicious. The salsa is another easy place to customize; use a fire-roasted corn salsa for a smoky-sweet kick or a spicy habanero salsa if your family enjoys the heat. For a little extra nutrition, you can sneak in some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meat mixture. No one will be the wiser, and it’s a great way to add some veggies. These simple tweaks can make the dish feel new again, which is why it’s a go-to for Easy Big Family Meals.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas are the more traditional choice for enchiladas and will give you a slightly different texture and a wonderful corn flavor. However, they are more prone to cracking and tearing if they aren’t prepared correctly. To avoid this, you’ll need to warm them until they are very soft and pliable before rolling. You can do this by quickly frying them in a little hot oil for about 10-15 seconds per side, or by wrapping a stack of them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30-60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these 5 ingredient beef enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great recipe to prepare in advance. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the preheated oven. You may need to add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.

What should I serve with beef enchiladas?

These enchiladas are a fantastic centerpiece for a full meal. We love serving them with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple black bean and corn salad. For a fresh touch, a dollop of sour cream, some guacamole, or freshly chopped cilantro on top is always a great addition. It’s an easy way to round out these Easy Dinner Ideas Mexican style.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers are one of the best parts! Store any remaining enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two. If you’re reheating a larger amount, placing them back in a baking dish and warming them in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes works perfectly. This is perfect for Easy Dinner Recipes For 3, as you’ll likely have lunch for the next day.

A Go-To Dinner You’ll Love

These 5 ingredient beef enchiladas have saved dinner time in my house more times than I can count. It’s a recipe that feels both indulgent and incredibly practical, hitting that sweet spot of being easy enough for a Tuesday but special enough for a Friday. I hope this simple, flavorful dish brings as much joy and comfort to your dinner table as it does to ours. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a lot of fuss to create a wonderful meal and connect with your family. Give it a try—I have a feeling it will become one of your go-to Dinner Recipes For Family Of Four too.