Name: 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup chunky salsa; 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce; 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas; 1 (8-ounce) package Borden® Cheese Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican

When it comes to comfort food that’s loaded with flavor yet delightfully simple, it’s hard to beat these 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. Imagine tender beef spiced up with salsa, hugged by soft tortillas, drenched in a zesty enchilada sauce, and finished with a golden, oozy layer of melty cheese. This recipe truly delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal fuss—ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime that irresistible Tex-Mex craving strikes! Get ready to fall in love with just how easy it is to serve up a crowd-pleasing favorite that tastes as if you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only five staple ingredients, every single one plays an essential role in building the big, bold flavors and perfect textures of these enchiladas. Each item brings something special to the table—don’t be tempted to swap or skip, because their partnership is what makes 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas so unforgettable!

Lean ground beef: Choose lean for less grease and all the satisfying, savory richness you want in every bite.
Chunky salsa: Not only does it add a touch of heat and depth, but those chunky veggies provide pops of texture throughout the filling.
Red enchilada sauce: This is the backbone of the dish, binding everything together and infusing every layer with classic enchilada flavor.
8-inch tortillas: Go with flour for extra softness and a subtle taste, or stick to corn for a traditional touch—both versions work beautifully!
Shredded Four Cheese Mexican blend: These hearty shreds melt like a dream and add that craveable, bubbly top we all adore.

How to Make 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then give your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray. This not only makes cleanup a breeze, but also ensures your enchiladas release perfectly for serving.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab your largest skillet and brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Once it’s cooked through and beautifully crumbly, make sure to drain away any excess fat to keep the enchiladas from feeling too heavy. Return the beef to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 3: Add the Salsa

Stir your chunky salsa right into the warm beef. Let it all simmer until heated through—the salsa will flavor the meat while adding extra moisture and pops of veggies. Remove the mixture from the heat so it’s ready for filling those tortillas.

Step 4: Sauce the Dish

Pour half of your enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer keeps your enchiladas ultra-moist and stops the tortillas from sticking, as well as infusing flavor into the base of each bite.

Step 5: Roll and Fill

Warm the tortillas as directed on the package; this will make them pliable and easy to roll. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture along the center of each tortilla and sprinkle with a generous tablespoon of that beautiful shredded cheese. Roll the tortillas up tightly and arrange them seam-side down in the sauced baking dish.

Step 6: Finish and Bake

Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the rest of your enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Scatter the remaining cheese across the enchiladas so every swipe of your fork gets cheesy goodness. Cover the dish snugly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Garnishes

Fresh toppings take 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas over the top! A scatter of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of sliced green onions add freshness and color. For a little zing, try adding diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your enchiladas with some classic sides for a complete meal. Fluffy Spanish rice, creamy refried beans, or a bright corn salad make perfect partners. If you want to keep things extra simple, even just a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your enchiladas into a taco night centerpiece by arranging them casserole-style and topping with a build-your-own bar of garnishes. Or, serve them as part of a Tex-Mex platter with chips, salsa, and guacamole for a festive dinner party vibe—the possibilities with 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra enchiladas? You’re in luck! Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld together even more—with each bite becoming extra savory and saucy by day two.

Freezing

If you want to prep 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas ahead, assemble and cover the unbaked pan tightly with foil, then freeze for up to three months. You can also freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches! Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until heated through—this keeps everything moist. A microwave works in a pinch, but the cheese topping won’t be quite as gooey and golden.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes and make these enchiladas a bit lighter. Just follow the same steps—you may want to add a bit of extra seasoning for depth.

What’s the difference between using flour and corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas create a softer, more pillowy texture, while corn tortillas give a robust, slightly chewy bite that’s traditional in Mexican cuisine. Both work beautifully, so choose based on your personal taste!

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Yes, homemade sauce brings a wonderful personal touch and can take your 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas up a notch in flavor. Just use the same amount (10 ounces) as you would the canned variety.

Do I have to use a Mexican four cheese blend?

Not at all! Any good melting cheese will do: cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat. The four cheese blend adds layers of flavor, but feel free to use what you love or have on hand.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the enchiladas in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas perfect for stress-free entertaining or weeknight prepping.

Final Thoughts

These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are proof that a weeknight dinner can be simple, fast, and full of flavor without sacrificing that homemade touch. Don’t be surprised if they become a regular request at your table—few recipes deliver this much satisfaction with so little effort! Give them a try and let your kitchen be filled with happy sighs and empty plates.