A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to an Effortless, Flavorful Dinner
If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting dinner that doesn’t involve a long grocery list or complex steps, this 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing freezer meals, or simply want a satisfying dinner with minimal effort, this recipe delivers bold flavor with just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of active prep.
In this post, we’ll walk you through every detail—from the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, ingredient variations, storage advice, and serving ideas. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to master this easy and satisfying recipe.
Why This 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe Works
- Quick and easy to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Requires only five affordable and accessible ingredients.
- Flexible and customizable for different dietary needs.
- A family-friendly meal with bold, satisfying flavor.
- Great for meal prep or freezer-friendly dinners.
Ingredient Breakdown
This 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find and full of flavor. Here’s a closer look at each one:
1. Ground Beef (1 pound or 450g)
Ground beef is the main protein in this dish. It brings a rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture. You can use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat or regular ground beef for extra flavor.
Optional add-in: Finely diced onion can be sautéed with the beef for added depth and sweetness.
2. Flour Tortillas (8 medium-sized)
Flour tortillas serve as the vessel for your filling. They’re soft, pliable, and easy to roll, making them ideal for enchiladas.
Tip: If using corn tortillas, make sure to warm them first to avoid tearing during rolling.
3. Red Enchilada Sauce (1 can, 15 oz or 425g)
This sauce ties the whole dish together with smoky, slightly spicy, and tangy flavors. Store-bought enchilada sauce keeps things quick and easy, but homemade sauce is also an option.
Tip: Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your heat preference.
4. Shredded Cheese (2 cups)
Cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero) is perfect for this dish. Cheese adds creaminess and brings everything together.
Optional: Add a little inside the enchiladas for extra cheesiness.
5. Onion (1 small, diced) – optional
While technically optional, a diced onion sautéed with the beef takes the flavor up a notch. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the meat and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (and diced onion, if using) until browned and cooked through. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.
Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Lay each tortilla flat and spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooked beef onto the center. Sprinkle a small amount of cheese on top (optional).
Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure the sauce covers each tortilla.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the enchiladas sit for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps them firm up slightly for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
These enchiladas are satisfying on their own, but you can elevate your meal with a few simple sides:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or seasoned black beans
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
For a full dinner spread, add tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole on the side.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking. Microwave for 15–20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to ensure they roll tightly and bake evenly.
- Place a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish before adding rolled tortillas to prevent sticking.
- Use a blend of cheeses for more flavor depth, such as sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Let the enchiladas rest after baking so they stay together when serving.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe keeps things simple with only five ingredients, here are a few popular variations you can try:
Make it Spicy
Use hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
Add Vegetables
Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach to boost nutrition and texture.
Use a Different Protein
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Go Meatless
Replace the beef with black beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Try Green Enchilada Sauce
Swap the red enchilada sauce with green sauce (salsa verde) for a tangier flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a rich, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks and satisfying enough for seasoned home chefs looking for a quick weeknight fix.
With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish can be served as-is or dressed up with sides and toppings for a full meal. It’s a reliable recipe to keep in your rotation, especially when time and ingredients are limited but hunger is high.
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Description
These 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are a quick, comforting Mexican-inspired dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients like seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family!
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a touch of oil or cooking spray.
Cook the Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Assemble the Enchiladas
- Pour about 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it evenly. Take each tortilla and spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center. Sprinkle with a small amount of cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese
- Once all enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Use a spoon to make sure every tortilla is covered. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the top.
Bake and Rest
- Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the enchiladas set and cool slightly.
Note
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Variations:
- Swap beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Add beans or corn to the filling for extra texture.
- Top with chopped green onions, sour cream, or avocado for garnish.
Spice it up: Use a hotter enchilada sauce or add diced green chilies to the beef mixture.
