The No-Fuss 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets convenience in these five-ingredient beef enchiladas that promise maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners become a breeze when you can whip up such a delicious meal in no time.

Ground beef sizzles with zesty seasonings, creating a hearty filling that melts into soft tortillas.

Cheese cascades over the rolled enchiladas, promising a gooey and satisfying experience.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for busy home cooks who crave Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness.

You’ll love how quickly these enchiladas come together, making them a go-to meal for any night of the week.

What Makes These Beef Enchiladas So Simple and Satisfying

• Combine zesty salsa and ground beef for a mouthwatering filling that brings incredible taste to every single bite, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Learn a simple rolling method that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish, boosting your cooking confidence with each enchilada you create.
• Adapt the recipe by switching up salsa types or adding extra toppings like sour cream or chopped cilantro to make it your own special family favorite.

Just 5 Ingredients for These Easy Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the enchiladas.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable wrappers that hold the beef filling and create the classic enchilada shape.

• Enchilada Sauce, Salsa: Zesty and tangy ingredients that add moisture and deep flavor to the beef mixture and overall dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty and creamy topping that adds richness and helps bind the enchiladas together.

• Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Foil: Used to cover the dish during baking, ensuring even heating and preventing excessive browning.

How to Make Beef Enchiladas in No Time

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick spray.

Fire up the oven and set the temperature to 350°F.

This quick prep makes cleanup a breeze later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the ground beef until it’s completely brown and no pink remains.

Carefully drain off any excess fat by tilting the pan and spooning it out.

Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the salsa.

Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the beef to soak up all those delicious salsa flavors.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Get those tortillas nice and pliable by warming them according to the package instructions.

Warm tortillas are much easier to handle and less likely to crack when rolling.

Step 4: Create Enchilada Base

Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Take a tortilla and add a generous scoop of the beef and salsa mixture down the center.

Sprinkle cheese on top.

Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the sauce-covered dish.

Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.

Step 5: Final Touches and Bake

Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re completely covered.

Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Cover the dish completely with foil.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The enchiladas are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling with delicious promise.

Tips for Rolling, Saucing, and Baking Enchiladas

• Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable, ensuring neat and tight enchiladas.
• Remove excess beef fat completely to keep enchiladas from becoming greasy and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Select a robust, flavorful salsa that complements the beef and adds depth to the overall dish's taste profile.
• Cover the dish with foil during baking to lock in moisture and keep the tortillas soft and tender, avoiding a dry or tough result.
• Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier without losing melty goodness.

Storage Tips for Keeping Enchiladas Tasty

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or seal in a container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single enchilada on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Add an extra 30 seconds if still cold in the center.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove enchiladas from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.

What to Serve Alongside Beef Enchiladas

• Spice Up Beverage Pairing: Craft a zesty margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the enchiladas' bold salsa flavors, cutting through the richness of beef and melted cheese.
• Heat-Balancing Side Drink: Choose a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Dos Equis, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, warm enchilada filling and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Flavor-Enhancing Wine Selection: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Tempranillo or Grenache, whose fruity undertones and moderate tannins beautifully match the savory beef and tangy salsa notes.
• Complementary Fresh Accompaniment: Serve a light, zesty cilantro-lime rice salad that echoes the enchiladas' Mexican-inspired profile and adds a cool, bright element to balance the dish's warmth.

Different Ways to Fill or Top These Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a protein-packed meatless option that's equally satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure your salsa and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas for large lettuce leaves or zucchini strips, creating a lighter wrap that keeps the delicious beef and salsa flavors intact.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hot salsa to bring extra heat and excitement to the classic enchilada recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and drain any excess fat before mixing with salsa.

• What type of salsa is best for this recipe?

A medium or mild salsa works great. Choose a chunky salsa for more texture or a smooth salsa if you prefer a more consistent filling.

• Do I need to warm the tortillas?

Absolutely! Warming tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents cracking when rolling. You can microwave them or briefly heat in a skillet for the best results.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, use a hot salsa, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for extra heat. You can also choose a spicy enchilada sauce to kick up the flavor.