5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Enchiladas are a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, and while traditional recipes often involve a variety of ingredients, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a delicious and satisfying meal. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of beef enchiladas that are full of flavor and sure to please your family or guests. In this guide, we’ll break down a simple, quick, and delicious 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or any occasion where you want a tasty, comforting dish.

Introduction

When you think of enchiladas, you might imagine a long list of ingredients and a complicated cooking process. However, this 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe proves that simplicity can yield big, bold flavors. The beauty of enchiladas lies in their versatility—whether it’s a savory beef filling, a spicy sauce, or a generous sprinkle of cheese, there’s room for creativity, even with just five ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making these easy 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas so you can recreate them perfectly every time.

Step 1: Preparing the Beef Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
   • Continue cooking the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Season the Beef:
   • Add salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle in ground cumin and garlic powder for extra flavor.
   • Stir the seasonings into the beef until well combined. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed.
3. Add the Onion (Optional):
   • If you’re using onion, add the diced onion to the beef once it has browned. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
4. Set Aside the Beef Filling:
   • Once the beef is seasoned and cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. This will give the beef time to cool slightly while you prepare the tortillas.

Step 2: Assembling the Enchiladas

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
   • If using corn tortillas, it’s a good idea to lightly warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds (or heat them on a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds on each side). This step prevents the tortillas from breaking when you roll them.
   • Flour tortillas don’t need as much warming, but it can still help make them more pliable.
4. Fill the Tortillas:
   • Place each tortilla on a flat surface and spoon a few tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of each one. Be careful not to overstuff them.
   • Roll each tortilla tightly to form an enchilada. Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Add the Enchilada Sauce:
   • Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the assembled tortillas, making sure each one is well-coated.
6. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the sauce, ensuring it covers all the enchiladas.

Step 3: Baking the Enchiladas

1. Bake the Enchiladas:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown.
2. Check for Doneness:
   • Once the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, remove the enchiladas from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set.

Tips for Making Perfect Beef Enchiladas

• Warm Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before rolling to prevent them from cracking. If using corn tortillas, a quick fry in a little oil for 10 seconds per side also enhances their texture and prevents breakage.
• Customize the Filling: You can add black beans, corn, or diced green chilies to the beef mixture for added texture and flavor. If you want a spicier filling, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce.
• Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce: If you prefer, you can make your own enchilada sauce with canned tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other seasonings. This way, you have more control over the flavor and spice level.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or a blend of mozzarella for a stringier melt.
• Add Toppings: Fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, or diced onions can elevate the flavor and presentation of the enchiladas. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Vegetarian Enchiladas: Swap the ground beef with a combination of beans (black, pinto, or refried), roasted vegetables, or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add some sautéed spinach or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
2. Chicken Enchiladas: If you prefer chicken, you can replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
3. Spicy Enchiladas: For those who love heat, add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or cayenne pepper to the beef filling or the enchilada sauce for an extra kick.
4. Cheesy Beef Enchiladas: If you’re a cheese lover, double the amount of shredded cheese and layer some inside the tortillas along with the beef filling for extra cheesiness.

Serving Suggestions

Once your 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are baked and ready, you can serve them with a variety of delicious sides. Here are some ideas:

• Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice is the perfect accompaniment to enchiladas.
• Refried Beans: Traditional refried beans add a creamy texture and are a great complement to the richness of the enchiladas.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh guacamole and a tangy salsa will brighten up the meal and balance out the richness of the cheese and beef.
• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve your enchiladas with a side of crispy tortilla chips for some extra crunch.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream helps to cool down the heat of the enchiladas and adds a creamy element to each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With only five core ingredients, you don’t need to hunt for hard-to-find items or spend hours in the kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: From preparation to baking, this recipe can be ready in just about 45 minutes.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce creates a perfectly balanced and delicious dish.
• Customizable: This recipe allows you to get creative with add-ins or toppings, ensuring it fits your tastes.

Conclusion

These 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish at home. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, comforting, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or as a meal prep option, these enchiladas are sure to please. Enjoy the ease and tastiness of this recipe, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal twist to make it uniquely yours!

Yield: 4

5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Print

Enchiladas are a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, and while traditional recipes often involve a variety of ingredients, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a delicious and satisfying meal. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of beef enchiladas that are full of flavor and sure to please your family or guests. In this guide, we’ll break down a simple, quick, and delicious 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or any occasion where you want a tasty, comforting dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 8 small flour tortillas (or corn, if preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
   
2. Prepare the Filling:
   Add the diced green chilies (if using) to the cooked ground beef, and stir to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.
   
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
   For each enchilada, place about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of a tortilla. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese, then roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
   Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
   
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled-up tortillas.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
   
5. Bake:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
   Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them with sour cream, guacamole, or any of your favorite toppings!

Notes

Tortillas: You can use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference. Flour tortillas are typically softer, while corn tortillas give a more authentic texture.

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.