5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas (Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Dinner)

When life gets busy and dinner needs to happen now, few recipes deliver comfort, flavor, and simplicity quite like 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. This dish proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to create a satisfying, family-friendly meal that feels homemade and hearty. With just five basic ingredients—ground beef, salsa, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and cheese—you can bring a bubbling pan of cheesy enchiladas to the table with minimal effort and maximum reward.

These 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are rich, saucy, and irresistibly comforting. Tender tortillas are wrapped around seasoned beef, smothered in bold red enchilada sauce, and finished with melted Mexican-blend cheese that pulls apart beautifully with every bite. The flavors are familiar, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable, making this recipe a reliable staple for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, and even relaxed entertaining.

What truly sets this recipe apart is how approachable it is. No special equipment. No obscure ingredients. No complicated techniques. Just simple pantry staples combined in a way that delivers classic enchilada flavor without stress. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving a cozy, no-fuss dinner, 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas check every box.

---

Why 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Are a Weeknight Hero

There’s a reason enchiladas have remained a favorite in home kitchens for generations. They’re warm, filling, and endlessly customizable. But traditional enchilada recipes can sometimes feel overwhelming—multiple sauces, spices, garnishes, and prep steps. That’s where 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas shine.

By stripping the recipe down to its essentials, you get all the comforting flavors you love without the extra work. Each ingredient plays a clear role:

• Ground beef provides hearty protein and savory richness

• Salsa adds seasoning, moisture, and depth in one step

• Enchilada sauce delivers classic bold flavor and saucy goodness

• Tortillas hold everything together in perfect portions

• Cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping

This simplicity doesn’t sacrifice taste—it enhances it. The flavors meld beautifully as the enchiladas bake, creating a dish that tastes like you spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually did.

---

What Makes This Recipe So Reliable

One of the best things about 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas is their consistency. This is the kind of recipe you can make again and again with confidence. It works when you’re tired, when you’re short on time, and when you need something guaranteed to please.

Because the ingredient list is so short, there’s very little that can go wrong. The beef mixture is forgiving, the tortillas roll easily, and the oven does most of the work. It’s also a great recipe for beginner cooks who want to build confidence in the kitchen without tackling something complicated.

---

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 enchiladas
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Course: Dinner / Main Course

---

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) tortillas (flour or corn)

• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 2 cups)

That’s it—no extra spices, no fillers, no complicated prep.

---

Ingredient Breakdown and Tips

Ground Beef

Lean ground beef works best for 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas because it provides flavor without excessive grease. If using higher-fat beef, be sure to drain it well to prevent soggy enchiladas.

Salsa

Salsa is the secret weapon in this recipe. It replaces multiple seasonings in one simple step. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference. Chunky salsa adds texture, while smoother salsa blends seamlessly into the beef.

Enchilada Sauce

Red enchilada sauce delivers that classic enchilada flavor. Store-bought sauce keeps this recipe fast and easy, but feel free to choose your favorite brand for flavor intensity.

Tortillas

Both flour and corn tortillas work well in 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. Flour tortillas are easier to roll and softer, while corn tortillas provide a more traditional taste. Warming them before rolling is essential.

Cheese

Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully and offers balanced flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack also work well if that’s what you have on hand.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the Salsa

Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the salsa and cook until heated through. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour about ½ of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

5. Warm the Tortillas

Warm tortillas according to package directions. This step prevents cracking and makes rolling easier.

6. Assemble the Enchiladas

Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese.

7. Roll and Arrange

Roll tortillas tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

8. Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

9. Bake

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

10. Serve

Remove foil and serve warm.

---

Helpful Tips for Perfect 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

• Flour vs. corn tortillas: Flour rolls easier; corn adds authentic flavor

• Extra flavor: Add cumin or chili powder if desired

• Make it spicy: Use hot salsa or spicy enchilada sauce

• Prevent sogginess: Don’t overfill tortillas

• Golden cheese: Remove foil during the last 5 minutes if desired

---

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One reason 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are so popular is how well they work for meal prep.

Make Ahead

Assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked or baked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas with:

• Mexican rice

• Refried or black beans

• Simple green salad

• Guacamole or sour cream

These sides complement the rich flavors and make the meal feel complete.

Print

Nutrition Information (Per Enchilada – Approximate)

• Calories: 361 kcal

• Protein: 21 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Cholesterol: 65 mg

---

Why This Recipe Works for Families

Kids love the cheesy, mild flavor. Adults appreciate the bold sauce and satisfying beef filling. The short ingredient list makes grocery shopping simple, and the hands-off baking time means less stress in the kitchen.

5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are also easy to double for larger families or gatherings, making them a go-to choice for potlucks and casual dinners.

---

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

There’s something incredibly comforting about having a recipe you can rely on—one that never fails, never overwhelms, and always delivers. 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are exactly that kind of recipe. They strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, making them ideal for real life cooking.

In a world full of complicated recipes and endless ingredient lists, this dish is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just five ingredients and a handful of easy steps, you get a meal that feels warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table without complaint and leaves you with empty plates and happy faces.