Name: 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 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 shredded four cheese Mexican blend (about 2 cups)

I love this 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas recipe because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it delivers a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how straightforward this recipe is—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of seasoned ground beef, chunky salsa, rich enchilada sauce, soft flour tortillas, and melty cheese comes together effortlessly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that I can whip up in under an hour, and the leftovers reheat well too.

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 shredded four cheese Mexican blend (about 2 cups)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Return the meat to the skillet over medium-low heat, stir in the chunky salsa, and cook until heated through. Remove from heat.
Pour about half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Warm the flour tortillas according to package directions. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then top with about 1 heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture adds extra texture and nutrition.
For a spicier version, I add diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa.
You can use corn tortillas if you prefer, but I find flour tortillas keep the enchiladas soft and pliable.
Topping with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream after baking adds a nice fresh touch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or place the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Enchiladas also freeze well—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

I substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black beans. Using the same salsa and enchilada sauce keeps the flavor profile intact.

Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready, I bake them for 35-40 minutes at 350°F, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What type of cheese works best?

I prefer a shredded Mexican four cheese blend because it melts beautifully and offers a nice balance of flavors. Cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well.

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade enchilada sauce will add a fresh flavor. Just substitute it in the same quantity.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Warming the tortillas before filling helps make them pliable and less likely to tear. Also, don’t overfill them, and be sure to cover the dish with foil while baking to keep moisture balanced.

Conclusion

This 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas recipe has become one of my go-to meals for busy days. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of delicious flavors with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooking for my family or meal prepping, I know this dish will hit the spot every time.