5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas offer a quick, simple, and delicious way to enjoy a classic Mexican-inspired dish with minimal ingredients yet maximum flavor. Combining seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, tortillas, a rich enchilada sauce, and a handful of spices, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without a complicated ingredient list. The ease of preparation makes it a family favorite, while the bold flavors deliver a satisfying and hearty dinner that pleases all ages. Wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a tangy red sauce, these enchiladas bring the vibrant taste of traditional Mexican cuisine into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Perfect for serving with rice, beans, or a fresh salad, this dish strikes the ideal balance between simplicity and rich, authentic flavor.
The History of Beef Enchiladas
Enchiladas have a rich heritage dating back to pre-Hispanic Mexico, where indigenous peoples wrapped small tortillas around fillings and topped them with chili sauces. The word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish verb “enchilar,” meaning “to add chili pepper to.” Over centuries, enchiladas evolved into the diverse variations enjoyed today, ranging from simple rolled tortillas with cheese to elaborate versions filled with meats, beans, and vegetables. Beef enchiladas became particularly popular as beef production expanded in Mexico and later in the United States. They are a staple in Mexican-American cuisine, especially in Texas and the Southwest, where adaptations often include Tex-Mex influences like melted cheese and canned enchilada sauces. This dish represents a fusion of indigenous ingredients and Spanish colonial influences, making it a beloved comfort food with deep cultural roots and widespread appeal.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory base and hearty texture, ideally lean for less fat.
Shredded Cheese: Usually cheddar or Mexican blend cheese adds creamy, melty goodness.
Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas are rolled around the filling to create enchiladas.
Enchilada Sauce: A key component that gives the dish its signature tangy, spicy, and smoky flavor. Store-bought or homemade sauce works well.
Seasonings: Simple spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the beef and sauce.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, and avocado can be added for freshness and creaminess.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Season: Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top and Bake: Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or avocado if desired.
Tips for the Perfect 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Use fresh or good-quality store-bought enchilada sauce for the best flavor. Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent tearing. Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracks. Use lean ground beef to avoid greasy enchiladas. Layer the sauce generously to keep the dish moist and flavorful. Cover the baking dish with foil during most of the baking to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out. Let the enchiladas rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and make slicing easier. Customize cheese blends for extra richness or meltiness.
Variations and Customizations
Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor. Substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option. Use corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican touch or flour tortillas for softness. Incorporate beans or black olives for added protein and flavor. Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with sautéed mushrooms, beans, or seasoned tofu. Experiment with different cheeses like queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for unique tastes. Add a dollop of guacamole or pico de gallo on top before serving. For extra heat, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beef or sauce.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas provide a balanced source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, but can vary widely depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Choosing lean ground beef reduces saturated fat, while whole wheat or corn tortillas add fiber and complex carbs. Cheese contributes calcium and protein but also adds fat and calories, so use moderate amounts if watching intake. Enchilada sauce can contain sodium, so opting for low-sodium varieties or homemade sauces can help manage salt levels. Adding vegetables boosts fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This dish is calorie-dense but can be part of a healthy diet when served with plenty of fresh vegetables or salads and eaten in moderation.
FAQ
Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, thaw completely before cooking for even browning.
Can I make enchilada sauce from scratch? Absolutely! Simple recipes use tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, and spices simmered together.
Are corn or flour tortillas better? Both work; corn is more traditional, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.
Can I freeze leftover enchiladas? Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven.
How do I prevent tortillas from cracking? Warm tortillas before rolling and avoid overfilling them.
Can I add beans to this recipe? Yes, black or pinto beans work well for extra protein and fiber.
Is this recipe spicy? It’s mild by default, but you can add chili powder or hot sauce to increase heat.
What sides pair well with beef enchiladas? Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or fresh salads are great accompaniments.
5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1 10-ounce can red enchilada sauce
- 8 8-inch tortillas (flour tortillas are preferred for this recipe, though corn tortillas are more traditional)
- 1 8-ounce package Borden® Cheese Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican blend (approximately 2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the salsa and cook until warmed through. Remove from heat.
- Pour about half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Warm the tortillas following the package instructions. Spoon roughly ¼ cup of the meat mixture down the center of each tortilla, then top with about one heaping tablespoon of 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 with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.