Beef Enchiladas

The beauty of these Cheesy 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Enchiladas lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you get a warm, savory, and satisfying dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant. The beef is seasoned to perfection, the cheese melts into gooey bliss, and the enchilada sauce ties everything together with a flavorful punch.

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something hearty and delicious, these enchiladas never disappoint. They’re also easily customizable, swap in chicken, add beans or rice, or spice it up with jalapeños for your own twist. Either way, dinner is done in no time, and it’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning

• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce

• 8 small flour tortillas

• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

3. Stir in taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.

4. Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

5. Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the seasoned beef and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll up and place seam-side down in the dish.

6. Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with remaining cheese.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sour cream if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Easy, Cheesy, and Oh-So-Satisfying: 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Enchiladas

There’s something undeniably comforting about a pan of hot, cheesy enchiladas fresh out of the oven. Whether it’s the bubbling cheese, the tender tortillas, or the hearty beef tucked inside, this dish has all the makings of a family-favorite meal. The best part? You don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to pull it off. This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Enchilada recipe is your go-to for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dinner, even on the busiest weeknight.

With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, these enchiladas are a perfect example of how simplicity can often deliver the most delicious results. They require just five pantry staples: ground beef, taco seasoning, flour tortillas, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. That’s it. In less than 40 minutes, you’ll have a hot, cheesy casserole-style dinner that brings all the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table.

But this dish is more than just a quick fix; it’s a deeply satisfying and versatile meal that invites personalization. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a crowd, or meal-prepping for the week, these enchiladas deliver flavor, ease, and a warm sense of home with every bite.

Why We Love This Recipe

We’re all about recipes that are low effort and high reward and these checks all the boxes. From the first bite, the seasoned beef wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered with zesty enchilada sauce and melted cheese hits every savory note. It’s an indulgent comfort food that’s also incredibly simple to put together.

Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer in any home kitchen:

• Budget-friendly: All five ingredients are affordable and widely available, making it a great meal to stretch your grocery dollar.

• Quick to make: With only 10 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.

• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters tend to love the gooey, cheesy goodness of this meal.

• Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze the extras for a fast heat-and-eat dinner down the road.

• Customizable: This is just the base, feel free to dress it up with your favorite add-ins and toppings.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

Though there are only five ingredients, each one plays a key role in creating the signature taste and texture of these enchiladas.

• Ground Beef

Beef is the backbone of this dish. We recommend using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) so there’s less grease to drain, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. For those looking to reduce red meat, ground turkey or chicken also work well as substitutes.

• Taco Seasoning

This single packet is the flavor bomb that brings everything together. It infuses the meat with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and a hint of spice. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own taco seasoning with pantry staples.

• Enchilada Sauce

Red enchilada sauce lends the classic Tex-Mex flair, smoky, mildly spicy, and rich. You can use store-bought versions for convenience or opt for homemade if you prefer a cleaner label or spicier kick. If you’re gluten-free, check labels carefully as some canned sauces contain flour.

• Flour Tortillas

Soft, pliable, and perfect for rolling, flour tortillas work beautifully in this recipe. You can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a more authentic taste or need a gluten-free option.

• Shredded Cheese

Mexican blend cheese is the go-to here. It typically includes a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso quesadilla, and asadero cheese, perfect for melting and browning on top. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack are great alternatives depending on your preference for mild or spicy flavors.

Tips for Success

Even with only five ingredients, there are a few pro tips that can elevate your enchiladas to the next level.

1. Toast the Tortillas

If you’ve got a few extra minutes, lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling. This adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess during baking.

2. Don’t Overstuff

It’s tempting to load up each tortilla with a mountain of filling, but keeping things balanced ensures they roll up neatly and bake evenly.

3. Bake Covered, Then Uncovered

For a gooier enchilada, cover with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking. Then, remove the foil for the final 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and bubble on top.

4. Let Them Rest

After pulling the dish from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce and cheese to settle, making for cleaner servings.

Make It Your Own: Easy Add-Ins and Swaps

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to suit different preferences, dietary needs, or what you have in the fridge.

Add-In Ideas:

• Beans: Add a layer of black or refried beans for extra protein and fiber.

• Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, spinach, or zucchini can all be sautéed and added to the beef mixture.

• Rice: Mix in a scoop of cooked rice for a heartier, burrito-style enchilada.

• Spice: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Topping Suggestions:

• Sour cream

• Diced avocado or guacamole

• Fresh cilantro

• Sliced green onions

• Crumbled queso fresco

• Lime wedges

These toppings add color, freshness, and texture that balance the richness of the dish.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out your meal, here are some simple and delicious side ideas:

• Mexican Rice – A classic side that complements the flavors of the enchiladas.

• Refried Beans or Black Beans – Add protein and fiber.

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Adds sweetness, spice, and crunch.

• Crisp Salad – A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness.

• Chips & Salsa or Guacamole – Great for serving before or alongside your main meal.

A Bite of Culture: The Tex-Mex Story

While enchiladas trace their roots to Mexico, what we’re making here is decidedly Tex-Mex, a culinary style born where Texas meets Mexico. Tex-Mex cuisine blends Mexican ingredients and techniques with American influences like processed cheese, ground beef, and flour tortillas. It’s bold, indulgent, and perfect for casual dining.

This style of enchilada is smothered in sauce and cheese, baked in a casserole dish which rose to popularity in American kitchens during the 20th century. It’s the kind of dish passed from busy mom to busy mom, shared at potlucks, and beloved by kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Enchilada recipe is proof that you don’t need a complicated grocery list to create a meal that’s warm, flavorful, and utterly comforting. It’s a celebration of bold flavors, gooey cheese, and kitchen simplicity, ideal for feeding a hungry family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a delicious home-cooked dinner.

Whether you stick to the five ingredients or jazz it up with your favorite toppings and add-ins, these enchiladas will quickly earn a regular spot in your weekly meal rotation. Serve them with love and watch as plates are cleaned and seconds are requested.

If you’re new to enchiladas, this is the perfect gateway dish. If you’re a seasoned fan, it’s a dependable classic you’ll come back to time and time again.

So, heat up your oven, grab that casserole dish, and get ready to enjoy a cozy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying dinner, no stress, no fuss, just delicious.