5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas
Discover the ultimate weeknight hero with these incredibly simple 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas. Crafted for maximum flavor with minimal effort, this dish brings the vibrant taste of Tex-Mex cuisine right to your dinner table. It's a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore, proving that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Incredibly quick to prepare with only five main ingredients, perfect for busy evenings.
- Packed with robust, savory beef and vibrant salsa flavors that satisfy comfort food cravings.
- A fantastic crowd-pleaser that is simple enough for novice cooks but delicious enough for seasoned foodies.
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings to add fresh elements and personalize each serving.
- Offers a warm, cheesy, and comforting embrace in every bite, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
- 450g (1 pound) lean ground beef
- 240ml (1 cup) chunky salsa
- 280g (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 8 (20cm / 8-inch) flour or corn tortillas (flour tortillas are often preferred for their pliability, but corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor)
- 225g (8-ounce / 2 cups) shredded Mexican four cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly coat a 23x33cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish lighter and prevent greasiness. Return the browned meat to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the chunky salsa, allowing it to heat through and meld with the beef for 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Pour approximately half of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to create a base layer that will keep the tortillas moist and flavorful.
- Warm the tortillas according to the package directions. This step is crucial as it makes them pliable and less likely to tear when rolled. Lay out a warmed tortilla and spoon about 60ml (1/4 cup) of the beef and salsa mixture down its center. Sprinkle a generous tablespoon of the shredded cheese over the meat filling. Tightly roll each tortilla, tucking in the ends if desired, and place it seam-side down in the baking dish, snuggling them closely together. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Once all the enchiladas are arranged in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tops. Distribute the remaining shredded cheese over the sauced enchiladas, ensuring a rich, cheesy crust will form during baking. Tightly wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Essential Success Tips
- Do not skip warming the tortillas; it prevents cracking and makes them much easier to roll evenly.
- Ensure you thoroughly drain the ground beef to avoid a greasy final dish and allow the salsa flavor to shine.
- For extra flavor, lightly brown the tortillas in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side before warming them to add a subtle nutty depth.
- Do not overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and prone to bursting during baking.
- Adjust the amount of enchilada sauce to your preference, ensuring all tortillas are adequately coated for moisture and flavor.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an elevated flavor profile, consider using a good quality, fire-roasted salsa, which adds a smoky depth to the beef filling.
- While this recipe is built on convenience, a homemade red enchilada sauce can truly transform the dish. If you have a few extra minutes, it's worth the effort.
- To achieve a beautiful golden-brown, crispy cheese topping, remove the foil for the last 5-7 minutes of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Unbaked enchiladas can be assembled and frozen in the baking dish (tightly wrapped) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Variations: Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef mixture for added vegetables and texture, or a pinch of cumin and chili powder for more spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
What are some good side dishes to serve with beef enchiladas?
Beef enchiladas pair wonderfully with classic Mexican sides such as cilantro lime rice, refried beans, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or a fresh corn and black bean salsa. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro also makes a great garnish.
What kind of tortillas are best for this recipe?
For this particular dish, many prefer soft flour tortillas for their pliability and mild flavor, which allows the beef and cheese to truly shine. However, traditionalists might opt for corn tortillas for their authentic taste and texture. Ensure they are warmed thoroughly before rolling to prevent tearing.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per serving (estimated for 8 servings): Calories: 380-420, Protein: 28-32g, Fat: 20-24g, Carbs: 25-30g. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and gluten (if using flour tortillas). For a gluten-free version, ensure to use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
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