5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas (Easy Weeknight Favorite)

Some nights call for comfort without the chaos. It was one of those evenings when I found myself digging through the fridge, tired and hungry, with just a few basics in hand. Somehow, these beef enchiladas happened — warm, cheesy, and just spicy enough to feel like a win. They’ve been in our weeknight rotation ever since.

Why You’ll Love These Beef Enchiladas

A Fast Dinner with Big Flavor

These beef enchiladas deliver bold, cozy flavor with barely any effort — the kind of meal that feels like a win even on your most tired evenings. With just five simple ingredients and around 30 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy dinner that’s full of satisfying warmth and Tex-Mex flavor. The steps are straightforward, the cleanup is quick, and the results are always crowd-pleasing.

Whether it’s a busy Monday night, a slow Friday dinner, or a midweek meal when your fridge feels bare, these beef enchiladas come through. The rich, seasoned beef filling pairs perfectly with melty cheese and tangy red sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. It’s comfort food you don’t have to overthink. Serve them up with some rice, beans, or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a full meal that keeps everyone happy — and maybe even reaching for thirds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry and Fridge Staples

You won’t need anything fancy — just simple, familiar ingredients you probably already have on hand. That’s the beauty of these beef enchiladas. A single can of mild red enchilada sauce brings smoky, tangy flavor. Tomato sauce adds richness and body. Then comes the real heart of the dish: a pound of ground beef, perfectly seasoned with a packet of taco seasoning. Wrap it all up in soft flour tortillas, and don’t forget two cups of shredded Mexican-style cheese for that irresistibly melty topping.

That’s all it takes to make a tray full of comforting, flavorful beef enchiladas. If you prefer a more traditional twist, you can use corn tortillas instead — just warm them slightly so they roll easily. Bonus tip: these enchiladas freeze beautifully, so you can prep them ahead and bake whenever you’re ready for a satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little nonstick spray.

Then, heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain off the extra grease.

Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup of your mixed sauce (enchilada and tomato sauce combined). Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes. It’ll smell amazing.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture right down the center, spreading it just a bit but keeping it away from the edges. Next, sprinkle a pinch of shredded Mexican-style cheese over the beef — enough to give it that satisfying melt without overfilling. Roll the tortilla up snugly, tucking in the sides if you like, so everything stays nicely enclosed. Then place it seam-side down in your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish to help it stay closed while baking.

Repeat this process with the rest of the tortillas until all are filled, rolled, and lined up neatly in the pan. They should fit snugly next to each other. This simple step creates the cozy, layered base of your beef enchiladas, ready to soak up that rich sauce and cheesy topping. It’s quick, hands-on, and a little bit therapeutic, honestly.

Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the rolled beef enchiladas, making sure each tortilla is fully coated from edge to edge. Don’t rush this part — the sauce adds moisture and brings everything together in the most flavorful way. If it pools too much in one area, grab a spoon and gently spread it around until every roll is covered. This step is key for getting that saucy, melty finish everyone loves. Once your enchiladas are well-sauced, sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top.

Be sure to hit the corners and in between the rolls, so every bite comes out cheesy and satisfying. At this point, the dish should look full and ready for the oven — a cozy tray of beef enchiladas just waiting to bubble. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the sauce, and the edges of the tortillas crisp slightly. It smells incredible before it even hits the table.

Pop the dish into your oven and bake uncovered at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden around the edges, and the sauce is bubbling up between the tortillas. The aroma of beef enchiladas filling your kitchen is reason enough to peek inside the oven — just try not to sneak a bite too soon! If you like a crispier top, you can broil the pan for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully so nothing burns. Once done, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.

This short wait helps the filling settle and makes serving easier. These beef enchiladas are best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, with all that cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite. They’re weeknight comfort food that truly hits the spot.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips & Easy Variations

Using Corn Tortillas Without Cracks

If you’re using corn tortillas, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave them for about 30 seconds. This softens them so they don’t tear when you roll them.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can fully assemble these beef enchiladas and freeze them before baking. Just wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Nutrition Snapshot

Each serving of these beef enchiladas has:

• Calories: 468
• Fat: 27g (12g saturated)
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sodium: 1163mg

Plenty of filling protein and just enough indulgence to satisfy.

5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Recipe Card

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Explore Similar Recipes

Looking for more easy beef dinners? Try my honey garlic ground beef and broccoli skillet — a sweet and savory 20-minute meal.

Craving something cheesy and slow-cooked? These cheesy crockpot steak bites are ultra tender.

Or take a peek at this cozy slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole for another enchilada-inspired twist.

And if you love skillet meals, don’t miss this buttery, savory garlic butter beef skillet recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

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