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Quick Beef Enchiladas

Savor the rich flavors of these cheesy beef enchiladas, perfect for a busy weeknight. With just five ingredients, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Min-Jae Park - Head Chef
By Min-Jae Park
4.7 (150 reviews)
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Delicious Quick Beef Enchiladas - homemade Mexican comfort food recipe
Quick Beef Enchiladas - Ready to enjoy

Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of savory beef and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen. These 5-ingredient beef enchiladas are not just a meal; they're a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for those evenings when time is short but the craving for something delicious is strong. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Each bite is a delightful blend of tender beef, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas, all smothered in a rich enchilada sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes these enchiladas truly special is their simplicity. In a world where time is often a luxury, having a recipe that requires only five ingredients and delivers such robust flavors is a game-changer. The beef is seasoned to perfection, providing a hearty base, while the cheese melts into a luscious topping that’s hard to resist. The tortillas soak up the enchilada sauce, becoming soft and flavorful, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress without the stress.

Step-by-step preparation of Quick Beef Enchiladas showing ingredients and initial cooking steps
Preparing the ingredients
Cooking process for Quick Beef Enchiladas showing technique and proper timing
During the cooking process

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Baking Dish

Essential for layering and baking the enchiladas to perfection

Skillet

Needed to brown the beef evenly and enhance its flavor

Cheese Grater

For freshly grated cheese that melts beautifully

Mixing Spoon

To combine ingredients smoothly and ensure even distribution

Oven Mitts

To safely handle the hot baking dish when serving

Perfect Pairings

Spanish Rice

Complements the enchiladas with its mild, savory flavor

Guacamole

Adds a creamy, fresh contrast to the rich enchiladas

Sour Cream

Provides a cool, tangy balance to the spicy sauce

Refried Beans

Offers a hearty, comforting side that pairs well with the beef

Margaritas

A refreshing citrusy drink that enhances the Mexican flavors

Perfectly cooked Quick Beef Enchiladas served and ready to eat - final result
The perfect finished result

Pro Tips

  • For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of jalapeños before baking. It adds a spicy twist that complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Serve these enchiladas with a side of fresh guacamole and sour cream. The creamy textures balance the spicy and savory flavors beautifully.

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Quick Beef Enchiladas

These beef enchiladas are a weeknight hero, combining savory beef and gooey cheese wrapped in soft tortillas. With only five ingredients, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Category: Dinners
Servings: 4 yields
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

💡 Click on ingredients to check them off!

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

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  1. 1
    Brown the Beef
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
  2. 2
    Season the Meat
    Stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
  3. 3
    Prepare the Tortillas
    Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable for rolling.
  4. 4
    Fill the Tortillas
    Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla, roll them up, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
  5. 5
    Add the Sauce
    Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well covered.
  6. 6
    Top with Cheese
    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
  7. 7
    Bake the Enchiladas
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. 8
    Serve and Enjoy
    Let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 450
Total Fat 18.0g
Carbohydrates 40.0g
Protein 25.0g

Chef's Notes

  • These beef enchiladas are perfect for a cozy family dinner. The aroma of melted cheese and spicy beef fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in.
  • With just 5 ingredients, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the dinner table!
  • The enchiladas come out of the oven bubbling with cheesy goodness. The tortillas are soft yet slightly crispy on the edges, creating a delightful texture.
  • The rich, savory beef filling pairs beautifully with the tangy enchilada sauce. Each bite is a burst of flavor, leaving you craving more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Substitute cooked, shredded chicken for the beef. It will give a lighter flavor while still soaking up the delicious enchilada sauce. Just ensure the chicken is well-seasoned.

To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Consider serving with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. These sides complement the rich flavors of the enchiladas and provide a balanced meal.

Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven until heated through and bubbly.