If you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, 5 ingredient beef enchiladas are a great option to consider. This classic Mexican dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a tasty and satisfying meal in no time.
To make 5 ingredient beef enchiladas, you’ll need ground beef, salsa, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and cheese. That’s it! These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store and won’t break the bank. Once you have everything you need, you can get started on making your enchiladas.
One of the best things about 5 ingredient beef enchiladas is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding extra ingredients like beans, corn, or jalapenos. You can also adjust the spiciness level by choosing a mild or hot salsa and enchilada sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding yourself, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making delicious 5 ingredient beef enchiladas, selecting the right ingredients is key. Here are some essential ingredients to consider when making this tasty dish.
Beef Selection
When selecting beef for your enchiladas, consider using lean ground beef. This will help keep the dish healthy and flavorful. You can also use shredded beef or steak, which will add a different texture and flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cook the beef thoroughly before adding it to your enchiladas.
Tortilla Choices
Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Corn tortillas have a slightly nutty flavor and a firmer texture, while flour tortillas are softer and have a more neutral flavor. Whichever tortilla you choose, make sure to warm them up before filling and rolling them to prevent them from cracking.
Cheese Varieties
Cheese is an essential ingredient in beef enchiladas, and there are many varieties to choose from. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso blanco are all popular choices. You can also use a blend of cheeses for added flavor. Make sure to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture and flavor of your enchiladas.
Enchilada Sauce
Enchilada sauce is what gives this dish its signature flavor. You can make your own sauce using tomatoes, chilies, and spices, or you can use a store-bought sauce. Look for a sauce that has a good balance of heat and flavor. If you prefer a milder sauce, look for one labeled as “mild” or “medium.”
Additional Ingredients
While beef, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce are the main ingredients in this dish, you can also add other ingredients to customize your enchiladas. Some popular additions include black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Just make sure to keep the ingredient list to five or fewer to keep the dish simple and easy to make.
Preparation Steps
Making 5 ingredient beef enchiladas is easy, and with a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Meat Cooking Process
The first step is to cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Break the meat into crumbles for an even texture. Drain any excess fat and add 1 cup of chunky salsa to the skillet. Mix well and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
Assembly Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take 8 small flour tortillas and place them on a flat surface. Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, dividing the mixture evenly among them. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
Baking Guidelines
Pour 1 (10-ounce) can of red enchilada sauce over the rolled-up tortillas, making sure to cover each one evenly. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top of the enchiladas. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
And that’s it! Your 5 ingredient beef enchiladas are now ready to be served. You can garnish them with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños if desired. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Beef enchiladas are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Rice: A classic and easy-to-prepare side dish that pairs well with beef enchiladas. Try making Mexican rice with diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
- Beans: Refried beans or black beans are a great option to serve alongside beef enchiladas. They add protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to your meal.
- Guacamole: Freshly-made guacamole is a delicious and healthy addition to your meal. Serve it as a dip or spoon it on top of your enchiladas.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of your beef enchiladas adds a cool and tangy flavor that balances out the spice.
Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving beef enchiladas. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Garnish: Add some fresh garnishes to your plate to make it look more appetizing. Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos are all great options.
- Sauce: Drizzle some extra enchilada sauce on top of your beef enchiladas for an added pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad: A side salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the beef enchiladas. Try a simple salad with mixed greens, sliced avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Use a colorful plate: A colorful plate can make your dish look more vibrant and appetizing. Try using a bright red or green plate to make your beef enchiladas pop.
By following these simple tips, you can elevate your beef enchiladas from a simple weeknight dinner to an impressive and delicious meal that your whole family will love.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
If you have leftover beef enchiladas, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep them fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store them in an airtight container. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they have been in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to keep your beef enchiladas for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each enchilada tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Again, make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they have been in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to eat your leftover beef enchiladas, you have a few options for reheating them. Here are some instructions for each method:
Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Remove the enchiladas from the fridge or freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the enchiladas in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes (if refrigerated) or 30-35 minutes (if frozen), or until heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the tortillas and melt the cheese.
Microwave
- Remove the enchiladas from the fridge or freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the enchiladas on a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes (if refrigerated) or 3-4 minutes (if frozen), or until heated through.
- Let the enchiladas sit for a minute before serving.
Stovetop
- Remove the enchiladas from the fridge or freezer and unwrap them.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of oil to the skillet.
- Place the enchiladas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side (if refrigerated) or 4-5 minutes on each side (if frozen), or until heated through.
- Serve immediately.
No matter which method you choose, make sure the internal temperature of the enchiladas reaches 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-reheat beef enchiladas!
