Craving the bold, comforting flavors of enchiladas but want to stay within your low-carb or ketogenic diet? 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are here to satisfy your cravings without the carb overload. These simple yet flavorful enchiladas combine seasoned ground beef, cheese, and low-carb tortillas smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy to make.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making these keto-friendly enchiladas, discuss their nutritional benefits, and provide tips for customization to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the world of guilt-free Tex-Mex!
Why Choose 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas?
Traditional enchiladas often rely on carb-heavy flour or corn tortillas, sugary sauces, and rice fillings, making them incompatible with a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. By using low-carb tortillas, sugar-free enchilada sauce, and a simple filling of seasoned ground beef and cheese, you can enjoy all the comforting flavors while staying within your dietary goals. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
Benefits of 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas:
- Low in Carbs: Uses low-carb tortillas and sugar-free sauce instead of traditional high-carb ingredients.
- High in Protein and Healthy Fats: Packed with protein from ground beef and fats from cheese.
- Quick and Easy: Only 5 ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your spice tolerance or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas , let’s break down the key components:
1. Filling
The star of the dish provides flavor and nutrition:
- Ground Beef: Adds savory richness and protein.
- Taco Seasoning: Infuses the beef with bold Tex-Mex flavors (use store-bought keto-friendly seasoning or make your own).
2. Low-Carb Tortillas
These provide structure while keeping the dish low-carb:
- Low-Carb Tortillas: Use almond flour, coconut flour, or cassava-based tortillas.
3. Enchilada Sauce
This adds depth and moisture:
- Sugar-Free Enchilada Sauce: Ensures the dish stays low-carb while delivering authentic flavor.
4. Cheese
This adds creaminess and indulgence:
- Shredded Cheese: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for gooey goodness.
5. Optional Garnishes
These add freshness and flair:
- Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to creating 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas that will leave you craving more.
Servings: 6 enchiladas
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet keto-friendly taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 6 low-carb tortillas
- 1 cup sugar-free enchilada sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or green onions
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches).
- Cook the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Spread 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Place a low-carb tortilla on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of the seasoned beef and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or green onions if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Per enchilada (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~300-350
- Total Carbs: ~8g (Net Carbs: ~5g)
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~3g
This makes 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas a satisfying, low-carb meal that fits perfectly within a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, keto-friendly tortillas and sugar-free enchilada sauce for the best results.
- Make Your Own Taco Seasoning: Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a homemade blend.
- Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Warm the low-carb tortillas slightly before assembling to make them more pliable.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your liking:
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Boost the Heat: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives for a plant-based option.
Final Thoughts
5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate solution for enjoying a comforting, Tex-Mex-inspired meal without derailing your low-carb lifestyle. With their rich flavors, creamy cheese, and customizable options, these enchiladas satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, meal prep, or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers big flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, feeding your family, or simply craving a comforting treat, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. Plus, its adaptability ensures that everyone—regardless of dietary preferences—can enjoy a serving.
So grab your ingredients, fire up your creativity, and get ready to indulge in a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Trust us—once you try these 5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas, you’ll never miss the carb-heavy originals!
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5-Ingredient Beef Enchiladas: A Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Delight
- Total Time: 55 mins
Description
Savory beef, zesty salsa, and melted cheese create pure bliss!
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chunky salsa
1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
8 (8-inch) tortillas (flour preferred, corn traditional)
1 (8-ounce) package Borden® Cheese Thick Cut Shredded Four Cheese Mexican (about 2 cups)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain the excess fat away and return the meat to the skillet and to medium-low heat. Stir in the salsa and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat.
Pour about 1/2 of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Warm the tortillas according to the package directions. Add about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture down the center of each tortilla and top with about 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese. Tightly roll each tortilla up and place them in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle the remaining cheese over.
Tightly wrap the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 enchiladas
- Calories: 265
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 22g