Dinner

Flat Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Bymia larkspur January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

These flat ground beef enchiladas offer a delicious twist on the classic rolled version. They are quick to prepare and packed with savory flavors, making them perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The image shows a white plate with a layered taco dish. The bottom layer is a soft tortilla topped with a layer of cooked ground beef mixed with onions, followed by a layer of melted shredded cheese in yellow and white colors. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream, surrounded by three quartered red cherry tomatoes and several slices of bright green avocado fanned across the middle. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered over the top as garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a blurred halved avocado is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups Homemade Enchilada Sauce*
12 to 15 small corn tortillas
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Avocado, sliced (for serving)
Tomato, diced (for serving)
Sour cream (for serving)
Cilantro, chopped (for serving)
Black olives, sliced (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat, then return the skillet to the heat.
Step 2: Add the enchilada sauce to the beef mixture and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 3: While the beef simmers, heat another skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. When hot, fry the corn tortillas in batches. Cook each tortilla about 1 minute per side until lightly golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: To assemble, place a fried tortilla on a plate, spoon some meat mixture onto it, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, diced tomato, sour cream, cilantro, and black olives. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use homemade enchilada sauce or your favorite store-bought brand for convenience and flavor.
Try adding chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Swap Colby Jack cheese for cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. To keep tortillas from getting soggy, consider storing the meat mixture separately from the tortillas and toppings.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with a three-layer taco stack. Each layer has a crispy golden tortilla with browned ground meat mixed with sautéed onions and melted yellow shredded cheese. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream, two small red cherry tomato halves, a slice of light green avocado, and a few fresh green cilantro leaves. In the blurred background, there is a white bowl filled with shredded yellow cheese and some green herbs on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer, but frying corn tortillas helps enhance their flavor and texture for this dish.

How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?

Homemade enchilada sauce typically includes ingredients like chili powder, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and spices. Simmer these together until thickened. Many recipes are available online for a quick homemade version.