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Flat Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

4.5 from 122 reviews

These Flat Ground Beef Enchiladas offer a delicious and simplified twist on the classic Mexican favorite. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, simmered in a homemade enchilada sauce, and served on lightly fried corn tortillas. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and fresh garnishes like avocado, tomato, sour cream, cilantro, and black olives, this dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

Optional Toppings

  • Avocado, sliced
  • Tomato, diced
  • Sour cream
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Black olives, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef Mixture: Combine the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to the stove.
  2. Simmer in Enchilada Sauce: Add 2 1/2 cups of homemade enchilada sauce to the beef mixture and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. Fry the Tortillas: While the beef simmers, heat another skillet over medium-high heat with 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, fry each corn tortilla for about 1 minute per side — until they are lightly golden brown but still pliable. Remove and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  4. Assemble and Serve: To serve, place a fried tortilla flat on a plate, scoop some of the beef and sauce mixture on top, then sprinkle generously with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Add any desired toppings such as avocado slices, diced tomato, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced black olives. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce greasiness and keep the dish lighter.
  • The homemade enchilada sauce enhances flavor but store-bought sauce can be used as a convenient substitute.
  • Frying the tortillas briefly makes them pliable and adds texture; avoid over-frying to prevent them from becoming too crispy.
  • This recipe serves well as a customizable base—feel free to add beans or vegetables for variation.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: ground beef enchiladas, easy enchiladas, Mexican dinner, corn tortilla recipe, skillet enchiladas