Flat Beef Enchiladas
Flavorful flat beef enchiladas featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tender tortillas, perfect for a hearty, comforting Mexican-inspired meal enjoyed by family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion together in a skillet.
- Add salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin to the beef mixture and cook until well combined.
- Soften the tortillas by dipping them in hot cooking oil, then drain on paper towels.
- Dip each tortilla in heated enchilada sauce, then layer on individual plates with the meat mixture and grated cheese.
- Place the assembled plates in a 350°F oven to melt the cheese.
- Serve with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture. If you want a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Corn tortillas can be substituted with flour tortillas for a different texture, but they may not hold up as well. To keep the tortillas from breaking, ensure they are sufficiently softened in oil before assembly.
Serving Suggestions
These enchiladas are delicious served with a side of shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes for freshness. Consider pairing them with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Rita's Taco Soup for a comforting dinner. For a crunchy contrast, serve with tortilla chips on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method helps retain the texture of the tortillas and cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Flat Beef Enchiladas contains roughly 894 calories, with 44g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1037mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to eat, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through.
Can I freeze the assembled enchiladas?
Absolutely! Once assembled, wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, adding a bit more time if they are still cool.
What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
If you don't have enchilada sauce, a homemade version can be made with tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin, or you can use salsa as an alternative. For a creamier option, consider using a white sauce or queso dip to create a unique twist on the traditional enchilada.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).