We’ve always loved flat enchiladas for their clever twist on traditional Mexican fare making them a go-to for quick family dinners. Hailing from the heart of Mexico’s street food scene this layered version skips the rolling for a simpler yet flavorful stack of tortillas cheese and savory fillings.
It’s our favorite way to capture authentic tastes without the fuss. Join us as we dive into this easy recipe that’ll have you craving more in no time.
Ingredients
To craft our flavorful flat enchiladas—a layered twist on traditional Mexican favorites—we’ve compiled a list of essential ingredients below. We’ll order them as they typically appear in the assembly process, with prep notes for clarity and ease.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (mild or spicy, depending on your preference; if homemade, we’ll use it as the base layer for moisture and authentic flavor)
- 8 corn tortillas (softened in warm water or lightly toasted to prevent cracking when layering)
- 1 pound ground beef or plant-based alternative (browned and seasoned with 1 teaspoon each of cumin, chili powder, and salt for a savory protein filling)
- 1 medium onion (finely diced for adding crunch and depth to the layers)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green, chopped into small pieces to bring vibrant color and sweetness to the mix)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that perfect melt and tangy richness)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed if canned, or cooked from dry, to provide hearty texture and protein)
- Fresh toppings (such as cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced tomatoes, prepared just before serving for a fresh, zesty finish)
This selection ensures our flat enchiladas deliver bold, authentic tastes with minimal effort—ideal for your next quick family meal.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into assembling our flat enchiladas, let’s gather the essential equipment to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Having the right tools on hand makes preparation straightforward and helps us achieve that perfect, layered texture with minimal fuss.
- Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for browning the ground beef or plant-based alternative to lock in flavors and create a savory base for our flat enchiladas.
- Baking dish or casserole pan (9×13 inches): Crucial for layering the tortillas, sauce, and fillings, as it allows even baking and that golden, bubbly finish we love.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large sizes): Used for combining ingredients like onions, bell peppers, and beans, ensuring everything is evenly mixed before assembly.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: Essential for chopping vegetables such as onions and bell peppers with precision, helping us maintain the fresh, vibrant tastes in the dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring enchilada sauce, cheese, and other components, guaranteeing the authentic balance of flavors without guesswork.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and flipping in the skillet, preventing sticking and making it easy to transfer fillings to the baking dish.
- Oven mitts and baking sheet (optional for stability): These protect our hands during baking and can support the dish for even heat distribution, ensuring our flat enchiladas come out perfectly crisp on top.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential equipment, let’s guide you through creating our mouthwatering flat enchiladas. We promise this straightforward process will yield a crispy, cheesy layered delight bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we prepare our ingredients to ensure everything assembles smoothly. Begin by finely chopping 1 medium onion and 1 bell pepper into even pieces—this step releases their vibrant, fresh aroma that forms the base of our flat enchiladas. Next, drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans to remove excess liquid, preventing a soggy texture. If using 1 pound of ground beef, we set it aside in a mixing bowl; for a plant-based alternative, ensure it’s thawed and ready. Grate 2 cups of shredded cheese if it’s not pre-shredded, and have 12 corn tortillas nearby for layering. Measure out 2 cups of enchilada sauce to achieve that bold, tangy taste that defines our dish.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to cooking the components for rich, savory depth. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil; once shimmering, we add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release a sweet, caramelized scent. Next, incorporate the 1 pound of ground beef or alternative, breaking it up with a spatula as we cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through—aim for a juicy, flavorful mixture that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Stir in the drained black beans and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly for that authentic Mexican essence.
Assemble
Finally, we layer our flat enchiladas for a beautifully textured bake. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish for a moist foundation. Layer 6 corn tortillas evenly over the sauce, then top with the cooked beef mixture, followed by half of the onion-bell pepper mix and 1 cup of shredded cheese for a gooey, melty contrast. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, sauce, mixture, and cheese, finishing with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden, creating a crispy exterior that locks in the warm, spicy flavors of our flat enchiladas.
Conclusion
We’ve enjoyed guiding you through this flat enchiladas adventure. It’s a quick way to savor authentic flavors without the hassle of traditional rolling.
Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens for those busy nights when we crave something hearty and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flat enchiladas?
Flat enchiladas are a simplified twist on traditional Mexican enchiladas, where ingredients are layered instead of rolled. This street-food-inspired dish uses corn tortillas, sauce, meat or veggies, and cheese, baked for a quick, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy families seeking authentic tastes without the hassle.
How do flat enchiladas differ from traditional ones?
Unlike traditional enchiladas that require rolling tortillas around fillings, flat enchiladas layer everything in a baking dish for easier assembly. This method saves time while maintaining bold Mexican flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners without sacrificing authenticity or taste.
What ingredients are needed for flat enchiladas?
Key ingredients include enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, ground beef (or plant-based alternative), onion, bell pepper, shredded cheese, black beans, and fresh toppings. These are layered in order to create a balanced, flavorful dish with minimal prep, ensuring authentic Mexican vibes in every bite.
What equipment is required to make flat enchiladas?
You’ll need a large skillet for cooking meat and veggies, a baking dish for layering, mixing bowls for prep, a cutting board and knife for chopping, measuring cups for accuracy, and a spatula for assembly. Optional items like oven mitts and a baking sheet help with even baking and safe handling.
How do you prepare flat enchiladas step by step?
Start by prepping ingredients: chop veggies, drain beans, and measure sauce. Sauté onions and peppers, brown the meat, then mix with sauce. Layer tortillas, meat mixture, beans, and cheese in a baking dish, then bake until crispy and melted. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes for a delicious family meal.
Can flat enchiladas be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap ground beef for a plant-based alternative like lentils or extra veggies. Use the same base ingredients—enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, beans, onions, peppers, and cheese—to keep it flavorful. This makes it a versatile, healthy option that still delivers authentic Mexican taste.
How long does it take to make flat enchiladas?
Preparation and cooking typically take 30-45 minutes. Prep ingredients first (about 10 minutes), cook the filling (15 minutes), assemble layers (5 minutes), and bake (15-20 minutes). It’s a quick recipe perfect for busy evenings while offering satisfying, homemade flavors.