Tender Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe: A Family Favorite

Simmering with zesty flavors, these beef skillet enchiladas capture the heart of Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Melted cheese blankets tender ground beef nestled in a rich, spicy sauce.

The one-pan wonder promises a delightful meal that comes together effortlessly.

Packed with bold spices and creamy textures, this recipe delivers a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of savory meat, soft tortillas, and tangy enchilada sauce.

You’ll love how quickly this skillet meal transforms weeknight cooking into a fiesta of flavors.

Prepare to savor every delicious, cheesy bite of this irresistible enchilada experience.

Tips for Even Heating and Gooey Cheese

• Break ground beef into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform browning and prevent tough, chewy textures.
• Let tortilla wedges sit in the saucy mixture for a few minutes before baking to help them absorb maximum flavor and maintain perfect moisture.
• Shred cheese directly from a cold block for smoother melting and more even coverage across the skillet enchiladas.
• Cut zucchini and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Add herbs and fresh ingredients like cilantro and avocado just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

How to Store Enchiladas Without Drying Out

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer enchiladas to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place enchiladas in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

Great Sides to Pair With This Skillet Dish

• Pair Perfectly with Mexican Lager: Crisp, light Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo Especial cut through the richness of the beef and cheese, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Complement with Zesty Margarita: A classic lime margarita balances the enchiladas' spicy flavors, with tequila's warmth enhancing the dish's bold southwestern profile.
• Match with Fresh Cilantro-Lime Rice: Serve alongside a simple rice side dressed with chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice, creating a bright counterpoint to the hearty skillet enchiladas.
• Enhance with Tangy Pico de Gallo: Prepare a quick fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add bright, acidic notes that lighten the dish's richness.

Fun Ingredient Combos to Mix Into the Filling

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or lentils. Maintain the same spice blend and cooking method for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free tortillas made from cassava or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use lettuce wraps or cauliflower tortillas instead of traditional corn tortillas. Reduce corn and beans to lower the carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, authentic enchilada flavors.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut yogurt in place of sour cream to maintain creaminess while eliminating dairy products.

FAQs

• Are corn tortillas the best option for this recipe?

Corn tortillas are perfect for this skillet enchilada recipe because they absorb the sauce beautifully and provide an authentic Mexican flavor. They also hold together well when mixed directly into the skillet mixture.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and maintain the same cooking time and seasoning.

• How spicy is this enchilada recipe?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level with chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños. For less spice, reduce the chili powder quantity.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Yes, this is a true one-pan meal that starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven. It minimizes cleanup and allows for easy cooking and serving directly from the skillet.

Why Skillet Enchiladas Make Weeknight Meals Easy

• Easily swap ingredients to match dietary needs or pantry availability, making this recipe a flexible favorite for any home cook.
• Prepare, cook, and serve in a single skillet, reducing dish washing and kitchen mess while maximizing flavor potential.
• Combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in a single hearty dish that delivers complete nutrition and satisfying taste in every bite.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, warm, and filling meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Everything You Need for Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the core of the enchilada skillet.

• Red Bell Pepper, Zucchini, Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and depth to the dish.
• Tomatoes, Avocado Slices: Vibrant toppings that provide a fresh contrast to the warm skillet.
• Cilantro: A bright herb that brings a classic Mexican-inspired freshness.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Oregano: Spices that create an authentic enchilada flavor profile.
• Enchilada Sauce: A rich, tangy base that brings moisture and traditional taste to the dish.

• Corn Tortillas: The traditional wrap that absorbs the flavors and provides a classic enchilada texture.
• Black Beans, Corn: Additional protein and texture enhancers that complement the beef.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a golden, bubbling topping that brings everything together.

• Sour Cream: A cool, creamy addition that balances the spicy and rich flavors.

How to Assemble and Cook Enchiladas in a Skillet

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a blazing 425F (218C).

Let it heat up while you prep, ensuring a perfectly crispy finish for your enchiladas.

Step 2: Sizzle the Skillet

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium-high flame.

When a water droplet dances on the surface, spray with cooking oil and spread olive oil evenly.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Red bell pepper
• Zucchini
• White and light green parts of green onions

Break up the beef with a spatula and cook for 8 minutes until the meat loses its pink color and vegetables soften.

Step 4: Build the Enchilada Magic

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Oregano

• Black beans
• Corn
• Half cup of cheese

Stir until everything blends into a delicious, saucy mixture.

Step 5: Wrap in Tortilla Goodness

Gently fold corn tortilla wedges into the skillet.

Ensure they’re completely coated and distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Melt and Bubble

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Slide the skillet into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Dress and Impress

• Dark green parts of green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado slices

Add a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Serve immediately and savor the explosion of flavors.

Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef skillet enchiladas bring Mexican comfort straight to your kitchen with bold, zesty flavors melding in one pan. Cheesy, spicy goodness awaits you, promising a quick and satisfying meal that delivers authentic taste without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small red bell pepper, diced small
• 1 medium zucchini, diced small
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon olive oil
• 8 corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges
• 1.5 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Cooking spray

Garnishes:

• Green onion tops
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced or sliced avocado

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425F (218C), positioning rack in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, lightly coating with cooking spray and olive oil.
3. Crumble ground beef into the skillet, adding diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and white/light green onion parts. Cook for 8 minutes, breaking meat into small pieces until no longer pink.
4. Remove skillet from heat and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
5. Pour enchilada sauce into the skillet, mixing in black beans, corn, and half the cheese until ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Gently fold corn tortilla wedges into the mixture, ensuring they’re completely coated and evenly distributed throughout the skillet.
7. Scatter remaining cheese across the top of the skillet, creating a complete coverage layer.
8. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
9. Carefully remove from oven and immediately garnish with dark green onion tops, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices.
10. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by sour cream for added richness.

Notes

• Choose a lean ground beef with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and make the dish healthier.
• Replace corn tortillas with whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a more nutritious alternative.
• Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the overall taste and enhance the fresh vegetable components.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg