The aroma of spices dancing in the air takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where family dinners were a feast of flavors and laughter. If you, too, crave those vibrant, comforting meals but want to keep things simple, you’re in for a treat! This One-Pan Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet captures the essence of traditional enchiladas without all the fuss.
Imagine digging into a bubbling skillet adorned with melted cheese, tender tortilla pieces, and a savory blend of beef and spices—all ready to serve in less than 40 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delightful without the hassle of extra dishes. Best of all, this dish is endlessly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s taste. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe that will put an end to your fast food routine and bring excitement back to your dining table!
Why love Beef Skillet Enchiladas so much?
Simplicity at Its Best: This one-pan recipe means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
Savory Flavor: The blend of spices and melted cheese delivers a deliciously rich taste that satisfies every craving.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the comforting combo of beef, beans, and tortillas, making it a winning choice for dinner.
Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite proteins or veggies—there are endless combinations to suit everyone’s palate!
Quick Cooking: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights craving a home-cooked meal.
Say goodbye to fast food and whip up these delightful Beef Skillet Enchiladas; you won’t regret it!
Beef Skillet Enchiladas Ingredients
For the Skillet
• Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing the onion and beef; can use any cooking oil as a substitute.
• White Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth; yellow onion or shallots are good alternatives.
• Lean Ground Beef (1 pound) – The heart of the dish providing a hearty protein option; consider ground turkey or chicken for a lighter choice.
• Chili Powder (2 teaspoons) – Brings heat and a rich, earthy flavor to the dish; add cayenne pepper for extra spiciness if desired.
• Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, nutty essence; no substitutes recommended for best results.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon) – Offers aromatic goodness; fresh minced garlic (1 clove) can be used instead.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings for balance; adjust to suit your taste.
For the Additions
• Chopped Cilantro (2 tablespoons) – Brightens the dish with freshness; fresh parsley is a milder substitute.
• Frozen Corn (½ cup) – Contributes sweetness and texture; can swap for fresh or drained canned corn.
• Low Sodium Black Beans (1 cup) – Adds protein and fiber; pinto beans or kidney beans work well too.
• Red Enchilada Sauce (15 ounces) – Forms the flavorful base of the skillet; green enchilada sauce provides a different twist.
• Corn Tortillas (5, cut into triangles) – Acts as the dish’s base, becoming delightfully soft in cooking; flour tortillas can be an alternative for a different texture.
• Shredded Colby Jack Cheese (1 cup) – Adds creaminess as it melts on top; cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead.
Now, gather these ingredients and get ready to create your perfect Beef Skillet Enchiladas!
How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F. This will ensure your dish bakes evenly and achieves that lovely golden top.
Cut tortillas: Take your corn tortillas and cut them into triangles. This will make them easier to mix into the skillet and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Heat oil: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it warm enough to sauté the onion and beef effectively.
Brown the beef: Add the diced onion and the lean ground beef to the skillet. Season generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine ingredients: Stir in the low sodium black beans, frozen corn, chopped cilantro, and red enchilada sauce. Mix everything until it’s well combined and heated through, around 3-4 minutes.
Add tortilla pieces: Gently fold in the tortilla triangles, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce mixture. This step helps to soak the tortillas with all those amazing flavors.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the skillet mixture, covering it completely. This will melt beautifully as it bakes!
Bake: Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Optional: Garnish with fresh avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Beef Skillet Enchiladas Variations
Feel free to get creative with this dish; there are endless ways to customize your enchiladas!
Turkey Option: Swap lean ground beef for ground turkey. This lighter option still brings great flavor but with fewer calories.
You can maintain the delicious spice blend that makes this dish so special.Vegetarian Delight: Replace the meat with a mix of black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers. This adds texture and packs in even more nutrients.
Your family won’t even miss the meat with such a hearty, delightful mix.Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. This boosts the heat for those who love a fiery bite.
Just the right amount of spice will leave everyone craving more!Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced zucchini or spinach before baking for a nutrition boost. This keeps the dish vibrant and colorful.
Not only do you add fiber, but also an eye-catching presentation.Cheese Variations: Swap shredded Colby Jack for pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor. This infuses a zesty twist into each cheesy bite.
Melting cheese with a kick adds an exciting element to your family’s favorite!Tortilla Twists: Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer texture. This change will give a different but equally delicious experience.
The flavor profile remains while providing a fun culinary alternative!Sour Cream Topping: Drizzle with creamy sour cream and fresh lime juice just before serving. It adds cooling creaminess, enhancing every bite.
A touch of sour cream elevates the dish from good to unforgettable!Cilantro Substitute: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley can be used as a mild, fragrant alternative.
This simple swap can make the dish more enjoyable for those with different herb preferences.
What to Serve with Beef Skillet Enchiladas?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement this hearty dish.
- Fresh Guacamole: The creamy texture and zesty lime flavor add a refreshing contrast to the savory enchiladas.
- Mexican Street Corn: Its sweet and spicy profile rounds out your meal beautifully, making every bite a celebration of flavors.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime zest complements the bold spices, providing a lovely palate cleanser.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette not only adds freshness but also balances the richness of the enchiladas.
- Sour Cream & Salsa: These classic condiments offer a cooling contrast and extra flavor, enhancing each mouthful of your enchiladas.
- Spicy Black Beans: Rich in protein and flavor, they create a wonderfully filling side that pairs well with the enchiladas.
With these delicious options, you can turn a comforting dinner into a spectacular feast that your family will love!
Make Ahead Options
These Beef Skillet Enchiladas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the beef mixture (ground beef, onions, and spices) up to 3 days in advance. Simply brown the beef and mix in your black beans, corn, cilantro, and enchilada sauce. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When it’s time to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet, fold in the tortilla pieces, top with cheese, and bake as directed. This method keeps the dish just as delicious while saving you precious time on busy weeknights! Enjoy your cozy family meal without any of the fuss!
Expert Tips for Beef Skillet Enchiladas
Brown the Beef: Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked and browned before adding other ingredients to enhance flavors and avoid any rubbery texture.
Choose the Right Skillet: A cast-iron skillet works best for even heat distribution; it helps to create that ideal bubbly cheese top.
Customize Your Spice: Don’t shy away from adjusting the chili powder. If you love heat, consider adding more or incorporating jalapeños directly into your beef skillet enchiladas.
Stir Gently: When adding tortilla pieces, gently fold them into the mixture to ensure even coating without breaking them.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the skillet as it bakes. You want the cheese melted and bubbly, but not overcooked, which can make it tough.
Storage Tips for Beef Skillet Enchiladas
Room Temperature: Leftovers can be left out for up to 2 hours before refrigerating. Beyond that, bacteria can start to grow.
Fridge: Store any leftover beef skillet enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful!
Freezer: While the complete dish isn’t ideal for freezing, the beef filling can be prepared and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes in the microwave, for a quick and cozy meal any time!
Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my Beef Skillet Enchiladas?
Absolutely! When choosing ingredients like ground beef, look for lean cuts with about 80% lean meat for the best flavor without excessive fat. For the onions, select those that feel firm, heavy for their size with a dry, papery skin. Avoid any that have dark spots or sprouting, as these may indicate spoilage. As for the corn tortillas, the fresher the better! Check for a soft, pliable feel without any cracks or dryness.
What is the best way to store leftover Beef Skillet Enchiladas?
Very simple! Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you hope to enjoy them later, remember that the full dish isn’t suitable for freezing, but you can freeze the beef mixture separately for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I freeze the Beef Skillet Enchiladas?
While the assembled dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the texture changes after baking, you can freeze the beef filling. To do this, prepare the beef, beans, corn, and spices as per the recipe and let it cool. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the rest of the cooking instructions for a quick meal!
What should I do if my Beef Skillet Enchiladas are too dry after baking?
If you find your enchiladas on the dry side, don’t worry! This can happen if the tortillas soak up too much of the sauce while baking. For next time, watch your baking time closely—10 to 15 minutes is usually perfect, but ovens can vary! If they do come out dry, simply warm a bit of additional enchilada sauce or broth on the stove and drizzle it over the top before serving. It will help to revive the flavors and moisture!
Are Beef Skillet Enchiladas safe for people with allergies?
Great question! Always check your ingredients, especially for dairy or gluten if you’re cooking for those with sensitivities. If you’re substituting any components, like using gluten-free tortillas or non-dairy cheese options, make sure they align with dietary needs. Also, if making for pets or those allergic to certain beans, consider customizing the recipe ingredients accordingly—like swapping beans with additional vegetables.
Savory Beef Skillet Enchiladas in Just 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut corn tortillas into triangles.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook until beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, corn, cilantro, and enchilada sauce. Mix well and heat through, around 3-4 minutes.
- Fold in tortilla triangles, ensuring they are coated with the sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet mixture.
- Place skillet in oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.