Beef Skillet Enchiladas

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, you’ve come to the right place! These Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a family favorite in our home. They capture all the savory goodness of traditional enchiladas but come together in half the time and with just one pan. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends at a gathering, this dish is not only easy but also packed with protein and nutrients. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With tender ground beef, colorful veggies, black beans, and gooey cheese, each bite is a delightful explosion of taste. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and gluten-free, making it suitable for everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners!
• One-pan wonder: Say goodbye to countless dishes; everything cooks in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love digging into these hearty enchiladas.
• Customizable: Switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
• Healthy comfort food: Packed with lean protein and veggies, you’ll feel good serving this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make these Beef Skillet Enchiladas shine! You’ll find that everything is accessible and often already in your pantry or fridge.

For the Main Dish

• Cooking spray
• ½ teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced small (about ¾ – 1 cup)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced small (about 1 ¾ – 2 cups)
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced; white/light green and dark green parts separated
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups (15 to 16 oz) jarred or canned red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn (fire roasted or regular)
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges (about 8 ounces total)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

For Garnish

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences or what you have available.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your enchiladas a kick.
• Cheese lovers rejoice: Substitute different types of cheese like pepper jack for a bit more flavor.

How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Veggies

Preheat your oven to 425℉. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, spray with cooking spray and add the olive oil. Then toss in the ground beef along with the red bell pepper, zucchini, and white/light green parts of the green onions. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. You want everything to be nice and combined until the beef is no longer pink and the zucchini is tender—this should take about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in Spices and Sauce

Once you’ve cooked the beef mixture, turn off the heat. Now it’s time to add flavor! Toss in chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and half of your shredded cheese. Give everything a good stir so that all those beautiful flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 3: Fold in Tortilla Wedges

Gently fold in those lovely corn tortilla wedges so they’re well coated in that delicious sauce. This step ensures every bite has that signature enchilada flavor mixed throughout the dish.

Step 4: Bake Until Cheesy Goodness Awaits

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—because who doesn’t love more cheese? Bake in your preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly—this usually takes around 10-15 minutes. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle those dark green slices of green onions along with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado on top. If you’re feeling indulgent (and I highly recommend it), serve with dollops of sour cream on each plate.

Now you’re ready to dive into these comforting Beef Skillet Enchiladas! Enjoy every bite with family or friends—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Making Beef Skillet Enchiladas is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef not only reduces the fat content but also allows the rich flavors of spices and veggies to shine through in every bite.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand, like mushrooms or spinach, to cater to your family’s taste preferences and boost nutrition.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese: Adding a generous amount of cheese not only enhances flavor but also creates that delicious, gooey topping we all love. Just be sure to reserve some for the final sprinkle!
• Prep ahead: To save time on busy weeknights, pre-chop your veggies and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when it’s time for dinner.
• Experiment with sauces: If you want to mix things up, try different enchilada sauces or even homemade versions. A green sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce can add a unique twist to this recipe.

How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Presenting your Beef Skillet Enchiladas beautifully can turn a simple meal into something special. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and complements the flavors of the enchiladas perfectly.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy contrast that balances the spices and richness of the dish.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños can take your enchiladas to the next level.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This salad features sweet corn tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and creamy dressing—a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with the enchiladas.
• Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad with tomatoes and lime is light and creamy, making it an excellent counterpart to the hearty enchiladas.
• Black Bean Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with black beans offers added fiber and protein while complementing the flavors of your main dish.
• Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with a zesty salsa make for a fun appetizer or side that everyone will enjoy before diving into their enchiladas.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Beef Skillet Enchiladas will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy this delightful meal any night of the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it come together quickly, but it also stores well, making it a great option for busy weeknights. You can easily prepare ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the uneaten portions to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the enchiladas cool before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, consider freezing before baking; simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

• To reheat refrigerated leftovers, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• For frozen enchiladas, bake straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Beef Skillet Enchiladas!

Can I use other types of meat in Beef Skillet Enchiladas?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option while still maintaining that rich flavor.

How do I make Beef Skillet Enchiladas spicier?

To add heat to your Beef Skillet Enchiladas, consider using spicy enchilada sauce or adding chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

Are Beef Skillet Enchiladas gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use corn tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free, these Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a delicious gluten-free meal option.

Can I make Beef Skillet Enchiladas vegetarian?

Certainly! Simply omit the beef and add more beans or vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe! It’s not only quick and budget-friendly but packed with flavor and nutrition that everyone will love. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, these enchiladas will surely become a favorite. Enjoy making them, and happy cooking!