Beef Skillet Enchiladas

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Introduction

Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a quick, one-pan take on the classic enchiladas. With seasoned ground beef, cheesy goodness, and all the flavors of traditional enchiladas, this recipe delivers everything you love about enchiladas without the hassle of rolling them up. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner, this skillet meal combines savory beef, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce into a one-pan delight.

The ground beef is cooked with a blend of bold spices that infuse the dish with rich flavor, while the enchilada sauce adds a tangy kick. Topped with a generous amount of cheese, the dish melts into a gooey, comforting masterpiece. Whether you serve it with a side of rice, beans, or some crispy tortilla chips, Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. No rolling, no fuss—just layered ingredients cooked together in one skillet for a hassle-free, flavorful meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week, Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a guaranteed hit!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family-friendly meals
  • Tex-Mex lovers
  • One-pan meal fans
  • Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beef Skillet Enchiladas are bound to be a hit:

  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required! Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
  • Packed with Flavor: Spiced ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce create a bold and irresistible flavor combination.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or cilantro to make it your own.
  • Perfectly Cheesy: Loaded with gooey, melted cheese that takes the dish to the next level of comfort food bliss.
  • Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy, making it ideal for family dinners.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easy to find.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Great for leftovers—just reheat and enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day.
  • No Oven Needed: Everything is cooked on the stovetop, making it a great option for hot days or when you want to skip the oven.
  • Tex-Mex at Its Best: Satisfy your cravings for bold, zesty, and hearty flavors without needing a trip to a Mexican restaurant.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Ingredients

For the Beef Skillet:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Toppings (Optional):

  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Avocado slices
  • Salsa

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef: Rich and savory, ground beef provides the hearty base for the dish.
  • Taco Seasoning: Adds bold, zesty flavors to the beef without the need for extra spices.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Tangy and savory, enchilada sauce ties everything together and gives that classic flavor.
  • Cheese: A combination of cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses melts beautifully over the beef and tortillas.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

Prepare the Beef Skillet:

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
  3. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute, allowing the seasoning to bloom.

Assemble the Skillet Enchiladas:

  1. Add Enchilada Sauce and Tortilla Strips: Pour the enchilada sauce over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Add the tortilla strips to the skillet and gently toss to coat them with the sauce and beef.
  2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Mexican blend cheese over the top of the beef and tortillas. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finish and Serve:

  1. Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Optionally, garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, or jalapeños.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve your Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp side salad like a simple Mexican slaw or a mixed greens salad with lime dressing.
  • With Rice: Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice for a complete meal.
  • Toppings: Don’t forget to load it up with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa for added flavor.
  • As a Casual Meal: Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to perfect your Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

  • Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover cooked ground beef, you can easily turn it into this skillet enchilada dish.
  • Customize the Tortillas: Swap out corn tortillas for flour tortillas or use a gluten-free version if needed.
  • Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle chili flakes on top for some heat.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in extra veggies like corn, zucchini, or black beans for more flavor and nutrition.
  • Try Chicken: Substitute ground beef with cooked shredded chicken for a lighter variation.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations of Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

  • Beef and Black Bean Skillet Enchiladas: Add black beans to the beef mixture for extra protein and fiber. Top with cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
  • Spicy Beef Skillet Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat. You can also use spicy enchilada sauce to ramp up the flavor.
  • Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Enchiladas: Layer in thinly sliced potatoes with the beef mixture, then top with melted cheese for a hearty, comforting variation.
  • Beef and Corn Skillet Enchiladas: Stir in sweet corn kernels to the beef mixture for a touch of sweetness and texture. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
  • Beef and Mushroom Skillet Enchiladas: Sauté mushrooms with the beef for an earthy, savory flavor that complements the spices in the enchilada sauce.
  • Beef and Zucchini Skillet Enchiladas: Add diced zucchini to the beef mixture for added veggies and moisture. The zucchini’s subtle flavor pairs perfectly with the enchilada sauce.
  • BBQ Beef Skillet Enchiladas: Use barbecue sauce instead of enchilada sauce for a smoky, tangy twist on the classic. Add some red onion for extra flavor.
  • Beef and Spinach Skillet Enchiladas: Add fresh spinach to the beef mixture and sauté until wilted. This adds a burst of color and nutrition to the dish.
  • Beef and Avocado Skillet Enchiladas: After cooking the enchiladas, top with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of cilantro for a creamy and refreshing contrast.
  • Beef and Bell Pepper Skillet Enchiladas: Sauté colorful bell peppers with the beef for a crunchy texture and added sweetness. This version adds both flavor and visual appeal..

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze the beef mixture (without cheese and toppings) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the skillet with cheese on top.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding extra cheese if desired.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that will help you prepare Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

  • Large Skillet: A large, oven-safe skillet is essential for cooking and assembling this dish.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For breaking apart the ground beef and stirring the ingredients.
  • Lid for Skillet: A lid helps melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: For dicing the onion and bell pepper (if using).

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
    Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce works perfectly for this recipe. If you have time, homemade enchilada sauce can enhance the flavor even more.
  2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
    Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas, but corn tortillas give the dish a more authentic enchilada flavor and texture.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just assemble the dish and cook as directed.
  4. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until the cheese is melted again. You can also microwave individual servings.
  5. Is this recipe spicy?
    This recipe has a mild spice level, but you can make it spicier by adding more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Beef Skillet Enchiladas bring all the comfort of traditional enchiladas with none of the hassle. Featuring savory ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful enchilada sauce, this one-pan dish is quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights.

Customize it with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or cilantro, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need a simple meal for one, Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a delicious, satisfying choice.

Give it a try, and it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite! Don’t forget to snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me—I’d love to see your take on this delicious dish.

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