Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Get ready for a weeknight win with Beef Skillet Enchiladas! This delicious dish captures all the flavors you love about traditional enchiladas but with a fraction of the time and effort. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pan meal is packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, making it a nutritious choice. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and gluten-free, ensuring it fits seamlessly into various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single skillet—great for busy weeknights!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean ground beef, colorful veggies, black beans, and corn, this dish is not only tasty but also good for you.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools for making Beef Skillet Enchiladas efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: This tool is crucial for both stovetop cooking and oven baking. It ensures even heat distribution and great flavor development.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps break up the ground beef easily while mixing the ingredients smoothly without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

Get all those enchilada flavors you love, but in a recipe that takes half the time. Made in one pan, this weeknight dinner is high in protein and features so many nutritious ingredients, including lean ground beef, veggies, black beans, and corn. Plus, it’s budget friendly, gluten free, and flexible.

For the Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• 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

How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425℉.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

• Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
• When the skillet is hot, spray it with cooking spray then add olive oil.
• Add the ground beef, diced bell pepper, diced zucchini, and white/light green parts of the green onions.
• Break up the meat using a spatula.
• Cook for about 8 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and zucchini is tender.

Step 3: Add Spices and Sauce

Turn off the heat.

• Add chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and ½ cup of shredded cheese.
• Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Tortillas

Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges until they are well coated with sauce. Ensure they are evenly dispersed throughout the meat mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.

• Bake until cheese melts and becomes bubbly—this should take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove skillet from oven.

• Sprinkle with dark green parts of sliced green onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado.
• Serve hot with dollops of sour cream if desired.

How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in several ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for something simple or want to impress guests, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onion tops for a mild onion flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
• Avocado: Diced or sliced avocado adds creaminess that complements the dish perfectly.

Pair with Dips and Sauces

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy enchiladas.
• Guacamole: Serve with guacamole for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds crunch and zest to each bite.

Enjoy with Grains

• Rice: Serve alongside seasoned rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
• Quinoa: A healthy alternative, quinoa pairs well with the flavors of the enchiladas.

How to Perfect Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Creating the perfect Beef Skillet Enchiladas is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat while keeping it flavorful.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Cook veggies just until tender; they should maintain some crunch for texture.
• Even Tortilla Distribution: Ensure tortilla wedges are evenly distributed throughout the filling for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Choose Quality Sauce: Use a high-quality enchilada sauce for rich flavor; homemade is even better!
• Bake Until Bubbly: Let it bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden; this adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Skillet Enchiladas

To create a complete meal, consider pairing your Beef Skillet Enchiladas with these delightful side dishes. Each option complements the flavors of enchiladas beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices, this rice dish makes a perfect base to balance the richness of enchiladas.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are traditional and provide extra protein alongside your meal.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, enhancing your dining experience.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa are an easy appetizer that pairs well.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring a smoky flavor that complements the dish nicely.
6. Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw adds freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the enchiladas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Beef Skillet Enchiladas, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using Low-Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep your enchiladas healthy and flavorful. Using fatty beef may lead to a greasy dish.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cook the vegetables just until tender. Overcooked veggies can become mushy and lose their vibrant flavors.
• Ignoring Tortilla Quality: Use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture and taste. Stale tortillas can break apart and won’t hold up well in the skillet.
• Skimping on Seasoning: Ensure you measure spices accurately. Lack of seasoning can make your Beef Skillet Enchiladas bland and unappealing.
• Not Baking Long Enough: Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Underbaking may leave the dish watery instead of achieving a cohesive texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Allow the Beef Skillet Enchiladas to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning them into smaller containers for easy reheating.

Reheating Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Beef Skillet Enchiladas that might help clarify your cooking process.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

You can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey for lean ground beef in this recipe. The cooking time will be similar.

How do I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder amount to give your Beef Skillet Enchiladas an extra kick of spice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the beef with plant-based meat or additional beans and veggies for a delicious vegetarian version of Beef Skillet Enchiladas.

What toppings work best?

Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and sour cream complement these enchiladas beautifully. Customize them based on your taste!

Final Thoughts

Beef Skillet Enchiladas offer a quick yet satisfying meal bursting with flavor. This versatile dish allows for easy customization based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want extra veggies or different proteins, feel free to experiment!