Beef Skillet Enchiladas

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Introduction

The Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe is an easy, one-pan dish that brings all the cheesy, savory flavors of classic enchiladas without the need for rolling tortillas or using multiple dishes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish is made with seasoned ground beef, tender tortillas, and plenty of melty cheese, all simmered together in a rich enchilada sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to be a family favorite!

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity—you get all the bold, comforting flavors of enchiladas with minimal effort and cleanup. The skillet method ensures everything cooks together perfectly, blending the zesty enchilada sauce with the beef, cheese, and tortillas to create a rich, flavorful dish. It’s a comforting meal that’s ready in no time, making it ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or whipping up a quick dinner after a long day.

The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add beans or veggies for extra texture and nutrition, or swap the ground beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter twist. However you make it, these Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a one-pan wonder that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Perfect for:

  • A quick and easy dinner
  • Tex-Mex lovers who want a simplified version of enchiladas
  • Weeknight meals or potluck gatherings
  • Minimal clean-up, one-pan cooking
  • Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beef Skillet Enchiladas should be your next dinner choice:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet dish is a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
  • One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, as everything is cooked in a single skillet.
  • Packed with Flavor: The seasoned beef combined with enchilada sauce and melted cheese creates a savory, satisfying taste.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, or even switching up the meat.
  • Family-Friendly: With its cheesy, flavorful layers, it’s a hit with both adults and kids alike.
  • Hearty and Filling: Ground beef provides a protein-packed base, making it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied.
  • Leftover Friendly: This dish keeps well for leftovers, meaning you can enjoy it the next day.
  • Cheese Lover’s Dream: It’s topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese that everyone will love.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick, delicious meal throughout the week.
  • Comfort Food: The warm, cheesy, saucy flavors make this dish feel like a cozy, comforting meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, Calcium, Iron

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

For the Skillet:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 6 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced green onions
  • Fresh lime wedges

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a less greasy dish, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
  • Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work well too.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personalized touch.
  • Cheese Blend: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby works best for that melty, cheesy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

Cook the Beef:

  1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
  3. Season the Meat: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.

Build the Dish:

  1. Add Sauce and Broth: Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth (or water). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  2. Add Tortilla Strips: Gently stir in the tortilla strips, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
  3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet.

Cook and Melt:

  1. Cover and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tortillas are tender.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Top with your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and jalapeños. Serve hot directly from the skillet with lime wedges on the side.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve your Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

  • Main Dish: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.
  • Potluck Favorite: Bring the skillet to the table and let everyone scoop their portion.
  • Quick Leftovers: Pack into meal prep containers for an easy reheatable lunch or dinner.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to perfect your Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

  • Toast the Tortillas: Lightly toast tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame before assembling to prevent sogginess.
  • Season the Beef Generously: Use chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavor.
  • Enhance the Sauce: Mix store-bought enchilada sauce with hot sauce, lime juice, or heavy cream for a richer taste.
  • Cheese Layering Trick: Layer cheese between the enchiladas, not just on top, for extra cheesiness throughout.
  • Mix Up the Fillings: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, black beans, or corn to the beef for more texture and flavor.
  • Use Fresh Garnishes: Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and sour cream after cooking.
  • Go for Crisp Edges: Briefly cook the enchiladas on medium-high heat before baking to get crispy edges.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by adding diced jalapeños or using a milder sauce.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to set and make serving easier.
  • Serve with Sides: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations of Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

  • Mexican Street Corn Beef Enchiladas
  • Add a layer of roasted Mexican street corn (elote) on top of your beef enchiladas for a creamy, tangy twist. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili powder for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Beef Skillet Enchiladas
  • For a kick, add fresh sliced jalapeños and a few tablespoons of pickled jalapeño juice to the beef mixture. You can even mix in some roasted poblano peppers for a smoky touch.
  • Cheesy Beef and Spinach Skillet Enchiladas
  • Mix spinach into the beef filling or layer it between tortillas for a nutrient-packed twist. Add extra cheese to make it creamy and delicious.
  • BBQ Beef Skillet Enchiladas
  • Add a few tablespoons of smoky barbecue sauce to the beef mixture for a sweet and smoky flavor. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro for a BBQ spin.
  • Beef and Black Bean Skillet Enchiladas
  • Add a can of drained black beans to the beef filling for extra protein and fiber. You can also incorporate corn kernels for added texture.
  • Mushroom and Beef Skillet Enchiladas
  • Sauté mushrooms and onions along with the beef for a rich, earthy flavor. The mushrooms will add a hearty texture and flavor to complement the beef.
  • Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet Enchiladas
  • Roast small cubes of sweet potato and mix them with the beef. The sweetness of the potatoes balances well with the savory beef and enchilada sauce.
  • Cilantro-Lime Beef Skillet Enchiladas
  • Stir fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro into the beef mixture for a zesty, fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cilantro on top as a garnish.
  • Beef and Avocado Skillet Enchiladas
  • Add diced avocado to the beef mixture or serve it on top of the finished enchiladas. The creamy avocado provides a cool contrast to the warm, spicy beef.
  • Beef and Chorizo Skillet Enchiladas
  • For a bolder flavor, swap some of the ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage. The combination adds a rich, spicy kick to the traditional enchilada flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment

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

  • Large Skillet with Lid: Essential for one-pan cooking and melting the cheese.
  • Sharp Knife: For cutting tortillas and preparing toppings.
  • Cheese Grater: If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use pre-cooked beef?
    Yes, leftover cooked ground beef can be used. Simply heat it up with the seasonings and sauce before adding the tortillas.
  2. What’s the best type of skillet to use?
    A heavy-bottomed, nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    You can prep the meat mixture in advance, but add the tortillas and cheese just before cooking to avoid sogginess.
  4. Can I use whole tortillas instead of strips?
    Yes, you can layer whole tortillas like a lasagna for a slightly different presentation.
  5. What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?
    A combination of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder can be substituted in a pinch.

Conclusion

The Beef Skillet Enchiladas is the perfect dinner solution when you’re craving Mexican-inspired flavors without the hassle! This one-pan recipe is quick, cheesy, and packed with bold, comforting flavors that are sure to satisfy.

With its easy preparation and rich taste, Beef Skillet Enchiladas is a dish the whole family will love. Plus, the customizable toppings—like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado—let everyone make it their own.

Try it tonight for a quick and delicious dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation, share it on Instagram, and tag me. I’d love to see how you make it your own!

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