Beef Skillet Enchiladas bring all the hearty, saucy goodness of classic enchiladas right to your stovetop in a single pan—no rolling, stacking, or oven juggling required! It’s a fantastic weeknight wonder full of zesty ground beef, melty cheese, soft tortilla strips, and pops of corn and black beans, all simmered together and finished with plenty of fresh garnishes. When you’re craving cozy comfort but need dinner to come together fast, this one-pan magic delivers big Mexican-American flavor with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients can combine into something so bold and crave-worthy! Every item earns its place, building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color for these irresistible enchiladas.
- Ground beef: Brings savory, meaty depth—the real backbone of your filling.
- Onion (diced): Adds mild sweetness and a touch of aromatic crunch as it cooks down with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Boosts the savory flavor—freshly minced is best for maximum aroma.
- Ground cumin: Essential for that smoky, earthy warmth that makes Mexican dishes sing.
- Chili powder: Provides gentle heat and smoky undertones without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and deep red color—smoked paprika works too for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that tie everything together—don’t skip the taste test!
- Red enchilada sauce: The tangy, spicy, tomato-y sauce that brings the whole dish together—use your favorite brand.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy and slightly nutty, they make each bite heartier and add extra protein.
- Frozen corn: For pops of sweetness and color—no need to thaw first!
- Flour or corn tortillas (cut into strips): These soft strips soak up sauce and get perfectly tender, mimicking classic enchiladas with less work.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is non-negotiable for that irresistible topping.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions: Add color and fresh, punchy flavor for finishing.
How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onions, stirring occasionally as the meat browns and the onions turn translucent, about 6–7 minutes. Be sure to break up the beef for a nice, even texture. When everything’s beautifully golden and aromatic, drain off any excess fat for a lighter finished dish.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Spices
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another minute or two, just until the spices bloom—the aroma will shout “enchilada night” across your kitchen! Don’t rush this step; it makes all the difference for that layered, robust flavor Beef Skillet Enchiladas are known for.
Step 3: Stir in Sauce, Beans, and Corn
Pour in the red enchilada sauce, then add the drained black beans and frozen corn. Stir everything together thoroughly so that the sauce coats every bit and the skillet looks full of promise. Let it all simmer for 2–3 minutes, just to warm the beans and corn and let the flavors mingle.
Step 4: Fold in Tortilla Strips
With your sauce base ready, gently fold in the tortilla strips, mixing carefully to coat every piece but trying not to break them up too much. This shortcut gives you the soft, saucy layers of classic enchiladas, but with none of the tedious rolling!
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle a generous, even layer of shredded cheese over the skillet, making sure every nook gets covered. Reduce the heat to low, then cover with a lid. Let everything cook gently for 5–7 minutes, until that cheese is melted, bubbling, and utterly tempting. If you’re after a golden, blistered cheese topping, just slide the uncovered skillet under the broiler for a minute or two.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take your Beef Skillet Enchiladas off the heat and sprinkle them with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. This pop of color and freshness wakes up every bite and makes your skillet gorgeous enough for company—even if you’re just eating in PJ’s.
How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a finishing touch! A handful of fresh cilantro and sliced green onions gives your beef skillet enchiladas brightness and crunch. Try dollops of sour cream, a few slices of ripe avocado, or thinly sliced jalapeños if you want to add some personalized flair (and a hint of heat!).
Side Dishes
These skillet enchiladas crave some tasty company on your plate. Spoon up soft, buttery Mexican rice or a scoop of cilantro-lime rice to soak up the saucy goodness. For something crisp, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully. And of course, you can’t go wrong with chips and chunky guacamole or salsa alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style fun, let everyone help themselves straight from the sizzling skillet at the table—it’s part of the show! Or, portion out generous scoops into colorful bowls and set up a toppings bar with all your favorite extras. Hosting friends? Bake individual servings in small cast iron pans for a personalized, restaurant-worthy dinner that’ll steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover beef skillet enchiladas, you’re in for a happy lunch the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle even more as it sits, making each bite somehow cozier than the last.
Freezing
This dish is pleasantly freezer-friendly! Cool completely, then transfer to a covered, freezer-safe container or a tightly wrapped baking dish. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without garnishes and add them fresh when serving.
Reheating
To bring your enchiladas back to life, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly (cover with foil to prevent drying out), or zap individual portions in the microwave. If they seem a bit dry, splash on a tablespoon or two of extra enchilada sauce before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or a meat substitute for Beef Skillet Enchiladas?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or your favorite plant-based crumbles are all fantastic swaps and cook up just as easily. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings to match your protein of choice.
Are flour or corn tortillas better for this recipe?
Both work beautifully—it’s really a matter of personal preference! Corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor and keep things gluten-friendly, while flour tortillas offer a softer, chewier texture that some folks adore.
How can I make these enchiladas spicier?
To kick up the heat, try adding a diced jalapeño in with the onions or splashing your favorite hot sauce into the skillet with the enchilada sauce. You can also use a spicy enchilada sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.
Can I cook Beef Skillet Enchiladas ahead and reheat for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding cheese, then cover and chill. Before serving, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until hot, add cheese and melt just before guests arrive, then finish with garnishes for a party-ready crowd-pleaser.
What other toppings go well with these skillet enchiladas?
Get creative—try sliced avocado, extra shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch. A drizzle of crema or a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving takes your beef skillet enchiladas over the top.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food could be summed up in one pan, Beef Skillet Enchiladas would be the winner every single time. If you love big, bold flavors and easy family-style meals, you simply have to give this recipe a try. Fire up your skillet, gather your favorite toppings, and prepare for smiles all around!
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Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a flavorful family dinner. With seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (cut into 1-inch strips)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Filling: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
- Prepare the Enchiladas: Stir in enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn. Add tortilla strips, mix to coat. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook until cheese melts. Optionally, broil for a golden top. Garnish with cilantro and green onions.
Notes
- You can use leftover taco meat, shredded chicken, or rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of skillet
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
