Beef Skillet Enchiladas: A One-Pan Mexican Delight

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 10, 2025

Beef Skillet Enchiladas bring the bold, savory flavors of traditional enchiladas into a quick, easy, and mess-free one-pan meal. This dish is perfect for those who love the rich taste of Mexican cuisine but don’t want to spend hours rolling tortillas and baking multiple layers.

Instead of individually rolling enchiladas, this skillet recipe simplifies the process by layering everything together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving time. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, these enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food with a nutritious twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A One-Pan Wonder

If you dread washing multiple dishes, this recipe is your dinnertime savior. Everything is cooked in one skillet, reducing cleanup time and making it ideal for busy schedules.

2. Bold Mexican Flavors Without the Hassle

Traditional enchiladas require a time-consuming process of filling and rolling tortillas, layering them in a baking dish, and waiting for them to cook. With this skillet version, you still get the authentic taste of enchiladas without all the extra steps.

3. A Nutritionally Balanced Meal

These enchiladas provide a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The lean ground beef offers a high-quality protein source, while black beans, zucchini, and bell peppers contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

4. Perfect for Leftovers

Unlike traditional enchiladas, which can sometimes turn soggy after refrigeration, this skillet dish reheats beautifully. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.

5. Family-Friendly & Customizable

This dish is easy to adapt based on personal preferences. Add spicy jalapeños for heat, swap in pinto beans for black beans, or use ground turkey instead of beef. Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, saucy, and flavorful meal.

Ingredients: The Flavor-Packed Essentials

Cooking spray
½ teaspoon olive oil (or substitute with avocado oil)
1 lb lean ground beef (90-93% lean recommended)
1 small red bell pepper, diced (¾ – 1 cup)
1 medium zucchini, diced (1 ¾ – 2 cups)
6 green onions, thinly sliced (separated into white/light green and dark green parts)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups red enchilada sauce (jarred, canned, or homemade)
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:

Sliced green onion tops
Fresh cilantro
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Diced tomatoes
Diced or sliced avocado

Directions: From Stove to Table in No Time

Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, grease with cooking spray and add olive oil.
Cook the Base:
- Add ground beef, red bell pepper, zucchini, and green onions (white/light green parts) to the skillet.
- Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally until beef is no longer pink and zucchini is tender.
Flavor Boost:
- Turn off the heat and mix in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and ½ cup shredded cheese. Stir well.
Tortilla Time:
- Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges, making sure they are well coated in the sauce.
Bake to Perfection:
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Final Touches:
- Remove from the oven and top with green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
- Serve warm with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown: A Balanced Bite

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 371 kcal
Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
Carbohydrates: 39g (Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 5g)
Protein: 31g
Sodium: 882mg
Cholesterol: 62mg

Tips to Elevate Your Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Choose the Right Beef

Opt for 90-93% lean ground beef to keep the dish flavorful without excessive grease. If using fattier beef, be sure to drain excess oil after cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too heavy.

The Secret to Perfect Tortillas

Cutting corn tortillas into wedges instead of leaving them whole ensures even distribution in the skillet, allowing them to absorb the sauce without becoming too mushy.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce vs. Store-Bought

While store-bought enchilada sauce is a great time-saver, making a homemade version can enhance the dish’s flavor. A simple mix of tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and broth creates a richer and more authentic sauce.

Add More Veggies for Extra Nutrition

Zucchini and bell peppers work wonderfully in this recipe, but you can also mix in mushrooms, spinach, or even diced sweet potatoes for an extra nutrient boost.

Customize the Cheese

A Mexican cheese blend gives the best combination of flavors, but you can switch it up with Monterey Jack for a creamier texture or Pepper Jack for extra spice.

Garnish for Maximum Flavor

Don’t skip the toppings! Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lime wedges elevate the dish with freshness and acidity, balancing the rich, cheesy flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How Do I Store Leftover Skillet Enchiladas?

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, use the stovetop for best results, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist.

2. Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Yes! This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. What Can I Serve With Beef Skillet Enchiladas?

This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
Refried or Charro Beans
A Fresh Side Salad
Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

4. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for additional black beans, pinto beans, or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for more texture.

5. What’s the Difference Between Red and Green Enchilada Sauce?

Red enchilada sauce is made from red chilies, tomatoes, and spices, giving it a deeper, smoky flavor.
Green enchilada sauce is made from tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro, resulting in a tangier, slightly spicy taste.
Either can be used in this recipe, depending on your preference!

6. Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?

Yes! You can prep the dish up to 24 hours in advance before baking. Simply cover and refrigerate, then pop it into the oven when ready to serve.

How This Recipe Fits Into a Healthy Diet

High-Protein and Filling

With 31 grams of protein per serving, this dish keeps you full and satisfied, making it an excellent choice for muscle recovery and sustained energy levels.

Rich in Fiber

Thanks to black beans, corn tortillas, and vegetables, this dish contains 8 grams of fiber per serving, supporting digestive health and blood sugar balance.

Lower in Sodium Options

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can:

Use no-salt-added black beans
Make homemade enchilada sauce with reduced sodium
Choose low-sodium cheese

A Smart Choice for Gluten-Free Diets

By using corn tortillas instead of flour, this dish remains gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion: A Must-Try for Mexican Food Lovers

Beef Skillet Enchiladas are the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and nutrition, making them a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. With minimal prep, one-pan convenience, and bold Mexican flavors, this recipe delivers everything you love about enchiladas in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, this dish will satisfy your taste buds while keeping cleanup simple.

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed, stress-free Mexican feast. Happy cooking!