If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly, you are going to fall head over heels for this Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe. Packed with vibrant veggies, tender beef, and melty Mexican cheese, it’s all cooked in one pan, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy the flavors. This dish delivers the rich, saucy goodness of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, balancing flavor, texture, and color to create a truly satisfying skillet meal. From the lean ground beef that provides hearty protein to the fresh vegetables adding brightness and crunch, every component has been carefully chosen for its impact.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein, giving the dish its meaty richness without excess fat.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant color that livens up the skillet.
- Medium zucchini (diced): Offers a tender bite and helps balance the flavors with mild freshness.
- Green onions (white and light green parts separated): Provide subtle onion flavor for the base and garnish from the dark green tops.
- Chili powder: Brings warmth and a mild heat to the seasoning blend.
- Ground cumin: Infuses the dish with deep earthiness that’s classic in Mexican cuisine.
- Garlic powder: Adds gentle pungency to round out the spices.
- Dried oregano: Lends herbaceous notes that complement the other seasonings perfectly.
- Red enchilada sauce: The rich, tangy tomato-based sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
- Black beans (canned, rinsed and drained): Boost protein and texture while adding a creamy feel.
- Frozen corn kernels: Introduce a sweet burst and colorful contrast throughout.
- Corn tortillas (cut into wedges): Serve as the soft, absorbent vessels soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided): Melts into a luscious topping, providing gooey, savory satisfaction.
- Cooking spray and olive oil: Ensure even cooking with just a touch of fat for flavor and texture.
How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your skillet and ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking your skillet enchiladas later, creating that irresistible bubbly cheese topping.
Step 2: Cook the beef and veggies
Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and spritz with cooking spray, then add the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the ground beef, diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Break up the beef as it browns and stir occasionally, cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the zucchini softens — about 8 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of the dish.
Step 3: Season and bloom spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano, stirring well. Let the spices cook with the beef and veggies for about a minute; this “blooming” intensifies their aromatic qualities and elevates the overall flavor.
Step 4: Add saucy and hearty ingredients
Pour in the red enchilada sauce, then stir in the rinsed black beans and frozen corn kernels. These ingredients not only enrich the dish with protein and sweetness but also help create a thick, luscious sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate the tortilla wedges
Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce. This technique mimics traditional enchiladas but saves tons of time and effort since there’s no rolling involved.
Step 6: Add cheese for creamy indulgence
Stir half a cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese into the skillet mixture, then spread the remaining one cup evenly on top. The cheese not only adds gooey richness but also locks in moisture during baking, creating that irresistible, melty crust.
Step 7: Bake to bubbly perfection
Place the entire skillet into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt completely and bubble invitingly, signaling the dish is ready to come out.
Step 8: Garnish and finish
Once baked, sprinkle on the dark green tops of the sliced green onions for a fresh, mild onion crunch and bright color. Now your Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
Top with your favorite fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced ripe tomatoes, or a dollop of cool sour cream to add layers of texture and flavor. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your skillet enchiladas with simple sides such as a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn for added freshness. Rice and refried beans are classic companions that soak up any extra sauce, completing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve your beef skillet enchiladas in individual mini skillets or cast iron dishes for a rustic feel. Alternatively, spoon portions into warm tortilla bowls or alongside colorful avocado slices for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, simply cover the skillet tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your beef skillet enchiladas will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready for a quick reheat.
Freezing
This dish also freezes beautifully! Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded chicken would work well and bring a different flavor profile while maintaining the ease of the one-pan method.
Do I have to use corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas are traditional and help keep the dish gluten-free, you can substitute flour tortillas if preferred. Just be sure to cut them into wedges for the same effect.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice is mild and easily adjustable by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. This makes it approachable for all taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans, diced veggies, or plant-based meat alternatives to enjoy a meat-free version.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
A Mexican blend cheese mix is perfect because it melts well and combines flavors like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla, giving the skillet enchiladas a rich and authentic taste.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and unbelievably simple to prepare with minimal cleanup. I truly hope you give it a try soon—it might just become your new favorite go-to dinner for busy nights or whenever you crave a little taste of Mexico without the hassle.
Print
Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe is a quick and easy one-pan meal that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, black beans, and corn tortillas all baked together with a savory red enchilada sauce and melted Mexican cheese blend. Perfect for a satisfying and flavorful family dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts separated from dark green tops)
Spices and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
Other Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- Cooking spray
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Cook while breaking up the beef for about 8 minutes, until the beef is browned and the zucchini is tender.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano, cooking for another minute to fully bloom the spices and enhance the flavors.
- Add Sauce and Beans: Pour in the red enchilada sauce, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Tortillas: Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges, ensuring they are coated evenly with the enchilada sauce mixture.
- Add Cheese to the Mixture: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese into the skillet and stir to integrate the cheese throughout the mixture.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Evenly spread the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the skillet mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with the dark green tops of the green onions. Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sour cream for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans and omit meat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sour cream for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
