If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that brings everyone around the table, you’ve got to try this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of rich ground beef, vibrant veggies, and zesty green enchilada sauce all cooked together in one skillet, topped with melted cheese that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, this dish delivers comfort and excitement in every bite, making it an instant favorite for taco night and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the robust spices to the creamy cheese, every component is essential for creating that classic enchilada taste.
- Ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base with wonderful texture when browned perfectly.
- Diced bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a beautiful pop of red color.
- Zucchini: Brings moisture and a subtle earthiness while keeping the dish light.
- Green onions: Offer a mild, fresh bite and bright green color.
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano: These spices are essential for that authentic enchilada flavor punch.
- Green enchilada sauce: Gives a tangy, vibrant twist that makes this skillet recipe unique.
- Black beans and frozen corn: Add heartiness and a creamy, sweet contrast that warms every bite.
- Corn tortillas: The perfect vehicle to soak up sauce and meld everything together.
- Shredded cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection, crowning the dish beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps cook the beef and veggies while adding subtle richness.
How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before diving into the stovetop work, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the oven to be ready and waiting when your skillet enchiladas are assembled, ensuring your cheese melts beautifully and everything finishes perfectly without any waiting.
Step 2: Sauté Beef and Veggies
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks to achieve that perfect browned texture. Once the beef is nearly cooked, add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and chopped green onions. Cook until the veggies soften slightly, which will provide layers of freshness and texture to the dish.
Step 3: Add Spices and Sauce
Turn off the heat for a second, then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. These spices unlock the soul of the enchilada, so don’t be shy. Pour in the vibrant green enchilada sauce and stir in black beans along with the frozen corn. Gently toss everything together to make sure the sauce coats every bite.
Step 4: Stir in Tortillas
Next, fold corn tortilla wedges right into the skillet. They soak up the sauce and help bind everything into a hearty casserole-like mixture. This step ensures each bite has that authentic enchilada flavor and texture you’re after.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Scatter shredded cheese generously over the top of your skillet, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer that’s as captivating as it is delicious.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, pull your skillet enchiladas from the oven and get ready to elevate it with your favorite toppings like creamy avocado slices, dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. These finishing touches add vibrant flavors and textures to complement the savory beef and gooey cheese.
How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings are where you can truly personalize this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe. Creamy avocado provides richness, sour cream adds tanginess, freshly chopped cilantro delivers herbal brightness, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce can amp up the flavor profile. These simple garnishes turn the skillet into something spectacular instantly.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is wonderfully filling on its own, it pairs beautifully with vibrant side dishes. Consider serving it with Mexican rice, a crisp side salad, or even a fresh corn and tomato salsa. Each side helps balance the meal while enhancing the overall dining experience with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve the skillet enchiladas family-style right in the pan it was baked in—that rustic approach invites everyone to dig in and share the experience. Alternatively, spoon portions into warm tortillas for an enchilada-inspired taco night or layer the mixture with extra cheese in a baking dish for an elevated casserole feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe stays delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly to keep the cheese moist and the beef flavorful for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire skillet with foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to 3 months, making it fantastic for prepping meals ahead of busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese bubbles again. You can also microwave portions for a quicker option, just be mindful that the cheese may not get as lovely and melted as the oven method.
FAQs
Can I make this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out shredded cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free. The flavor and texture remain delicious, especially with the rich enchilada sauce and seasoned beef.
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas work just fine in this recipe if you’re not avoiding gluten. Just cut them into wedges and fold them in as directed. They will soak up the sauce nicely and keep the dish cohesive.
Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes. They provide a lighter flavor but take on the bold spices and enchilada sauce beautifully, making this recipe very flexible.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers of various colors, chopped spinach, or mushrooms to create your own custom veggie blend that suits your taste and boosts the nutritional value.
How spicy is this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and green enchilada sauce, but it’s easy to adjust. Add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños if you like heat, or reduce the spices for a gentler taste.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe is one of those love-at-first-bite dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s comforting, colorful, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, I promise it will bring smiles and satisfied appetites all around. Give it a try—you’re going to adore how effortlessly delicious it is!
Print
Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe is a delicious, one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, tortillas, and rich green enchilada sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with melted cheese. Quick to prepare and customizable with various protein and cheese options, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken as substitute)
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 diced zucchini
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup green enchilada sauce
- 1 cup black beans (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into wedges (flour tortillas can be used as substitute)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or vegan cheese)
Optional Garnishes
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it will be ready when you finish assembling the dish.
- Sauté beef and veggies. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the ground beef, diced bell pepper, zucchini, and chopped green onions. Break the meat apart and cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add spices and sauce. Turn off heat and sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Pour in the green enchilada sauce and stir in black beans and frozen corn. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Stir in tortillas. Fold the corn tortilla wedges into the skillet mixture until the tortillas are well coated with the sauce and beef mixture.
- Top with cheese and bake. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from oven and add your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Beef substitutes: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Beans: Pinto beans, kidney beans, or lentils can be used instead of black beans.
- Cheese: Use any melting cheese you prefer or vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used if gluten is not a concern.
- To make the dish spicier, add chopped jalapeños or increase the chili powder.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
