If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, this Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with colorful veggies and black beans, all wrapped in saucy, cheesy tortilla wedges baked right in one pan. This recipe is a total winner when you want dinner on the table fast without sacrificing those big, bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Trust me, once you try this one, it will become your go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that come together to create vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Each component is chosen to add something special—whether it’s the smoky spices, the hearty black beans, or the melty cheese that brings everything together.
- Lean ground beef: The protein-packed base that gives the dish its rich, savory heart.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color to brighten the skillet.
- Zucchini: Brings a subtle freshness and moisture to balance the richness.
- Green onions: Divided between white/light greens for cooking and dark greens for garnish, they provide layers of mild onion flavor.
- Chili powder: The essential spice that kicks up the Mexican-inspired warmth.
- Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky background note that rounds out the spices.
- Garlic powder: For that subtle, savory depth without overpowering.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that enhances the savory profile.
- Red enchilada sauce: The star sauce that brings everything together with tangy richness.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained to add creamy texture and extra protein.
- Frozen corn kernels: A sweet burst that complements the spices beautifully.
- Corn tortillas: Cut into wedges so they soak up the sauce and bake perfectly.
- Mexican blend cheese: Divided to mix in and to melt on top for a gooey, irresistible finish.
- Cooking spray and olive oil: For a non-stick skillet and a touch of healthy fat to brown the beef and veggies.
How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Heat Things Up and Cook the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Then grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. A little cooking spray and olive oil will keep things non-stick and help brown that lean ground beef perfectly. Toss in the beef, diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and the white plus light green parts of your green onions. Cook everything together for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns and letting the veggies soften deliciously.
Step 2: Infuse the Spices
Once your beef and veggies look beautifully cooked, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir constantly for about a minute to toast those spices slightly—this step brings out their full flavor and gives your enchiladas that authentic, cozy depth.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Beans for Richness
Pour in the luscious red enchilada sauce along with the black beans and frozen corn. Give everything a good stir so that the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. This is where your skillet starts to take on that signature enchilada vibe—rich, flavorful, and ready for tortillas!
Step 4: Fold in the Tortilla Wedges and Cheese
Now, gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges, making sure each piece is covered with that savory sauce. This is the secret to having every bite saucy and tender. Next, mix in half a cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese to infuse gooey goodness throughout the skillet before topping it off with the remaining cheese for a beautifully melted finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop that skillet right into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This final heat melds all the flavors together and crisps some of the tortilla edges just enough to give you a little crunch against the creamy, cheesy filling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When you take the skillet out of the oven, sprinkle the dark green tops of the green onions on for a fresh color and delicate crunch. From here, it’s ready to dish out and enjoy—comfort food made simple and spectacular.
How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this skillet dish, garnish with extra chopped cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes, or a dollop of cool sour cream. These fresh, bright toppings add contrast to the warm, hearty skillet, making each bite feel balanced and refreshing.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiladas with a light, crisp salad or some fluffy Mexican rice to round out the meal. Simple sides like a zesty lime slaw or black bean salad also work beautifully to add texture and flavor diversity without overwhelming the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe straight from the skillet at a casual gathering or transfer it into individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You could even stuff the mixture into warm tortillas for handheld enchiladas, perfect for dipping into extra enchilada sauce or salsa.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish holds up wonderfully when refrigerated. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and you’ve got a delicious, ready-to-go meal waiting in the fridge for up to 3 days—making weekday lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe even longer, it freezes well. Just let it cool completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the skillet or container with foil and warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely with a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes until hot and melty again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic here, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble to keep it lighter or meat-free without losing that comforting texture.
What can I substitute for the red enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have red enchilada sauce on hand, a mild salsa or a combination of tomato sauce and chili powder works in a pinch. Just make sure it has enough flavor to carry the dish’s signature taste!
Is it possible to make these enchiladas gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas keeps the recipe naturally gluten-free, just be sure your enchilada sauce and spices don’t have any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe entirely on the stovetop?
You can cook the beef and veggies and even add the sauce and cheese on the burner, but baking in the oven helps melt the cheese fully and gives the tortillas that perfect tender-crisp texture. If you’re short on time, a covered skillet on low heat can also work for melting the cheese.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
This recipe is moderately spiced thanks to chili powder and cumin but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. You can control the heat by adjusting the chili powder amount or adding some diced jalapeños if you want more kick.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe truly shines when you want big, comforting flavors with minimal fuss. It’s a perfect weeknight winner that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. Give this recipe a try—once you taste that melty, spicy, veggie-packed goodness, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation in no time!
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Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe is an easy, one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, vegetables, beans, and tortillas baked with plenty of melted Mexican cheese. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a convenient and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty Tex-Mex delight with fresh garnishes to brighten each serving.
Ingredients
Meat & 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 & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooking spray
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the assembled enchilada skillet.
- Cook the 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, 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, and cook for another minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Add sauce and beans: Pour in the red enchilada sauce, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir to combine everything evenly in the skillet.
- Incorporate tortilla wedges: Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges, making sure they are evenly coated and mixed with the sauce and other ingredients.
- Add cheese into mixture: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese into the skillet and stir it to combine throughout the mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the skillet’s contents for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with the dark green tops of the green onions. Serve immediately, optionally with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sour cream for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are not available, but corn tortillas offer an authentic taste.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your preference.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prepping; leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with extra beans and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
