Skillet Beef Enchiladas: Quick and Delicious Weeknight Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

You’re going to love making skillet beef enchiladas. They’re easy to prepare, and you only need one pan, making cleanup a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, homemade meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Start by browning ground beef with onions in a skillet until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Add enchilada sauce, green chiles, and a mix of your favorite veggies for extra flavor. Top it all off with a generous layer of cheese that melts into gooey perfection.

Skillet beef enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights when time is short. You can even prepare the skillet ahead of time, refrigerate, and just heat it up when you’re ready to eat. Enjoy making this quick, tasty, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

When making skillet beef enchiladas, you want to make sure you have all the right ingredients.

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Enchilada Sauce: You can use either red or green sauce depending on your preference.
• Vegetables: Common choices are bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.

Beans and Fillers:

• Pinto Beans: If you don’t have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans are good substitutes.
• Corn: Fresh or frozen corn adds sweetness and texture.
• Tomatoes: Use a can of diced tomatoes with the juice for extra flavor.

Seasonings:

• Chili Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Garlic Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

You can always adjust the amount of each spice to taste.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top.
• Taco Seasoning: This can replace individual spices for convenience.

Cooking Oils:

• Olive Oil: Great for sautéing.
• Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking.

Substitutes:

• If you’re out of beef, ground turkey or chicken works well.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with extra beans or tofu.

Make sure to gather all these ingredients to make a delicious skillet beef enchilada meal! Enjoy cooking!

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients
   Have all your ingredients ready:

   • Ground beef
   • Onion
   • Garlic powder
   • Enchilada sauce
   • Green chiles
   • Sour cream
   • Seasonings (salt, chili powder, cumin, oregano)
   • Vegetables (bell pepper, zucchini, green onions)
   • Canned pinto beans
   • Corn
2. 
   

   Cook the Beef
   Start with browning the ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they are translucent. Drain any excess grease.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add Seasonings and Vegetables
   Mix in garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and dried oregano. Add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and the white parts of green onions. Stir and cook for a few more minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Combine Other Ingredients
   Pour in the enchilada sauce, green chiles, and sour cream. Stir until everything is mixed well. Then add the pinto beans and corn. Mix again until fully combined and heated through.

   
   
5. 
   

   Simmer
   Let the mixture cook for 12-15 minutes on medium heat. Stir occasionally. This will thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together.

   
   

Tip: Make sure not to boil too hard; a gentle simmer works best.

6. Serve
   Once everything is thick and saucy, your skillet beef enchiladas are ready. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or cilantro.

Enjoy your meal!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Tips & Tricks

• Choose the right skillet: Use a large, oven-safe skillet. Cast iron is a good choice because it heats evenly.
• Brown the beef well: Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
• Season well: Use taco seasoning or your favorite spices for more flavor.
• Choose fresh veggies: Add bell pepper, zucchini, or green onions for extra texture and nutrition.

Layering:

• Spread half a cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the skillet before adding other ingredients. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
• Mix in some sour cream for a creamier texture.

Storing Your Enchiladas

• Refrigerator: Store the enchiladas in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. You can also microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Pro Tip:

• Add extra cheese on top before reheating to make them even more delicious.
• Freeze individual portions for a quick meal later.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

You can get creative with skillet beef enchiladas to suit your tastes. Here are some variations and serving ideas to try.

Recipe Variations:

• Protein Swap: Instead of ground beef, try using shredded chicken or ground turkey.
• Beans: Mix in black beans or kidney beans for a different texture and flavor.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a bit of spicy pepper jack.
• Seasonings: Tailor the heat with mild or hot chili powder, or add some smoked paprika.
• Toppings: Garnish with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Serving Suggestions:

• Tortillas: Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas on the side.
• Rice: Pair with Mexican rice or a simple cilantro-lime rice.
• Salad: A crisp side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance the rich enchiladas.
• Chips and Salsa: Add some crunch with a side of tortilla chips and fresh salsa or guacamole.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cooling contrast to the spicy enchiladas.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect skillet beef enchiladas!