Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Get all those enchilada flavors you love, but in a recipe that takes half the time. Beef Skillet Enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This dish combines lean ground beef with colorful veggies, black beans, and corn, creating a delicious and nutritious meal. The best part? It’s made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: With spices like chili powder and cumin, each bite bursts with flavor.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from lean beef and fiber from black beans and veggies.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses economical ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Beef Skillet Enchiladas, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet
• Cooking spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large oven-safe skillet: This is crucial for cooking the beef and baking the enchiladas all in one dish.
• Cooking spatula: Helps break up the meat easily and mix ingredients without damaging your skillet.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of spices for consistent flavor every time.

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Ingredients

Get all those enchilada flavors you love, but in a recipe that takes half the time. Made in one pan, this weeknight dinner is high in protein and features so many nutritious ingredients, including lean ground beef, veggies, black beans, and corn. Plus, it’s budget friendly, gluten free, and flexible.

For the Beef Mixture

• Cooking spray
• ½ teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced small (about ¾ – 1 cup)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced small (about 1 ¾ – 2 cups)
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced (white/light green and dark green parts separated)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Enchiladas

• 2 cups (15 to 16 oz) jarred or canned red enchilada sauce
• 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

• Green onion tops
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced or sliced avocado

How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Beef Skillet Enchiladas.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425℉.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot:
– Spray with cooking spray.
– Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
– Add the ground beef, bell pepper, zucchini, and white/light green parts of green onions.
– Break up the meat using a spatula; cook for about 8 minutes until no longer pink.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Turn off heat:
– Add chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and ½ cup shredded cheese.
– Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Add Tortilla Wedges

Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges:
– Ensure they are well coated with sauce.
– Disperse evenly throughout the meat mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese:
– Bake until melted and bubbly for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven:
– Sprinkle with dark green parts of green onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado.
– Serve with dollops of sour cream if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Beef Skillet Enchiladas as a satisfying dinner that brings everyone together!

How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Add Fresh Garnishes

• Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and flavor.
• Sour Cream – Creamy sour cream balances the spiciness of the enchiladas.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado slices provide a rich texture and healthy fats.

Pair with a Refreshing Salad

• Garden Salad – A simple garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers complements the dish well.
• Corn Salad – A corn salad with lime dressing enhances the flavors of the enchiladas.

Serve with Additional Sides

• Rice – Fluffy rice, either plain or Mexican-style, makes a great accompaniment.
• Beans – Serve black beans or pinto beans seasoned with spices for added protein and fiber.

How to Perfect Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Creating the perfect Beef Skillet Enchiladas involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your enchiladas.
• Don’t Overcook the Meat – Cook ground beef until just browned for a tender texture.
• Layer Flavors Carefully – Incorporate spices evenly throughout for a balanced taste.
• Choose Quality Tortillas – Use good-quality corn tortillas that hold up to baking without becoming soggy.
• Experiment with Cheese – Try different cheese blends for varied flavors and textures.
• Bake Until Bubbly – Ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly for an appealing finish.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Complement your Beef Skillet Enchiladas with these tasty side dishes that will elevate your meal.

1. Mexican Rice – Flavorful rice seasoned with tomato sauce, garlic, and spices to balance the meal.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans make a hearty side rich in fiber and protein.
3. Guacamole – Fresh guacamole adds creaminess and enhances flavors; serve it chilled.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Lightly grilled seasonal vegetables bring freshness and color to the plate.
5. Pico de Gallo – A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice adds zest.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob brushed with butter or lime offers a delightful crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Beef Skillet Enchiladas can be easy, but it’s common to make a few mistakes that might affect the final dish.

• Skip the seasoning: Not seasoning the beef and veggies can lead to bland enchiladas. Ensure you use spices like chili powder and cumin for flavor.
• Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too many ingredients at once, they might not cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed for better results.
• Ignoring the cheese layer: Forgetting to reserve some cheese for topping can result in a less appealing presentation. Always save some cheese for that melty top layer.
• Using stale tortillas: Stale or dry tortillas can break apart easily. Make sure your tortillas are fresh or warm them slightly before use.
• Rushing the reheating process: Heating enchiladas too quickly can dry them out. Take your time to reheat gently for better texture and flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Beef Skillet Enchiladas in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
• These enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Beef Skillet Enchiladas.

How do I make Beef Skillet Enchiladas healthier?

You can use lean ground turkey or beef and load up on veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for added nutrition.

Can I customize my Beef Skillet Enchiladas?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or swap out beans based on your preferences.

How do I store leftover Beef Skillet Enchiladas?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for later enjoyment.

Are these Beef Skillet Enchiladas gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free, this dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas. This one-pan meal is not only quick but also packed with protein and nutritious ingredients. Plus, it’s flexible—feel free to modify it based on what you have on hand or your family’s taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!