Sizzling Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe: A Fiesta on Your Plate

Hearty beef skillet enchiladas bring a zesty southwestern charm to your dinner table with minimal cleanup.

Layers of melted cheese, tender meat, and rich sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

Authentic mexican flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Skillets make weeknight cooking incredibly simple and satisfying.

One-pan magic means less time washing dishes and more moments enjoying delicious food.

Comfort meets convenience in this quick and delectable meal that promises to become a household favorite.

Dive into this recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Why Everyone Loves Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Quickly Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: One-pan magic transforms ground beef into a mouthwatering meal that brings everyone to the table with minimal cleanup.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients easily to match family preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for picky eaters or spice lovers.
• Master Skillet Cooking: Learn a simple technique that turns basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish, boosting your kitchen confidence with every sizzle and stir.
• Family Dinner Hero: Packed with protein and flavor, this recipe satisfies hungry bellies while creating memorable mealtime moments without complicated cooking steps.

Beef Skillet Enchiladas Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the main protein and rich flavor for the enchiladas.

• Taco Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: A spice mixture that adds depth and warmth to the ground beef.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican flatbread that creates the base of the enchilada skillet.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture to the dish.

• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy, red sauce that coats the beef and adds authentic Mexican flavor.

• Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs and vegetables that provide a crisp, bright finish to the dish.
• Sour Cream: A cool, creamy topping that balances the spicy and rich flavors of the enchiladas.

Steps To Cook Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

• Taco seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 2: Cooking the Beef

Cook the seasoned beef for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Adding Enchilada Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour enchilada sauce over the cooked beef, stirring to coat every morsel completely.

Step 4: Preparing Tortillas

Warm corn tortillas briefly to make them flexible and prevent cracking. This step ensures your enchiladas will be easy to fold and eat.

Step 5: Layering the Enchiladas

Create a beautiful layer of tortillas in the skillet, nestling them over the beef mixture. Cover the entire surface with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Melting the Cheese

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Diced onions
• Fresh cilantro

Optional: Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

Step 8: Serving

Serve hot directly from the skillet. Each serving should have a delightful mix of beef, tortilla, and melted cheese. Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!

Simple Tips For Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Minimize Meat Grease: Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent a heavy, oily texture and keep the enchiladas light and flavorful.
• Choose Quality Tortillas: Select fresh corn tortillas and warm them gently to prevent breaking, ensuring a soft, pliable base for your skillet enchiladas.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Spread shredded cheddar evenly across the tortillas to create a perfectly melted, gooey cheese coverage in every bite.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Experiment with different taco seasonings or add a splash of salsa to enhance the beef's taste profile and create a more complex dish.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Present the skillet enchiladas right after cooking to maintain the cheese's melted consistency and maximize the overall dining experience.

Tasty Takes On Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Chicken Fiesta Skillet: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with Mexican spices for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Skillet: Swap beef for black beans and add bell peppers, creating a hearty meat-free version that's packed with protein.
• Spicy Green Chile Skillet: Incorporate diced green chiles and pepper jack cheese to elevate the heat and add a southwestern kick to the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Enchilada Skillet: Use cauliflower rice as a base instead of tortillas, perfect for those following a low-carbohydrate diet while maintaining the classic enchilada flavors.

Pairing Ideas For Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crisp Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, spicy beef enchiladas with refreshing brightness.
• Boost Citrus Margarita: Tequila-based cocktail with lime juice complements the enchiladas' bold flavors and adds tangy excitement.
• Create Cool Creamy Sidekick: Fresh guacamole balances the hot skillet dish with smooth, herbal notes that enhance every bite.
• Elevate Robust Red Wine: Spanish Tempranillo or Mexican Cabernet provides deep, complex undertones that match the hearty beef's intensity.

Storing Beef Skillet Enchiladas Made Easy

• Store leftover beef skillet enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled enchiladas to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, covering to retain moisture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Questions About Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly.

• How spicy will this dish be?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning. Choose mild for less heat or opt for hot seasoning if you prefer a spicier kick. You can always adjust by adding more or less seasoning.

• Do I need fresh tortillas?

Fresh tortillas work best, but store-bought corn tortillas are fine. Just warm them slightly to prevent cracking and make them more flexible when layering in the skillet.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your taco seasoning label to confirm gluten-free status. Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for gluten-sensitive diners.

Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef skillet enchiladas bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen, melding spicy ground beef with melted cheese and zesty sauce. Crisp tortillas and rich flavors make this one-pan wonder a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Starches:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 corn tortillas

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cheese and Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal cooking surface for the ground beef.
2. Crumble the ground beef into the hot skillet, breaking it down into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the beef, thoroughly mixing to ensure complete flavor distribution.
4. Cook the seasoned beef for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.
5. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent a greasy final dish.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour enchilada sauce directly over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly.
7. Warm the corn tortillas briefly to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
8. Layer the tortillas in the skillet, creating a nestled arrangement over the beef mixture.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tortillas, covering the entire surface.
10. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with diced onions and fresh cilantro.
12. Optional: Add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving for extra creaminess.
13. Serve hot directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion has a mix of beef, tortilla, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Enhance tortilla flexibility by warming them slightly in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds before layering.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, using a colander or paper towels for best results.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg