If you crave Tex-Mex comfort and want something that’s both hearty and incredibly easy to make, Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) will change your dinner game forever. Imagine layers of tender ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and hearty black beans all mingling together with soft tortillas—then picture making it all in one pan in about thirty minutes! Whether you’re feeding a busy family or need a crowd-pleaser for a casual get-together, this recipe delivers bold flavors with hardly any fuss.

Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just classic pantry staples and simple produce that pack a serious punch in flavor and color. Each ingredient in Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) pulls its weight, creating a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of satisfying textures. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Olive oil: Adds a subtle, rich base while ensuring the beef doesn’t stick and dries out.
Ground beef: The hearty, savory protein that gives the dish its substance—substitute ground turkey or chicken for variety!
Yellow onion: Diced small for gentle sweetness and depth; it softens and almost melts into the skillet mixture.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse everything with warm, aromatic flavor.
Enchilada sauce (red, canned): The shortcut to deep, classic enchilada flavor without a lot of work—choose mild or hot, depending on your crowd.
Black beans (canned): Adds creaminess, fiber, and subtly earthy flavor, making the dish satisfyingly hearty.
Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen): A burst of sweetness and bright color—use what you have on hand!
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully and binds all the layers together with creamy richness.
Small flour or corn tortillas: Cut into strips or wedges to soak up the sauce and bake up tender within the filling.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and gentle heat, giving the whole skillet that familiar Tex-Mex edge.
Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin balances the tang of the sauce and sweetness of the corn.
Salt and black pepper: Fine-tune the flavors and bring everything into focus.
Chopped cilantro (optional): For a final fresh pop—if you’re a cilantro lover, don’t hold back!
Sour cream (optional): Adds a cooling creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the warm, saucy filling.
Sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who like a little extra kick and color on their plate!

How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a sturdy, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it get nicely browned and crumbly—those golden edges mean maximum flavor! This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s extra grease hanging around, go ahead and drain it off so your enchiladas don’t get heavy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Now, let them mingle with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns soft and the kitchen fills with savory aromatics. Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, mixing well so every bite gets a bit of that spice blend.

Step 3: Combine Beans, Corn, Sauce, and Tortillas

Next, stir in the black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and those cut-up tortilla strips. This is where the skillet transforms, as the tortillas start soaking up the sauce and the mixture thickens. Make sure everything’s coated and evenly mixed so every serving has all the major players.

Step 4: Add and Layer the Cheese

Sprinkle about half of your shredded cheese right into the skillet mixture and give it a stir—this ensures rich, cheesy flavor throughout every bite. Then, lavish the rest of the cheese over the top to create that irresistible, gooey topping everyone loves.

Step 5: Simmer or Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the skillet and let it all simmer gently on low for about 5 to 7 minutes if you’re keeping it on the stovetop. Alternatively, if you prefer, slide the uncovered skillet into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Either method yields melty, golden perfection—the cheese should be bubbling and starting to brown in spots.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) by scattering chopped cilantro, dollops of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños over the top for an eye-catching, flavor-packed finish. Serve hot, right out of the skillet, and watch those forks fly!

How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe)

Garnishes

The right garnishes don’t just make your Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) prettier—they add whole new flavor dimensions! Bright green cilantro brings freshness, a spoonful of cool sour cream smooths out the chili’s heat, and sliced jalapeños are perfect for the spice lovers at your table. A squeeze of lime is a welcome extra, too!

Side Dishes

While Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) really shine as a stand-alone meal, some simple sides take things to the next level. Classic Mexican rice, a bowl of guacamole and chips, or even a quick cabbage slaw add a burst of color and some crunchy contrast to all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity fly! Serve right from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. Or spoon the mixture into bowls, piling on extra toppings so everyone can build their own masterpiece. For parties, try mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for an individual twist—it’s fun, Instagram-worthy, and totally customizable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe), consider yourself lucky—this dish tastes just as good the next day! Let it cool, then cover the skillet or transfer single portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for a rainy day? Freeze the cooled enchilada mixture (before adding fresh garnishes) in freezer-safe containers. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring your Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) back to life, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, or cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly. Add fresh cilantro or a bit of shredded cheese just before serving for that newly-made shine.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or rotisserie chicken work beautifully in Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe). Just swap them in using the same method—both will soak up the spices and sauce for a lighter variation that’s just as satisfying.

What type Main Course

Both flour and corn tortillas work in this recipe, so choose based on your texture and flavor preference. Flour tortillas will be slightly softer, while corn tortillas add a bit of earthy bite that complements the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the mixture ahead, refrigerate (without the garnishes), and then reheat on the stovetop or bake just before serving. It makes Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) a weeknight life-saver or a smart option for busy guests.

How can I make it spicier?

For a spicier kick, use hot enchilada sauce, add extra chili powder, toss in a pinch of cayenne, or double up on fresh jalapeños as a topping. It’s easy to dial the heat up or down based on your crew’s preference!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your enchilada sauce label to make sure it doesn’t contain flour or hidden gluten ingredients. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) a great option for gluten-sensitive dinner guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a dish that brings people together, satisfies every appetite, and won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) is the answer. Try it once, and you’ll soon find yourself craving its savory, saucy comfort over and over—it’s destined to become a regular on your dinner table!

Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Easy One-Pan Recipe) Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe is a quick and easy one-pan dish that brings all the flavors of traditional enchiladas to your table in a fraction of the time. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into strips or wedges
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional):

Chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté Onions and Spices: Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Mix in black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and tortilla strips. Sprinkle half of the cheese, stir, then top with the remaining cheese.
Simmer or Bake: Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat, or bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños if desired. Serve hot.