Enchilada Skillet
All the classic, cheesy goodness of beef enchiladas, deconstructed into a simple one-pan meal. This skillet comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Beef and Aromatics
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it's browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- d.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- e.Return the skillet to the heat, add the chopped onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until the spices are fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Skillet
- b.Pour the red enchilada sauce into the skillet. Add the rinsed black beans and the drained corn.
- c.Stir everything together until well combined.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Melt the Cheese and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.
- c.Cover the skillet with a lid and let it stand for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese until it's gooey and bubbly.
- d.Uncover, garnish generously with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a leaner dish, use 90/10 ground beef or ground turkey.
- 2A high-quality canned enchilada sauce makes a big difference. Look for one with a rich, deep red color and minimal preservatives.
- 3Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini along with the onion for extra nutrients.
- 4Serve with tortilla chips for scooping, or spoon the mixture into warm tortillas for a quick taco-style meal. It's also great over rice or a bed of lettuce.
- 5For a creamier texture, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese just before adding the cheese topping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with 1 lb of shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of black beans or pinto beans, along with 1 cup of diced sweet potatoes (sautéed with the onion until tender).
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the enchilada sauce, or add a finely diced jalapeño with the onion for extra heat.
Grain InclusiveGrain-Inclusive
Stir in 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice at the end of the simmering step to make the dish even more hearty and filling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Ground beef and black beans provide a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Good Source of Fiber
With black beans and corn as key ingredients, this dish is a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Provides Essential Minerals
This skillet offers important minerals like iron from the beef, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and magnesium and potassium from the beans, which support nerve function and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Enchilada Skillet contains approximately 640-680 calories, depending on the leanness of the ground beef and the specific brands of sauce and cheese used.