Name: Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1/2 teaspoon olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small red bell pepper, diced small (about 3/4 – 1 cup); 1 medium zucchini, diced small (about 1 3/4 – 2 cups); 6 green onions, thinly sliced, white/light green and dark green parts separated; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 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 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided; Green onion tops; Fresh cilantro; Sour cream; Diced tomatoes; Diced or sliced avocado

Imagine all the comforting flavors of classic enchiladas, but streamlined into one irresistible, saucy pan—say hello to Beef Skillet Enchiladas. This one-pan wonder delivers layers of savory ground beef, vibrant veggies, hearty black beans, and melty cheese, all cozied up with saucy tortillas and a rainbow of garnishes. It’s fuss-free, filling, and packed with big flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for a casual gathering. If you’re craving speedy comfort food that doesn’t skimp on nutrition or taste, these Beef Skillet Enchiladas will win your heart (and your dinner table) every single time.

Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple this ingredient list is, yet every item plays a starring role in taste, color, or nutrition. From the vibrant veggies to hearty black beans, each component adds something essential to your Beef Skillet Enchiladas, ensuring a meal that’s both balanced and delicious.

Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps everything brown just right without excess oil.
Olive oil (½ teaspoon): Just a touch for rich flavor and to sauté the beef and veggies.
Lean ground beef (1 lb): The protein powerhouse—opt for lean to keep this dish lighter yet satisfying.
Red bell pepper (1 small, diced): Adds sweet crunch and gorgeous bursts of color.
Zucchini (1 medium, diced): Brings moisture, mild flavor, and that sneaky veggie boost everyone loves.
Green onions (6, sliced—white/light green and dark parts separated): Give both aromatic depth to the skillet and fresh zing as a garnish.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): For a gentle warmth that says, “this is enchilada territory.”
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy depth, rounding out the Tex-Mex flavor profile.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides mellow savoriness and ties the spices together.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): A pinch brightens up the whole pan with herbal notes.
Red enchilada sauce (2 cups/15-16 oz): The saucy backbone—feel free to use your favorite jarred, canned, or homemade variety.
Black beans (1 can/15 oz, rinsed and drained): Plant-based protein, creamy texture, and extra fiber.
Frozen corn (1 cup): Pops of sweet flavor; fire-roasted is extra tasty but regular works just fine.
Corn tortillas (8, each cut into 6 wedges): These soak up the sauce and create that unmistakable enchilada texture—corn keeps it gluten free.
Mexican blend cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): Melts into gooey perfection, both mixed in and melted on top.
Garnishes: green onion tops, fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado: The finishing touch for fresh flavor and serve-as-you-like customization.

How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Start by placing a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Coat it lightly with cooking spray, then add the olive oil, swirling to cover the base. Toss in the lean ground beef, diced bell pepper, diced zucchini, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Use a spatula to break up the meat, then let everything sizzle and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring every so often, until the veggies are tender and the beef is fully browned.

Step 2: Season and Add the Good Stuff

Switch off the heat for a moment—now it’s time to mix in the flavor. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano for that classic Tex-Mex vibe. Pour in the red enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and half a cup of shredded cheese. Stir everything together, making sure every bite will have a little bit of every ingredient.

Step 3: Fold in Tortillas

Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges, making sure they soak up the saucy goodness and get evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This move transforms them into those iconic saucy enchilada layers you crave in Beef Skillet Enchiladas.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Scatter the remaining cup of shredded cheese all over the skillet. Transfer the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, melted, and irresistibly bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing, so don’t be surprised if the family starts wandering in!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the skillet is out of the oven, shower it with the green onion tops, a generous handful of fresh cilantro, juicy diced tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. Don’t forget dollops of cool sour cream for the perfect finish. Now, dig in and savor those Beef Skillet Enchiladas!

How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Garnishes

The right garnishes turn your Beef Skillet Enchiladas from a simple skillet meal into a fiesta for the eyes and tastebuds. Bright green onions and fresh cilantro add fragrant punch, while diced tomatoes and avocado supply juicy color and creamy richness. A cool scoop of sour cream is always welcome for balancing those warm, spicy flavors.

Side Dishes

You can keep it classic with a colorful side salad, crisp tortilla chips, or a scoop of cilantro-lime rice. For an even heartier spread, try adding roasted veggies, refried beans, or a fresh pico de gallo to carry the enchilada theme through the whole meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas family-style right from the pan for a homey, shareable vibe, or spoon portions into individual bowls and deck out each serving with the toppings of your choice. If you’re hosting, set up a DIY toppings bar for everyone to customize their own—it’s part meal, part party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Beef Skillet Enchiladas will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your lunch the next day even tastier.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Beef Skillet Enchiladas for easy future meals. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Add a splash of enchilada sauce or broth if things look a bit dry, and sprinkle with extra cheese before reheating for that just-baked effect.

FAQs

Can I swap in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well if you want to lighten things up, though you might want to add a drizzle more olive oil to prevent leaner meats from drying out.

What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?

You can use any jarred or canned red enchilada sauce you love (Siete and Old El Paso are both great, but homemade is fantastic if you’re up for it). Green enchilada sauce is also a fun twist—just swap it in to give your Beef Skillet Enchiladas a new flavor profile.

Are these enchiladas spicy?

Not particularly! The chili powder adds warmth rather than heat, but feel free to bump up the spice with diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier enchilada sauce if you love a good kick.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Totally! If gluten isn’t a concern, flour tortillas work just as well—they’ll be a bit softer and less rustic, but equally tasty.

How do I make it dairy free?

Simply swap out the cheese for your favorite dairy-free shredded alternative and skip the sour cream, or use a plant-based version. The dish is naturally gluten free and already packed with veggies and protein!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Beef Skillet Enchiladas before, now’s your moment! This recipe takes all the work out of enchiladas without sacrificing any of the flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spirited weekend dinners. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that everyone asks for again and again.

Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe