Beef Skillet Enchiladas

If you love classic enchiladas but don’t feel like rolling tortillas or turning on the oven, this skillet version is a lifesaver.

It has all the flavor of traditional enchiladas, tender beef, melted cheese, and a rich, saucy filling, but it comes together in one pan right on your stovetop.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and satisfying without a lot of cleanup. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef (lean if possible)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce (mild or medium, depending on your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the base

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish, so take your time to let the onions caramelize slightly.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned all over, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season it with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to evenly coat the beef in all those spices. You should start to smell that rich, smoky aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Add the beans, corn, and sauce

Once the beef is fully cooked and seasoned, stir in the black beans and corn. Pour in the enchilada sauce and mix everything together until it’s evenly coated. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the tortilla strips

Now it’s time to turn it into skillet-style enchiladas. Stir in the tortilla strips, making sure they’re well coated in the sauce. The tortillas will soften as they cook, soaking up all the flavor from the sauce and beef. This is what gives the dish that classic enchilada texture without the extra work of rolling and baking.

Step 5: Add the cheese and melt

Once the tortillas are softened, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if you like. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a cool contrast to the spicy, savory flavors.

Helpful Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken instead of beef if you prefer a lighter version, just skip the browning step and add the shredded chicken with the beans and corn.
  
• Add more vegetables like bell peppers, diced zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  
• Adjust the spice by using a mild enchilada sauce or adding a bit of cayenne if you like more heat.
  
• Make it creamy by stirring in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before adding the tortillas.

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or even a bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips. If you’re serving a crowd, you can double the recipe and serve it straight from the skillet, it looks just as good as it tastes.

A single bite of this skillet enchilada will remind you of your favorite Mexican comfort food, but with a lot less effort. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner that makes everyone happy.

Do let me know how it goes…