Cheesy Beef Enchilada Skillet is a quick, comforting, Mexican-inspired dinner made entirely in one pan. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this easy skillet recipe delivers bold flavor without the hassle of rolling enchiladas. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly.
Key Takeaways
• One-pan dinner with minimal cleanup
• Bold enchilada flavors in 20 minutes
• Cheesy, comforting, and filling
• Beginner-friendly stovetop recipe
• Perfect weeknight meal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet version gives you everything you love about enchiladas without extra steps. The tortillas soak up the savory sauce while the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
4 small flour tortillas, cut into bite-size pieces
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional topping)
Sour cream for serving (optional)
Equipment
Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. - Add aromatics
Stir in diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Season the mixture
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with spices. - Add sauce and fillings
Pour in enchilada sauce, then add black beans and corn. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. - Add tortillas
Fold in tortilla pieces, ensuring they are coated with sauce and slightly softened. - Add cheese and melt
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes until cheese melts completely and becomes gooey. - Garnish and serve
Top with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips & Variations
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor.
For a baked finish, place the skillet under the broiler for 2 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a fresh side salad. Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice pairs perfectly for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of water or sauce if needed.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 520 per serving
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef mixture ahead and reheat before adding cheese and serving.
Are corn or flour tortillas better?
Both work well. Corn tortillas provide a more authentic enchilada flavor.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before adding fresh toppings for up to 2 months.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use mild enchilada sauce and reduce chili powder.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers or zucchini work great in this skillet.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Skillet is the perfect shortcut dinner when you want bold enchilada flavors without extra work. Rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this one-pan meal is guaranteed to become a go-to weeknight favorite for busy households.