If you crave a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in about half an hour, you’re going to fall in love with Beef Skillet Enchiladas. This vibrant one-pan wonder brings together savory seasoned beef, melty cheddar cheese, and soft tortillas, all bathed in a zesty enchilada sauce. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make on a weeknight or for casual get-togethers, guaranteed to wow your family or friends with its taste and simplicity.

Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component adds a particular taste, texture, or pop of color, so don’t skip any if you want your Beef Skillet Enchiladas to shine!

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the dish, giving it rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
Olive Oil: Just a bit helps brown the beef and veggies, adding a hint of richness.
Yellow Onion: This aromatic cooks down to sweet, tender bites and enhances every layer of flavor.
Garlic: Adds irresistible depth and aroma with just two cloves.
Chili Powder: Supplies that signature enchilada warmth without overwhelming heat.
Ground Cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, cumin is key for authentic Tex-Mex essence.
Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky undertone and gorgeous red hue.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season generously so all the flavors pop.
Red Enchilada Sauce: The soulful sauce that ties everything together with tang and spice.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Bring juiciness, color, and a gentle kick to every bite.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that oozy, melty finish everyone loves.
Flour or Corn Tortillas: Choose your favorite for a classic chewy or toasty texture, then cut into easy-to-eat pieces.
Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herby sprinkle for top-notch freshness.
Sliced Green Onions & Sour Cream (optional): Garnish with these for a pop of color and cool, creamy contrast.

How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. In about 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll see the beef browned and the onions tender—your kitchen will smell amazing already! If there’s too much fat left in the pan, go ahead and drain the excess to keep things from getting greasy.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

Now, stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute until the spices become fragrant. This is where your Beef Skillet Enchiladas start to get their bold, mouthwatering character.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Tomatoes

Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the red enchilada sauce and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. These bring much-needed sauciness and a splash of tang to the dish, ensuring your enchiladas are never dry.

Step 4: Mix in the Tortillas

Cut your tortillas into strips or quarters, then gently stir them into the skillet. Let the tortilla pieces soak in the saucy beef mixture—this little step is what transforms them from plain tortillas into irresistible pillows bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Cook

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of your skillet. Cover and let everything cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and the tortillas are tender but still hold their shape. Resist the urge to peek too often—the result will be a beautiful, gooey layer that makes Beef Skillet Enchiladas so special.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Once your cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter chopped cilantro over the top, and, if you love a little extra garnish, add sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot, straight from the skillet for a casual, shareable meal.

How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas

Garnishes

The right garnish can make your Beef Skillet Enchiladas look (and taste) like they came from your favorite Mexican restaurant! I love a finishing sprinkle of fresh cilantro for its herbal zing and a handful of sliced green onions. If you’re feeling indulgent, a big spoonful of creamy sour cream on top will mellow the spices and add a cool contrast. A few slices of ripe avocado would also be right at home.

Side Dishes

Round out your skillet meal with a side of fluffy Mexican rice, some black beans, or a simple salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. If you’re making Beef Skillet Enchiladas for a crowd, chips and guac or charred corn on the cob are always a hit. The beauty of this meal is that it’s hearty enough to stand alone or serve as a centerpiece for a festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take presentation up a notch, try serving Beef Skillet Enchiladas in individual bowls with all the toppings arranged buffet-style, so everyone can customize their dinner. Or, scoop the cheesy goodness into crisp taco shells for a fun twist. Hosting a party? Set up a DIY enchilada bar and let guests build their bowl with extra toppings, sauces, and salsas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Beef Skillet Enchiladas, lucky you! Simply transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an ultra-satisfying lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion any cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, just thaw overnight in the fridge. I recommend freezing before adding fresh garnishes like cilantro or green onion for best results.

Reheating

Reheat Beef Skillet Enchiladas in the microwave or pop the leftovers back in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to refresh the tortillas and prevent dryness. Top with a little more cheese if you want it extra oozy and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a lighter version of Beef Skillet Enchiladas—just adjust the seasoning as needed to match your taste.

Which tortillas are better: corn or flour?

Both work beautifully! Corn tortillas bring classic flavor and a bit of chew, while flour tortillas are softer and soak up the sauce more. It really comes down to your preference, so try both and see which you like best.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely. Stir in black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, or even spinach just before adding the tortillas for a boost of color, texture, and nutrition in your skillet enchiladas.

Is this dish spicy?

Beef Skillet Enchiladas have a gentle kick from chili powder and green chilies, but they aren’t overly spicy. To turn up the heat, stir in some chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce—or use mild enchilada sauce to keep things kid-friendly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Sure can! Prepare the skillet up to the point of adding cheese, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, sprinkle on the cheese and reheat gently, either covered in the oven or on the stovetop, until bubbly and melty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an effortless, crowd-pleasing dinner, Beef Skillet Enchiladas are calling your name. Their comforting, cheesy flavor and one-skillet ease make them a go-to for any night of the week. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite family meal!

Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

These Beef Skillet Enchiladas are a quick and easy one-pan dinner that combines all the flavors of traditional enchiladas in a stovetop version. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, cheese, tortillas, and a zesty sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 small flour or corn tortillas (cut into strips or quarters)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced green onions and sour cream for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season and Simmer: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium, add enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir in tortilla strips and cheese.
Finish and Serve: Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and tortillas are tender. Remove from heat, sprinkle with cilantro. Garnish with green onions and sour cream. Serve hot.