Hey there, friends! If you’re looking for a meal that’s both quick and absolutely packed with flavor, you’ve got to try my Beef Enchilada Skillet. Seriously, this dish has become a family favorite in my house because it’s so easy to whip up on busy weeknights. I love how all the ingredients come together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of sizzling beef and spices wafting through the kitchen! It’s the perfect meal to gather around with loved ones, share some laughs, and dig into a hearty plate of deliciousness. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one!
Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Skillet
- 1 lb ground beef (fresh, not frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (preferably cheddar for that classic flavor)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Skillet
Now, let’s dive into the steps for creating this scrumptious Beef Enchilada Skillet! I promise, it’s as easy as pie—well, easier actually! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned. You’ll want to make sure there’s no pink left—trust me, the flavor really develops during this step!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them together for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Oh, the aroma here is just heavenly! Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to get everything else in the pan. Add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices!), enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
Step 4: Simmer for Flavor
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This not only heats everything through but also allows all those wonderful flavors to blend beautifully. So, don’t rush this step—it’s key to a rich, delicious taste!
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Wow, just picture that gooey cheese—it’s the perfect finish to this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this Beef Enchilada Skillet is a game changer in the kitchen! First off, it comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you just want to get dinner on the table without a fuss. And trust me, the flavors are absolutely packed in every bite! You’ve got the savory beef, the sweetness of the corn, and that zesty enchilada sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
But that’s not all! This dish is incredibly versatile. If you’re looking to accommodate different dietary needs, you can easily swap the beef for turkey or even go vegetarian by adding more beans or veggies. It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will love. Plus, the one-pan cooking means less time cleaning up afterward—yay for that! Seriously, who doesn’t appreciate a delicious meal that doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes? This Beef Enchilada Skillet is all about convenience and flavor, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s chat about some pro tips to make your Beef Enchilada Skillet absolutely perfect! First things first, always use fresh ingredients when you can. Fresh veggies and high-quality ground beef really elevate the flavors—trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
Now, when it comes to spices, feel free to adjust them based on your family’s heat tolerance. If you love a bit of kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper! If you’re serving little ones, you might want to tone it down a tad. Always taste as you go—that’s how you’ll find that sweet spot!
Also, don’t forget about the simmering time. Letting everything meld together for those 10 minutes is crucial. It’s not just about heating through; it’s about letting those flavors dance together in harmony! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some black olives or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Lastly, if you end up with leftovers (which I doubt because it’s that good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave so that the cheese stays nice and melty. You want every bite to be just as delicious as the first!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty meal like my Beef Enchilada Skillet, it’s great to know what you’re fueling your body with. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, based on standard ingredients used:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you choose. But overall, this dish provides a delicious balance of protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, ground turkey or chicken makes a fantastic substitute for beef in this Beef Enchilada Skillet. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure it’s fully cooked through before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), just transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and you’re good to go!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You bet! To make this Beef Enchilada Skillet vegetarian, just skip the beef and load up on extra beans or your favorite vegetables. Black beans, corn, bell peppers, and zucchini work beautifully. You can also add some extra spices to kick up the flavor. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the same great dish while keeping it plant-based!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your Beef Enchilada Skillet is a breeze! Just let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep all those delicious flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week!
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, I recommend reheating them on the stove for the best results. Just add a splash of water or a little extra enchilada sauce to the pan to keep everything moist, and heat it over medium-low until it’s warmed through. Give it a stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent sticking.
If you prefer using the microwave, that works too! Just place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely (to prevent splatters), and heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Just be careful not to overheat; nobody wants rubbery cheese!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your Beef Enchilada Skillet even after the first delicious meal!
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Beef Enchilada Skillet: 5 Reasons to Make It Tonight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious beef enchilada skillet meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover until melted.
Notes
- Serve with tortillas or rice.
- Can substitute turkey or chicken for beef.
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapenos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Beef Enchilada Skillet, enchiladas, beef recipes