Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Savor the flavors of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas with this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet. A quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ainsley Harper

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2025-12-25T16:10:15.915Z

This Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet is a delightful twist on classic enchiladas, combining all the rich flavors into one easy-to-make dish. It's perfect for families and can be customized with your favorite toppings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines all the flavors of enchiladas in one pan
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings

A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet brings the rich and vibrant flavors of traditional enchiladas into a simplified, one-pan dish. This meal maintains the essence of enchiladas—spicy beef, savory sauce, and gooey cheese—making it a delightful choice for those who want to enjoy hearty flavors without the labor of rolling each tortilla. Every bite is packed with layers of taste that will transport you straight to your favorite Mexican restaurant.

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your family’s preferences by swapping out the ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative. This adaptability not only allows for creative culinary experimentation but also makes it a fantastic option for accommodating various dietary needs.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Life can be hectic, and finding time to prepare a home-cooked meal can sometimes feel impossible. That's where this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet shines. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious, satisfying dinner that requires minimal cleanup. The one-pan approach means you won't spend your evening scrubbing multiple pots and pans, allowing you more time to relax with family or catch up on your favorite shows.

Moreover, this recipe is a great way to get your family involved in the kitchen. With simple steps and minimal prep work, kids can help stir ingredients or even sprinkle the cheese on top. It’s a fun opportunity to teach them about cooking while spending quality time together.

Customizable and Delicious

One of the joys of cooking at home is the ability to tailor dishes to your taste. The Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet is no exception. Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced avocados, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. You can also switch up the type of cheese, using pepper jack for a spicier flavor or queso fresco for a milder touch.

Additionally, serving options are endless. Pair your skillet with a side of tortilla chips, a fresh garden salad, or even some homemade guacamole for a well-rounded meal. The possibilities are as diverse as your imagination, making it a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sour cream for serving (optional)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet:

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the black beans, enchilada sauce, corn, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with sour cream if desired.

Enjoy your meal!

Storage Tips

Leftover Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.

If you want to plan ahead, you can also freeze the skillet for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as mentioned above.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your meal, consider serving the Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. These sides complement the dish beautifully and add more texture and flavors to your dinner plate. You could also offer a selection of toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, or sliced olives to let everyone customize their portion.

For a refreshing drink, pair this dish with a light Mexican beer or a classic margarita. The acidity of the lime in the margarita perfectly balances the richness of the enchiladas, creating a harmonious dining experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat and add the cheese when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This skillet dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with rice, a side salad, or tortilla chips.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

→ What toppings can I use?

Feel free to top your enchilada skillet with avocado, jalapeños, or additional cheese for extra flavor.

Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Savor the flavors of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas with this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet. A quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Ainsley Harper

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 small onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  5. 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
  6. 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  7. 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  8. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  9. 1 teaspoon cumin
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Fresh cilantro for garnish
  12. Sour cream for serving (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

Add the black beans, enchilada sauce, corn, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g