If you are craving a dinner that’s bold, packed with comforting flavors, and comes together in just one pan, this Enchilada Skillet Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s a vibrant medley of seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, hearty black beans and corn, all simmered in rich enchilada sauce and finished with a melty blanket of cheddar cheese. The freshness of cilantro sprinkled on top adds that perfect finishing touch. Trust me, this dish brings the warmth and excitement of a Mexican fiesta right into your kitchen, and it couldn’t be simpler or more satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this enchilada skillet shine.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base and helps cook the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Ground beef: Adds protein and a rich, savory foundation for the dish.
- Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a slight crunch when cooked.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Offers a pop of color and fresh, sweet flavor.
- Red enchilada sauce (10 ounces): Infuses the skillet with traditional tangy and smoky notes.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds texture, fiber, and heartiness.
- Corn kernels, drained: Sweetness and bursts of juiciness that balance the savory elements.
- Chili powder: Gives that classic warm, earthy spice.
- Cumin: Brings a subtle nutty flavor that complements chili perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, savory topping.
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Adds brightness and a burst of herbal freshness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil helps the beef brown nicely without sticking and lays the foundation for all those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add your ground beef to the hot skillet and cook it until it’s beautifully browned. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks so that every bite is perfectly tender and seasoned.
Step 3: Add Onion and Bell Pepper
Next, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Allow them to soften and release their sweetness, giving the dish a lovely texture and depth.
Step 4: Stir in the Enchilada Sauce and Beans
Pour in the red enchilada sauce, then add the black beans and corn. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over it all, then stir everything to combine evenly. This step is where the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer the Skillet
Turn the heat down to low, cover, and let the skillet simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow those bold spices to infuse the dish thoroughly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface. This is where cheesy goodness takes center stage.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Cover the skillet again and let it cook off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a golden, gooey layer that ties everything together perfectly.
Step 8: Finish with Fresh Cilantro
Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top. It’s the burst of freshness that completes this comforting skillet supper.
How to Serve Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado can add a creamy, cooling contrast to the warm spices. For extra zing, sprinkle some sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of fresh lime over the top.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs exceptionally well with simple sides like Mexican rice, a crisp green salad, or warm corn tortillas to scoop up every last bite. Each side adds its own complementary texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this enchilada skillet over a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep it light but filling. You can also turn it into a hearty filling for tacos or burrito bowls if you want to mix things up for a casual party or family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the enchilada skillet remains flavorful for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient meal on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry.
FAQs
Can I make this Enchilada Skillet Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the ground beef for extra beans, diced mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives to keep it hearty and delicious without any meat.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic for this recipe because it melts well and adds sharpness, but you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the enchilada sauce and spices, but you control the spice by choosing mild or spicy sauce and by adjusting chili powder amounts. Jalapeños or hot sauce can add extra kick if you like it hotter.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the base up to the simmering stage, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to eat, add cheese, melt it, and finish with cilantro for a freshly served skillet meal.
What sides go well with this Enchilada Skillet Recipe?
Simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad balance the richness of the skillet perfectly and round out the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Enchilada Skillet Recipe is an absolute game changer when you want bold flavors and easy cleanup all at once. Every bite bursts with spice, comfort, and cheesy goodness that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, I encourage you to whip this up and share the joy of a fuss-free, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!
Print
Enchilada Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This hearty Enchilada Skillet is a one-pan dish that combines ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce for a flavorful and comforting meal. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat.
- Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for even cooking.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, to bring out their sweetness.
- Add sauces and spices: Stir in red enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet mixture to add richness.
- Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, top with chopped fresh cilantro leaves, and serve hot for a delicious enchilada skillet experience.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra spice, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or diced tofu.
