Beef Skillet Enchiladas — Cheesy One-Pan Mexican Comfort

If you’re craving all the irresistible flavors of enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas one by one, this beef skillet enchiladas recipe delivers all that cheesy, saucy goodness straight from a single pan. Tender seasoned ground beef mingles with flavorful spices, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese — all layered over soft tortillas that soak up every delicious bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or casual gatherings, this skillet version keeps things simple while still tasting like a festive, homemade favorite.

What makes this dish such a standout is how it balances bold Mexican-inspired flavors with effortless preparation. You get hearty protein with richly seasoned beef, vibrant tomato and chili notes from the sauce, and plenty of creamy, gooey cheese without spending extra time rolling or baking. Whether you’re meal prepping or just feeding a hungry crowd, this hearty skillet dinner makes cleanup a breeze and leaves everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic enchilada flavors without rolling tortillas
• One-pan meal for quick prep and easy cleanup
• Hearty beef with rich tomato and spice notes
• Packed with melty cheese for comforting flavor
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Great for family dinners or casual entertaining

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (480 mL) enchilada sauce
• 4–6 corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) beef broth
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas

• Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
• Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent
• Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant
• Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon
• Season beef with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper
• Cook until beef is fully browned and no longer pink
• Pour in enchilada sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine with the meat
• Add tortilla strips, pressing them gently into the sauce so they soak up flavor
• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet
• Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid
• Allow cheese to melt and sauce to simmer until bubbly
• Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Course: Main Dinner

Flavor Profile Breakdown

• Tangy and rich from enchilada sauce
• Warm, subtle spice from chili powder and cumin
• Savory beefiness from seasoned ground beef
• Creamy, gooey melt from shredded cheese
• Herbaceous brightness from cilantro garnish

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use high-quality enchilada sauce for deeper flavor
• Press tortilla strips well into the sauce so they absorb moisture
• Keep heat moderate so cheese melts evenly without burning
• Taste and adjust salt before serving
• Add extra broth if mixture seems dry during simmering

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein
• Add black beans or corn for extra fiber and texture
• Use gluten-free tortillas to make it gluten-free
• Mix in chopped green chilies for added heat
• Top with sour cream or avocado for creamier serving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not cooking beef long enough before adding sauce
• Overcrowding tortilla strips so they don’t absorb sauce
• Cooking on too high heat and burning cheese
• Skipping the broth — it helps soften tortillas properly

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans
• Add a fresh green salad with lime dressing
• Top with pickled jalapeños or sliced avocado
• Pair with tortilla chips and salsa

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Cool completely before sealing leftovers in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth
• Freeze in meal-prep portions for up to 2 months

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 540 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 1120 mg

Final Thoughts

This beef skillet enchiladas recipe brings all the bold, comforting flavors of classic enchiladas into a quick, fuss-free one-pan dinner. It’s perfect for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or whenever you want that satisfying Mexican-inspired taste without rolling a single tortilla. With hearty protein, rich sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free corn or flour tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?
An oven-safe skillet works best, but you can finish on the stovetop with a lid if you don’t want to bake.

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Absolutely; homemade sauce works great and enhances flavor.

How do I prevent tortillas from getting soggy?
Ensure tortilla strips are pressed into the sauce so they absorb moisture evenly.

Can I add veggies to this dish?
Yes — bell peppers, corn, or black beans make excellent additions.