Beef Skillet Enchiladas

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If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and simple weeknight dinner that brings the beloved taste of enchiladas to your table without the time-consuming assembly, then this Beef Skillet Enchilada recipe is perfect for you. Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, black beans, and corn, this dish is high in protein and brimming with nutritious ingredients. Best of all, it comes together in just 40 minutes and uses only one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re serving it to your family or sharing it with friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into what makes this dish special and how you can easily recreate it at home.

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Ingredients Breakdown

To make this flavorful and satisfying dish, you’ll need a variety of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what goes into the Beef Skillet Enchiladas:

• Cooking Spray and Olive Oil (½ teaspoon): To ensure that the skillet is well-coated and the ingredients don’t stick while cooking.
• Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): A great source of protein that forms the base of the dish. Using lean ground beef helps keep the meal lighter while still providing robust flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and bright color to the skillet.
• Zucchini (1 medium, diced): Brings in moisture and a mild, fresh taste that complements the other flavors.
• Green Onions (6, thinly sliced, with white/light green and dark green parts separated): Provides a touch of sharpness and freshness that enhances the dish both during cooking and as a garnish.
• Spices: A mix of chili powder (1 teaspoon), ground cumin (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (½ teaspoon), and dried oregano (½ teaspoon) to give the dish its signature warm and smoky enchilada flavor.
• Red Enchilada Sauce (2 cups): The heart of the dish, bringing together all the ingredients with its rich, tangy flavor.
• Black Beans (15 oz can, rinsed and drained): Adds fiber and additional protein, creating a more satisfying and nutritious meal.
• Frozen Corn (1 cup): Choose fire-roasted for a deeper, smokier taste or regular corn for a lighter flavor profile.
• Corn Tortillas (8, 6-inch, cut into wedges): These form the u201clayersu201d of the enchilada, soaking up the sauce and binding the dish together.
• Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): A melty, creamy topping that completes the dish.
• Garnishes: Sliced green onion tops, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, diced or sliced avocado, and sour cream for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Preheat your oven to 425u00b0F. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, lightly spray it with cooking spray and add the olive oil. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet along with the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and the white and light green parts of the sliced green onions. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink and the zucchini is tender.

Step 3: Season and Mix

Turn off the heat and add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Pour in the red enchilada sauce, black beans, and frozen corn, followed by ½ cup of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly so that all the ingredients are coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tortillas

Gently fold in the corn tortilla wedges, making sure they are well-coated with the sauce and evenly spread throughout the beef and vegetable mixture. This step ensures that the tortillas soften and absorb the flavors, creating the classic enchilada texture.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top of the skillet mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Sprinkle the dark green parts of the green onions and fresh cilantro over the top. Add diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and dollops of sour cream as desired. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, flavorful goodness!

A Taste of the Dish: Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

Imagine digging into a warm skillet filled with savory beef, tender vegetables, and soft tortillas, all smothered in rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. The chili powder and cumin infuse a smoky warmth, while the bell pepper and zucchini provide a slight crunch and fresh contrast. The melted cheese adds a creamy, indulgent layer, and the garnishes of cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado contribute a refreshing balance. The dish is hearty yet light enough to enjoy without feeling overly full, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Meat Alternatives: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based ground meat or simply add more black beans.
• Cheese Choices: If you prefer a different flavor, try using cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding spinach, kale, or mushrooms.
• Spice Level: For a spicier version, incorporate diced jalapeu00f1os or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Tortilla Substitutes: Flour tortillas can be used if youu2019re not gluten-free, but corn tortillas offer a more authentic enchilada flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Beef Skillet Enchiladas with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or a refreshing citrus-based salsa. A cold glass of iced tea or a margarita complements the dish beautifully. For a complete meal, finish with a light dessert such as churros or flan.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Skillet Enchilada recipe is the perfect way to enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional enchiladas without the time-consuming process. With just one skillet, you can create a dish thatu2019s as impressive as it is practical. Whether youu2019re cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner with friends, or simply craving a flavorful, easy-to-make dish, these skillet enchiladas are sure to satisfy. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful fusion of convenience and taste!