Beef Skillet Enchiladas (Printable)
Skillet of ground beef, beans, enchilada sauce and cheeses layered with corn tortillas for a fast family meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Spices & Herbs
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Sauces & Pantry
11 - 1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce, red or green
12 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
13 - 8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Toppings (optional)
16 - Sliced green onions
17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sour cream
19 - Diced avocado
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables have softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and warm the mixture evenly.
04 - Pour enchilada sauce and tomato sauce into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to blend all flavors.
05 - Arrange half the quartered corn tortillas evenly over the beef mixture. Top with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and cheese.
06 - Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese has fully melted.
07 - If desired, transfer the skillet under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
08 - Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado to taste. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The whole meal comes together in one pan so cleanup is barely an afterthought.
- Layering the tortillas and cheese right on the stovetop creates steamy, melty pockets the whole table fights over.
02 -
- If you rush the browning step for the beef, you’ll end up with bland meat and a pale, less flavorful base.
- Letting the cheese fully melt under a lid is key—it fuses all the layers and guarantees that irresistible pull.
03 -
- Letting the skillet rest for 5 minutes after broiling makes it easier to slice and serve tidy portions.
- Combine cheddar and Monterey Jack instead of using just one—their melt and flavor together are unbeatable.