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If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful comfort meal that comes together quickly and makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible, this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. Ground beef simmered with spices, wrapped in warm corn tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheddar creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. This recipe blends simple ingredients into a celebration of bold, comforting Mexican-inspired flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe. Each element plays a key role—some bring depth in taste, others add texture or vibrant color, making this dish a total crowd-pleaser from start to finish.
- Ground beef: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings for a juicy filling.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic to golden perfection while adding a subtle richness.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to the beef mixture.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Offers a punch of flavor and warmth in every bite.
- Taco seasoning mix: Brings that perfect blend of spices to give the beef authentic Mexican flair.
- Water: Helps blend the taco seasoning evenly and keeps the beef moist as it simmers.
- Corn tortillas: Soft and pliable, these are the perfect wraps to hold all that savory filling.
- Enchilada sauce: The lush, tangy sauce that ties all the ingredients together with a bit of heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, adding creaminess and color.
- Sour cream: A cool, creamy garnish to balance the spice and add richness.
- Chopped cilantro: A fresh, herbaceous finish that makes each bite pop.
How to Make Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base and releases the natural sweetness of the onion, setting the stage for the delicious beef filling.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. Garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible depth of flavor—just be careful not to let it burn as it cooks quickly.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Throw in your ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step gives your filling that hearty, meaty texture that enchiladas are known for.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix. Pour in half a cup of water and stir everything together. Lower the heat and let the beef mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to marry the flavors and create a juicy, spiced filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas and Bake
Warm the corn tortillas just long enough to make them flexible—about 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave or a dry skillet. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour a little enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and then fill each tortilla with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture, rolling it up tightly and placing them seam-side down. Cover with enchilada sauce and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool just a bit before topping with dollops of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These final touches add creaminess and a fresh pop that perfectly balance the savory richness.
How to Serve Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe with a few thoughtful garnishes. Besides the classic sour cream and cilantro, try sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime, or a handful of chopped green onions to add freshness and texture contrast. Every little piece adds personality to your plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiladas with some classic sides to complete your meal. Mexican rice or refried beans work beautifully, soaking up any extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy dressing provides a refreshing break from the rich casserole experience, balancing the flavors on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the traditional presentation, serve your enchilada filling in warm tortillas as build-your-own mini wraps or layer it like a casserole with alternating tortillas and fillings for a deconstructed vibe. Garnishing individual portions in ramekins with colorful peppers or jalapeños also adds visual excitement and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious and convenient.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a hassle-free dinner later on.
Reheating
To bring leftover enchiladas back to life, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, covering portions with a damp paper towel and microwaving for 1 to 2 minutes works perfectly to maintain their moist, cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey is a lean and tasty alternative that works great in this Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe. You might want to adjust the seasoning slightly because turkey is milder in flavor, but it will still yield a delicious result.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but feel free to blend in Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want a little extra creaminess or spice. A good melting cheese adds that gooey finish everyone loves.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Using corn tortillas as listed keeps this dish naturally gluten-free—just double-check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce don’t contain any gluten additives to be safe.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends mostly on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you choose. You can always select mild options or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne if you want to dial up the spice.
What if I don’t have a baking dish?
A sturdy oven-safe skillet or casserole dish works just as well for baking your enchiladas. The key is to use something that’s about 9×13 inches for even cooking and to hold all those rolled tortillas snugly.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe is a true gem for anyone looking to bring a burst of bold flavors and comforting warmth to their table with minimal fuss. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation, perfect for sharing with family or friends anytime you want a meal that’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and dive into this tasty adventure—you’re going to love every bite!
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Beef Skillet Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 enchiladas (serves 4-6)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This hearty Beef Skillet Enchiladas recipe combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and classic enchilada sauce rolled in warm corn tortillas. Cooked on the stovetop for the beef filling and baked to perfection, these enchiladas are flavorful, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
Assembly
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to warm thoroughly.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Drain fat: Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to remove grease.
- Season beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked beef and stir to combine evenly.
- Add water and simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup water and stir, dissolving the seasoning and coating the beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Warm tortillas: While the beef simmers, heat the corn tortillas in a pan or microwave for 20-30 seconds until they become warm and flexible for rolling.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Prepare baking dish: Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill tortillas: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of each warm tortilla, then roll tightly and place each seam-side down side by side in the baking dish.
- Cover with sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas to completely cover them.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sauced tortillas.
- Bake enchiladas: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool slightly: Remove the baked enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to set.
- Add toppings and serve: Dollop sour cream over the enchiladas and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving to add freshness and creaminess.
Notes
- For a milder dish, use mild taco seasoning instead of regular.
- To save time, use store-bought enchilada sauce or make your own for extra flavor.
- Warm tortillas properly to avoid cracking when rolling.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
