Healthy Enchilada Skillet

This Healthy Enchilada Skillet is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor, wholesome ingredients, and minimal prep time. It’s a quick and easy twist on the traditional enchiladas, but without all the fuss of rolling and baking individual tortillas. Instead, everything comes together in one skillet for a deliciously cheesy, saucy, and satisfying meal.

The combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables like zucchini and red bell pepper, black beans, and corn makes this dish both nutritious and filling. The homemade, bold enchilada sauce ties everything together, while the cheese adds that perfect gooey, melty finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy dinner, this skillet enchilada recipe delivers all the flavors you love in a healthier, one-pan version.

Perfect for busy evenings, this dish only takes 40 minutes to prepare and serves up to 8 people. It’s a flavorful, filling meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal

No need for multiple pots and pans! This healthy enchilada skillet comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

2. Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you still want a homemade, flavorful dinner.

3. Packed with Veggies

The addition of zucchini, red bell pepper, and green onions brings freshness and crunch, packing in essential vitamins and nutrients while keeping the dish light yet filling.

4. Healthy and Flavorful

Using lean ground beef and a combination of beans, corn, and low-fat cheese makes this recipe a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. You’ll still get all the bold, spicy, and savory tastes of traditional enchiladas.

5. Customizable

This skillet recipe is flexible to your preferences. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, use gluten-free tortillas, or even go vegetarian by replacing the meat with additional beans or veggies.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Skillet:

• Cooking spray
• ½ teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced small (about ¾ – 1 cup)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced small (about 1 ¾ – 2 cups)
• 6 green onions, thinly sliced, white/light green and dark green parts separated
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups (15 to 16 oz) jarred or canned red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn (fire roasted or regular)
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges (about 8 ounces total)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

For Garnish:

• Green onion tops
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced or sliced avocado

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with more black beans or any other beans of choice (like pinto or kidney beans) for a plant-based version.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
• Low-Carb: Skip the corn tortillas and serve the mixture over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices

Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and white/light green parts of the green onions to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.

Step 3: Add Enchilada Sauce and Other Ingredients

Pour in the red enchilada sauce, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add Tortilla Wedges and Cheese

Once the mixture is well-combined and heated through, add the tortilla wedges to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Top with the dark green parts of the green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make It Spicier: For a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a splash of hot sauce. You can also sauté some diced jalapeños with the ground beef.
• Toast the Tortillas: For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the tortilla wedges in the oven before adding them to the skillet. This step adds a bit of texture to the dish.
• Cook the Beef in Batches: If you’re using a smaller skillet, cook the beef in batches to ensure it browns evenly instead of steaming.
• Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce: For an extra boost of flavor, consider making your own enchilada sauce using tomato paste, spices, and broth. This lets you control the spice level and flavor profile.

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This dish is filling enough on its own but pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
• With Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, some salsa, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor.
• With Side Dishes: Serve with a side of chips, guacamole, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover enchilada skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers even tastier!

Freezing

While the tortilla wedges may soften when frozen, you can freeze the skillet for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat through on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the skillet on the stove over medium-low heat. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of enchilada sauce or water to rehydrate it as it reheats.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. It will still be flavorful when cooked with the spices and enchilada sauce.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the beef and add extra beans (such as black beans or pinto beans) or more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if preferred. Just cut them into wedges before adding to the skillet.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, add the tortillas and cheese, then cook as directed.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce to increase the heat.

6. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn can be used in place of frozen corn. Just be sure to cook it slightly before adding it to the skillet.

7. Can I use different types of cheese?

You can definitely use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a pepper jack for a spicy twist.

8. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Make sure to use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check the ingredients on your enchilada sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

10. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Healthy Enchilada Skillet is the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. It combines lean beef, hearty vegetables, and a zesty enchilada sauce in a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy it as is, or customize it with your favorite toppings and sides for a meal that satisfies all your cravings!

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