Effortless One-Pan Enchiladas: Your Ultimate Weeknight Mexican Meal

One Pan Enchiladas
Julia Pacheco
Experience all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic enchiladas without the hassle of rolling! This incredible one-pan recipe simplifies a beloved Mexican dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick, incredibly easy, and guarantees a family-friendly meal that everyone will adore. Get ready for a flavorful, comforting dinner that requires minimal effort and even less cleanup.
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25
4 servings
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, or any ground meat like turkey or chicken can be used.
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed: Rinsing helps remove extra sodium and improves texture.
- 15 oz can corn, drained: Sweet corn adds a lovely burst of flavor and texture. Frozen corn can also be used; just thaw it first.
- 1 can red, or green enchilada sauce (approximately 10-15 oz): Choose your preferred color and spice level. Red enchilada sauce offers a classic, rich flavor, while green offers a tangy, milder alternative.
- 6 corn tortillas, sliced in half then cut into strips: This is the secret to no-roll enchiladas! The strips absorb the sauce and become wonderfully tender.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Or use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or a combination for a richer, cheesier flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s completely browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent a watery or greasy final dish. A leaner cut of beef will minimize this step.
Step 2: Add Beans, Corn, and Sauce. To the skillet with the browned beef, add the drained and rinsed black beans, the drained corn, and the entire can of your chosen red or green enchilada sauce. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Introduce Tortillas and Cheese. Remove the lid and add the corn tortilla strips directly into the simmering mixture. Gently stir until the tortilla strips are fully coated with the sauce and beef mixture. They will begin to soften and break down, creating that wonderful enchilada texture without any rolling. Evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet again and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. The tortillas should be tender and fully incorporated.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve. Once the cheese is perfectly melted and the enchilada mixture is hot and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. It’s time to personalize your one-pan enchiladas! Top generously with your favorite enchilada toppings. Popular choices include fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, creamy guacamole, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot directly from the pan and enjoy this wonderfully simple, yet incredibly flavorful meal!
Video
Watch this video to see how easily this one-pan enchilada recipe comes together, along with other speedy weeknight meal ideas!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Enchilada Recipe
This One-Pan Enchiladas recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors without the traditional time commitment. Its genius lies in skipping the labor-intensive rolling process, transforming enchiladas into a hearty, deconstructed skillet meal. Not only does this save precious minutes, but it also means less mess and fewer dishes to wash. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a comforting, cheesy, and deeply flavorful dish that satisfies everyone at the table. It’s a quick fix that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, making it an instant family favorite.
Tips for Making the Best One-Pan Enchiladas
- Don’t Skimp on Draining: After browning the ground beef, ensure you drain off as much excess fat as possible. This prevents your enchilada sauce from becoming greasy.
- Choose Your Sauce Wisely: The quality of your enchilada sauce can make a big difference. While canned sauce is convenient, opt for a good brand, or try making your own for an elevated flavor.
- Tortilla Prep: Cutting the corn tortillas into strips allows them to absorb the sauce effectively and soften beautifully, giving you that classic enchilada texture without the fuss.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Cover and Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering steps. Covering the pan helps the tortillas soften evenly and allows the flavors to truly meld, resulting in a richer, more cohesive dish.
Variations & Customizations
- Protein Power: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully for an even faster meal.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini along with the beef. Sauté them until tender before adding the beans and corn.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or a diced jalapeño (seeded for less heat) to the beef while browning. A dash of hot sauce at the end is also a great idea.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses! Colby Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy twist, or a simple mild cheddar can all be delicious.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream with the enchilada sauce for a richer, creamier sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These one-pan enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side salad, a scoop of rice, or a side of refried beans. Don’t forget those fresh toppings like avocado slices, pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of fresh lime juice to brighten every bite!
Storage and Reheating
Leftover one-pan enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce if it appears dry.
Nutrition
Calories: 755kcal
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Carbohydrates: 66g
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Protein: 43g
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Fat: 36g
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Saturated Fat: 15g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
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Trans Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 109mg
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Sodium: 1150mg
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Potassium: 1146mg
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Fiber: 16g
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Sugar: 3g
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Vitamin A: 288IU
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Vitamin C: 6mg
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Calcium: 324mg
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Iron: 6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient substitutions.
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