Name: Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ onion, chopped; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent); 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce; 6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; ¼ cup sliced olives (optional); Green onions & cilantro for garnish

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If you’re craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex straight to your table, look no further than this Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe. Imagine layers of zesty ground beef mingling with melty cheese and tender tortilla strips, all baked together in one skillet for an effortless, comforting meal. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy enchiladas without the usual rolling, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty dinner that feels homemade and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large rectangular aluminum tray filled with a baked dish. The top layer is melted, light golden cheese that covers the entire surface, bubbling slightly in some spots. Below the cheese, visible around the edges, are uneven bits of browned sausage mixed into a tomato sauce with a rich reddish color. The tray rests on a stovetop with a white marbled texture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe comes from a handful of simple, familiar ingredients that each bring their own special touch. From the savory richness of ground beef to the tangy punch of enchilada sauce and the gooey charm of melted cheese, every component plays a delicious role in creating layers of flavor and texture.

1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this dish so satisfying.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to cook the beef and onions evenly, adding a subtle richness.
½ onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the beef filling.
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade): Infuses the beef with bold Tex-Mex spices.
1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce: This tangy sauce ties the whole dish together with its traditional enchilada flavor.
6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips: Provide the distinctive texture and carb element in place of traditional rolled enchiladas.
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy topping.
¼ cup sliced olives (optional): Adds a briny contrast that complements the richness.
Green onions & cilantro for garnish: Fresh herbs that brighten the dish and add a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and ground beef, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Stir frequently until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds a savory foundation that’s full of flavor.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Sauce

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef and onions, stirring well to coat every bit of meat with those vibrant spices. Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir until everything is combined seamlessly. The sauce will bring that tangy richness that defines a great enchilada bake.

Step 3: Incorporate Tortilla Strips

Now, gently stir in the strips of corn tortillas so they get sturdily coated in the beef and sauce mixture. These tortilla pieces soak up the flavors while maintaining a texture that mimics the classic rolled enchiladas, but without the work of rolling.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Olives

Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the skillet, followed by the optional sliced olives. The cheese melts into a luscious layer that unites the dish, while the olives provide a little tangy bite. This combination is what makes the bake truly irresistible.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Place the skillet in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt completely and the edges to get slightly golden and bubbly. This final bake step brings the whole Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe together into a warm, cozy meal.

How to Serve Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe

The image shows two rolled-up enchiladas in a white rectangular dish. Each enchilada is covered with a thick layer of melted yellow cheese, which stretches in thin strings as a silver fork lifts one enchilada, revealing a soft tortilla with a red sauce inside. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, and there is a blurred green plant and a colorful yellow and red bag in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take this dish up a notch. Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro over the top right after it’s out of the oven for a burst of freshness. If you want to get fancy, add a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy avocado slices for creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the warm, zesty bake.

Side Dishes

This bake is pretty filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or simple Spanish rice helps round out the meal. Black beans or a small serving of corn on the cob also complement the flavors without stealing the spotlight. The goal is to keep it classic, light, and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, serve this Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe directly in the skillet for a rustic, casual feel. Or portion it out into individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for personal cheesy crowns. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? No worries! Transfer them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish for longer storage. Place cooked and cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe gently in the microwave or oven. For best results, cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, so the cheese stays melty and the bake tastes fresh.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture, but cutting them into strips is important so they cook evenly and soak up the sauce well without becoming too mushy.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein for a delicious vegetarian version with all the flavor and cheesy goodness intact.

Can I prepare this dish without an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the beef mixture in a regular skillet and then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking in the oven.

What can I add to make the dish spicier?

For extra heat, toss in some diced jalapeños while cooking the onions or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the enchilada sauce before baking. Fresh sliced chili peppers on top as garnish work great too!

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! You can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger skillet or casserole dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes for the cheese to get bubbly all over.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Skillet Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe is a hands-down favorite for bringing bold flavors and comforting textures to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel cozy, satisfied, and ready to come back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a regular staple in your dinner rotation!