Name: Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper, omit for AIP; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp cumin, omit for AIP; 2 cups butternut squash, cubed; 1 ½ cup enchilada sauce; 4 almond flour tortillas, sliced into strips; ¼ cup dairy-free cheese, shredded (optional); 2 tbsp dairy-free sour cream; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tbsp green onion, chopped; 1 avocado, sliced; Fresh lime wedges to serve

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s flavorful, comforting, and served in just one pan, this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the bold essence of classic enchiladas—tender ground beef, savory sauce, soft tortilla strips, and plenty of “cheesy” goodness—without any fussy assembly line or lengthy oven time. This one-skillet wonder takes you straight to cozy, family-dinner territory and comes together in under 40 minutes. Best of all, it’s incredibly adaptable to suit various dietary needs, bursting with hidden veggie goodness and topped with fresh, vibrant garnishes for that restaurant-style finish.

Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted at how simple (but crucial!) each ingredient is to the magic of a Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet. Every element adds something unique, whether it’s savory depth, rich creaminess, vibrant color, or irresistible texture.

Ground Beef: The soul of this skillet, giving richness and satisfying protein that makes the dish hearty and filling.
Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth, building the savory backbone for every bite.
Garlic: Adds punchy aroma and a flavor boost, ensuring each forkful is deliciously layered.
Salt: Essential for lifting and balancing all the big, bold flavors in your skillet.
Black Pepper: Brings a touch of gentle heat; skip for AIP but makes a difference otherwise.
Oregano: Infuses a little earthy, herby warmth that feels authentically Mexican-inspired.
Cumin: Signature smokiness and savory depth; omit for AIP but otherwise it’s a must.
Butternut Squash: Sweet and nutty cubes that sneak in extra veggies and stunning color.
Enchilada Sauce: The flavorful foundation—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for maximum impact.
Almond Flour Tortillas: Soft, gluten-free “noodle-like” strips soak up all that saucy goodness (nut-free option works too!)
Dairy-Free Cheese (optional): Melts beautifully into the skillet for creamy, gooey comfort.
Dairy-Free Sour Cream: Adds a cool, tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the rich beef.
Fresh Cilantro: Herbaceous and bright, it wakes up the whole dish.
Green Onion: Adds crunch, color, and a tiny bite of freshness as garnish.
Avocado: Creamy and mellow, it makes every scoop extra satisfying.
Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of citrus lifts and balances all the flavors just before serving.

How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics

Start by placing a large skillet on medium heat, then add your ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Break up the beef as it cooks, mingling it with the onions and spices so every morsel is flavorful and tender. Once the beef is fully browned, drain most of the fat, but be sure to leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan—this keeps the dish rich without being greasy. Set the beef mixture aside on a plate to make space for the next step.

Step 2: Soften the Butternut Squash

Toss your cubed butternut squash right into the pan where all those flavorful beef drippings remain. Sauté until the squash softens and caramelizes just a bit, making it lightly sweet, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Once done, return the beef mixture back to the skillet for the ultimate one-pan convenience.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Simmer

Stir in the enchilada sauce, making sure every chunk of beef and squash gets coated in that rich, smoky tomato base. Let the mixture bubble gently for a few minutes on low—this helps the flavors marry and the sauce to thicken ever so slightly, giving your Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet that irresistible saucy finish.

Step 4: Incorporate Tortilla Strips

Add the sliced almond flour tortillas to your skillet and fold them in gently. The tortillas will soak up the saucy goodness and soften, almost like rustic, deconstructed enchilada noodles. Let this all simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes until the strips are tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Melt Cheese and Top

Sprinkle over your favorite dairy-free cheese and cover the skillet briefly to let it melt into gooey perfection. Once the cheese has melted and everything looks melty and saucy, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

All that’s left is to garnish the skillet: shower it with chopped fresh cilantro, green onion, creamy slices of avocado, dollops of dairy-free sour cream, and a few juicy lime wedges on the side. Your Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet is ready to delight!

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the toppings! The bright cilantro, sharp green onions, and that cooling touch of dairy-free sour cream add so much layer and zip. Avocado brings creaminess, while a squeeze of lime ties everything together with sunny acidity. Each garnish offers more than just a pretty finish—it truly rounds out the experience.

Side Dishes

While the Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet is absolutely satisfying on its own, it also plays nicely with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or a side of Mexican cauliflower rice if you want a heartier platter. For extra crunch, try serving it with crunchy plantain chips or a scoop of fresh salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, communal meal, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone dig in family-style. Or, for individual servings, scoop the enchilada mixture into shallow bowls and arrange toppings in colorful sections for an Instagram-worthy plate. You could even spoon it over baked sweet potatoes or stuff into bell pepper halves for an even more creative spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet store beautifully! Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making leftovers a total treat for those busy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This skillet is freezer-friendly—just portion into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s perfect for batch cooking or meal prepping so you’re never far from enchilada comfort!

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through. If the mixture seems a bit thick, add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to loosen things back up. Add fresh garnishes just before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken are great substitutes and will still soak up that delicious enchilada sauce perfectly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats may need a splash of oil to stay moist.

What can I use instead of almond flour tortillas to make it nut-free?

Soft cassava flour or coconut flour tortillas are excellent nut-free alternatives. They hold up well in the skillet and still absorb that rich sauce without falling apart.

Is there a way to sneak in more veggies?

Definitely! Try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or even shredded zucchini along with the butternut squash. The skillet welcomes all kinds of veggies, so feel free to make it your own.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level really depends on the enchilada sauce you choose. Use a mild sauce to keep things family-friendly, or go bold with a medium or hot variety to spice things up. You can always add diced jalapenos for an extra kick!

Can I make this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet ahead for entertaining?

Yes—assemble the skillet through step 5, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently, melt the cheese, and add your fresh garnishes. It’s fuss-free and feeds a crowd beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that brings a little fiesta to your table, this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet is a must-try! It’s hearty, vibrant, and so easy to customize. Gather your favorite garnishes, share with friends or family, and enjoy the delicious simplicity in every bite!

Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, butternut squash, enchilada sauce, and tortilla strips topped with dairy-free cheese and fresh toppings.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin until the beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tbsp in the pan. Set aside.
Add Butternut Squash: Saute the cubed butternut squash in the same pan until soft. Return the cooked beef to the pan.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the enchilada sauce, ensuring the beef is coated. Simmer gently, then add the tortilla strips. Allow them to soften in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Optionally, add dairy-free cheese and melt it.
Serve: Top the skillet with cilantro, green onion, and serve with dairy-free sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges.