While rummaging through my pantry during a cozy Sunday afternoon, I stumbled upon an assortment of flavors just waiting to be transformed into a heartwarming meal. That’s when the idea for these One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas was born! Imagine the delightful combination of cheese-stuffed tortillas drowning in a rich chili con carne sauce, sending an aroma wafting through your kitchen that beckons everyone to the table.
Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss, this recipe brings together vibrant ingredients in just one skillet—meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy the food (and each other!). With every bite, you’ll savor a balance of comforting textures and bold flavors. Plus, at roughly 315 calories per enchilada, you won’t feel guilty about indulging. So let’s dive in and elevate your dinner game with this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Why Are One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its Best: This straightforward recipe requires just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of chili con carne and melted cheese creates a rich, savory experience that delights the senses.
Health-Conscious Delight: With only 315 calories each, these enchiladas fit perfectly into your low-calorie meal plan.
Versatile Options: Easily swap out ingredients to cater to your dietary needs—try ground turkey or add roasted veggies!
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, everyone will want seconds!
These One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas are not just a meal; they’re the solution to busy nights and flavor-packed cravings!
One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
• Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing vegetables; feel free to use any vegetable oil if desired.
• White Onion (1, diced) – Adds a sweet and savory depth; yellow onion works well as a substitute.
• Bell Pepper or Poblano Pepper (1, diced) – Offers crunch and a mild flavor; green bell pepper can be an alternative.
• Ground Beef (1 lb, 96/4) – This lean protein is low calorie; you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for an even lighter option.
• Chili Seasoning (1 packet) – Infuses a tantalizing flavor; using homemade seasoning can elevate this dish even more.
• Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can) – Contributes acidity and a smoky taste; any crushed tomatoes can replace this to keep it simple.
• Beef Broth (1 cup) – Enriches the flavor; vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a vegetarian option.
• Mission Carb Balance Tortillas (8) – A lower-carb choice for a healthier twist; you’re welcome to use traditional tortillas if carbs aren’t a concern.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese (6 oz, divided) – Creates that melty goodness; feel free to mix different types of cheese for added flavor.
• Light Mayo (1/4 cup, 60g) – Acts as a creamy binder in the cheese filling; swap for Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Garlic Powder (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the overall taste; substituting with fresh garlic will bring an aromatic freshness to the dish.
These One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas pack a punch of flavor and ease—perfect for busy nights!
How to Make One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and pepper for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
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Brown the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until fully browned and no longer pink, ensuring it’s juicy but not overcooked.
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Combine the chili seasoning, fire roasted crushed tomatoes, and beef broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Mix in a bowl 3 oz of shredded cheese with light mayo and garlic powder. Take each tortilla, fill it with this cheesy goodness, and roll them tightly.
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Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down over the chili in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top generously, and then bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
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Garnish your enchiladas with fresh avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a vibrant finish before serving.
Optional: Serve with a squeeze of lime for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these enchiladas your own with some delightful twists that enhance flavors and textures!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute shredded cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy without the lactose.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed, meatless option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture for an extra layer of heat that will tingle your taste buds!
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Zesty Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished enchiladas for a burst of brightness that enhances the rich flavors beautifully.
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Corn Tortillas: Swap Mission Carb Balance tortillas with traditional corn tortillas for a classic taste; they pair beautifully with the chili con carne.
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Roasted Vegetables: Incorporate roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms inside the tortillas for added flavor and texture that lightens the meal.
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Cheese Blend: Use a mix of spicy pepper jack and creamy mozzarella to create a unique flavor profile that’s both spicy and rich.
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Taco Style: Turn these enchiladas into a taco bar! Offer fresh toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, letting everyone build their perfect plate.
With these variations, you can keep the essence of your One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas while tailoring them to satisfy your cravings or dietary needs. Enjoy the journey of flavors!
Helpful Tricks for One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas
- Perfectly Cooked Beef: Ensure the ground beef is cooked thoroughly without excessive browning to maintain a juicy texture.
- Heat Level Adjustment: Want some extra kick? Add jalapeños or spicy chili powder to the chili mixture for a flavor punch!
- Slicing Tortillas: Warm your tortillas slightly before filling to prevent them from cracking as you roll them.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for unique flavor profiles in your One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas.
- One Skillet Convenience: A large cast-iron skillet is ideal for fitting all tortillas comfortably while they bake to perfection.
What to Serve with One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas?
Transform your meal into a delightful feast with these accompaniments that enhance every bite of your enchiladas.
- Mexican Black Beans: These protein-packed beans add a hearty touch, perfectly balancing the richness of the enchiladas.
- Arroz Rojo: This vibrant Mexican red rice complements the flavors beautifully and adds a lovely pop of color to your plate.
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole provides a refreshing contrast that adds both flavor and texture alongside the enchiladas.
- Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad brings sweetness and crunch, making it a bright addition that complements the savory enchiladas.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa is tangy and vibrant, providing a refreshing bite that beautifully contrasts with the cheesy enchiladas.
- Queso Dip: Scoopable and cheesy, queso dip adds indulgence and fun to your meal, perfect for sharing before diving into the main course.
Serve any of these alongside your One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas for an unforgettable dining experience!
Storage Tips for One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you’d like to save them for later, freeze the enchiladas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating: To enjoy your One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Serving Temperature: Always ensure the enchiladas are heated to a minimum temperature of 165°F before serving for food safety.
Make Ahead Options
These One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chili base (ground beef, onions, peppers, and sauce) up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also pre-fill the tortillas with the cheesy mixture and keep them rolled tightly covered in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just lay the tortillas over the chili in your skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Following these steps ensures that your enchiladas are just as delicious and convenient, giving you a comforting meal with minimal effort!
One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas Recipe FAQs
What type of tortillas work best for One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas?
Absolutely! For these enchiladas, I recommend using Mission Carb Balance Tortillas for a lower-carb option, but feel free to substitute with traditional corn or flour tortillas depending on your dietary preference. The key is to ensure they’re soft enough to roll without cracking, so warming them slightly before use can help!
How should I store leftover One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas?
To keep your enchiladas fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze your enchiladas, first let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat directly from frozen by baking them at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.
What are some common troubleshooting tips for One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas?
If your enchiladas are too soggy, try reducing the amount of beef broth or let them simmer longer to thicken the sauce. For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or additional chili powder into the chili mixture. If the cheese isn’t melting well, using freshly shredded cheese can make a big difference!
Are there any dietary considerations for One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about allergies, ensure your chili seasoning is gluten-free. For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with black beans or shredded veggies. Also, feel free to replace light mayo with fat-free Greek yogurt to make it lighter and add a tangy flavor!
Savory One Skillet Tex Mex Enchiladas for Busy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and pepper for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Combine chili seasoning, fire roasted crushed tomatoes, and beef broth into the skillet. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix in a bowl 3 oz of shredded cheese with light mayo and garlic powder. Fill each tortilla with the cheesy mixture and roll tightly.
- Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down over the chili in the skillet. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, then bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh avocado, cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.