Hey friend! If you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! I absolutely love creating this healthy enchilada skillet dish; it’s packed with flavor, super easy to whip up, and guarantees to bring a smile to your face (and your family’s too!). Plus, what’s better than cooking everything in one skillet? Let’s jump in!
Nutritional Benefits of this Dish
Okay, let’s chat about the good stuff! Enchiladas are not only tasty but they’re also quite nutritious. With black beans as a base, you’re getting a good dose of protein and fiber which keeps you feeling full longer. Adding corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers gives you lots of vitamins and antioxidants which are fantastic for your health. And if you’re using chicken or ground meat, you’re providing your body with lean protein. So, this dish is as wholesome as it is comforting—definitely a win-win!
Fun Variations to Make
- Meat Variations: Not in the mood for chicken? Feel free to swap it out for ground turkey, beef, or keep it veggie with some sautéed mushrooms or lentils!
- Spice Level: Want to kick up the heat? Try adding some chopped jalapeños directly into the skillet along with the other veggies.
- Dairy-Free: You can easily make this dish dairy-free by leaving out the cheese or substituting it with a dairy-free cheese option.
Easy Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or ground meat of choice)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook it until it gets all soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Then, throw in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes, just until they’re tender.
- Next, add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up!
- Add the cooked shredded chicken and enchilada sauce, ensuring every bit is nicely coated in all those delicious flavors.
- Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top—this is where the magic happens!
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it sit for about 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is all melty and gooey.
- Once the cheese has melted, remove it from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if you fancy a bit more spice.
- Serve warm right from the skillet and enjoy your delicious, healthy enchilada dish!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal!
- If you want to add more veggies, consider tossing in some spinach or zucchini during the cooking process for an extra punch of nutrition.
- Serve this dish with some tortilla chips or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:
- A large skillet
- A cutting board and sharp knife for prepping veggies
- A mixing spoon for combining ingredients
- A measuring cup for accuracy
- A lid for the skillet
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh ingredients instead of canned? Yes! Fresh tomatoes and corn can be delicious substitutes.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly? Absolutely! Just store it in a freezer-safe container and it’ll last for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Simply replace the meat with more beans and add extra veggies.
- What if I can’t find enchilada sauce? You can make your own or use salsa or taco sauce as a substitute.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Toss in some diced jalapeños or add more chili powder or hot sauce to the mix.
Have you tried making this easy enchilada skillet? I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can always come back to it. Happy cooking!
