🌮 Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole (One-Pan, No-Bake, 15-Minute Wonder!)

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Craving enchiladas but short on time? This Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole comes together in just 15 minutes—no oven required! It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor, all made in a single skillet.

🧾 Recipe Card

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, One-Pan, Weeknight-Friendly

Ingredients Checklist

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 cup onion, diced

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp garlic salt

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • 10 oz enchilada sauce

  • 1 cup salsa

  • 14 oz black beans, rinsed & drained

  • 8 small corn tortillas, chopped

  • 1½ cups Mexican 3-cheese blend

Optional toppings: Sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes

I. Introduction

This is the kind of recipe I turn to on those “Oh no, it’s already 6:30!” nights. It’s everything you want from an enchilada—savory, saucy, cheesy goodness—but streamlined into a fast, no-fuss skillet meal.

Plus, it’s easy to lighten up for a W-W friendly version with just a few simple swaps. Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot easier!

II. Step-by-Step Guide 🥘

1. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.

2. Season

Add chili powder, garlic salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

3. Simmer the Sauce

Pour in enchilada sauce, salsa, and black beans. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

4. Stir in Tortillas

Add chopped corn tortillas to the skillet. Let them absorb some sauce and soften for 2–3 minutes.

5. Add Cheese & Melt

Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top. Cover skillet with a lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly.

6. Serve & Top

Spoon into bowls and top with your favorites: avocado, sour cream, or chopped cilantro!

III. Ingredient Tips & Swaps

Ingredient Flavor & Function Substitutes & W-W Suggestions
Ground beef Protein base, savory flavor Use 93% lean beef or ground turkey for lower fat
Corn tortillas Adds texture and authenticity Try whole wheat or low-carb tortillas
Enchilada sauce Moistens and seasons the dish Use mild or spicy based on your preference
Black beans Fiber-rich and filling Pinto beans or lentils work too
Cheese blend Melty topping that ties it all together Use reduced-fat cheese to lighten it up

IV. Variations & Serving Ideas

Add-In Ideas:

  • Corn kernels or diced zucchini

  • Jalapeños for heat

  • Green chiles for depth

W-W Friendly Tweaks:

  • Use lean beef or ground turkey

  • Swap in reduced-fat cheese

  • Use low-sodium black beans and enchilada sauce

What to Serve With:

  • Side salad with avocado lime dressing

  • Cilantro-lime cauliflower rice

  • Roasted sweet potatoes or air-fried plantains

V. Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze cooled casserole in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat:
Warm in a skillet over medium or microwave for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of broth or salsa if dry.

Meal Prep Tip:
Chop tortillas and dice onion in advance. You can also brown the beef ahead to make this meal even faster.

VI. Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 515 kcal

  • Protein: 29 g | Carbs: 42 g | Fat: 26 g

  • Fiber: 10 g

  • W-W Points: ~9 (reduce to ~6 with lean beef, reduced-fat cheese, and light sauce)

Allergens: Contains dairy and corn. Use dairy-free cheese and GF-certified ingredients if needed.

VII. FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—just skip the beef and add extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

Q: Can I use flour tortillas?
A: Yes, but they will be softer and slightly less textured than corn.

Q: Is this spicy?
A: Mild salsa and enchilada sauce keep it family-friendly. Use spicy varieties if you love heat!

VIII. Kristy’s Weeknight Winner

I love how flexible and fast this casserole is. It’s one of those “dump, stir, and serve” kind of meals that still delivers big on flavor. My kids devour it every time, and I always have what I need on hand to make it happen. It’s Tex-Mex comfort without the oven drama.

IX. More Easy Mexican-Inspired Meals

  • [Skinny Chicken Enchilada Skillet]

  • [W-W Turkey Taco Bowls with Cilantro Rice]

  • [Cheesy Bean & Veggie Quesadillas]

  • [Spicy Mexican Cauliflower Casserole]

X. Let’s Get Saucy! 🌶️

Tried this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole? Snap a photo and tag me @KristyCookEats—I’d love to see your one-pan creations. Drop a comment and tell me your favorite toppings or swaps!

This recipe’s all about ease, flavor, and family-friendly fun—just the way weeknights should be. 💃🌮

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