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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Tortilla chips, for serving Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The ground beef gives this dish its heartiness. The diced onion and minced garlic add great flavor. The red bell pepper and black beans bring in some healthy textures. For the creamy part, enchilada sauce and cream cheese work together in a tasty way. The shredded cheddar cheese adds melty goodness on top. Don't forget the chili powder and cumin to spice things up. Fresh cilantro and tortilla chips are perfect for serving. You can use the chips to scoop up the creamy mix. Enjoy every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. 3. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. 4. If there is excess fat, drain it off carefully. 1. Next, add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. 2. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. 3. Then, mix in 1 diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 4. Stir in 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans. 1. Pour in 1 can of enchilada sauce and mix well with the other ingredients. 2. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. 3. Next, add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Once everything is heated and creamy, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. 5. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. 6. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy hot with tortilla chips! To make your creamy beef enchilada skillet smooth, start with softened cream cheese. Cold cream cheese won’t mix in well. Leave it out for at least 30 minutes before cooking. When you add cream cheese to the skillet, keep the heat low. This helps it melt slowly and evenly. If the heat is too high, it can clump or burn. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. Taste is key! You might want more chili powder or cumin. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. Fresh lime juice can also brighten up the dish. Garnish your dish with fresh cilantro. It adds color and flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips on the side for dipping. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado for extra creaminess. This makes your meal look great and taste even better! Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat and calories, making your dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor and creaminess to your skillet. Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach to the mix for added texture and color. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet for an extra kick in flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner but still tasty. If you prefer a meatless meal, use beans or lentils. Black beans work great for protein and add fiber. Lentils can also add a nice texture. Want some heat? Add jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can mix in fresh or pickled jalapeños based on your taste. For cheese lovers, try using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack instead of cheddar. These cheeses can give your dish a new twist. Get creative with how you serve this dish! You can layer it in a bowl for a fun enchilada bowl. Just stack the beef mixture, cheese, and toppings. Speaking of toppings, avocado and sour cream can add creaminess and flavor. Fresh cilantro on top makes it look nice, too! To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking and burning. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Scoop it into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot. The creamy beef enchilada skillet lasts about three days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it lasts for up to three months. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold. If you see any, do not eat it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare the beef and veggies earlier in the day. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to add the cream cheese and cheese. You can also cook the whole dish and keep it for later. Just reheat it on the stove when you want to eat. This saves time on busy nights. If you want a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or coconut cream. These create a creamy texture without the dairy. For lower calories, you can try Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy flavor and is healthier. Just mix it in at the end for the best result. To add more heat, try jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also use hot enchilada sauce instead of mild. If you want a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika. Experiment with different spices to find your perfect balance. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for a creamy beef enchilada skillet, including spices, veggies, and cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions to cook and create a delicious dish. Remember, softening cream cheese helps achieve the perfect texture. You can also make this unique by using other proteins or adjusting the spices. Enjoy making this dish and share your own variations. With these tips, you’ll impress anyone who gets to taste it. Happy cooking!

Creamy Beef Enchilada Skillet

A delicious and creamy one-pan meal featuring ground beef, black beans, and cheese, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
  • 1 can enchilada sauce (10 oz)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving tortilla chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Mix in the black beans and enchilada sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
  • Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese into the skillet, stirring until melted and creamy.
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
  • Once everything is heated through and creamy, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve hot with tortilla chips on the side for dipping!

Notes

Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
Keyword beef, enchiladas, quick meal, skillet