Some evenings just demand something warm and filling without a lot of fuss. That’s exactly where this high protein beef enchilada skillet fits in—bringing together lean ground beef, black beans, and a rich enchilada sauce in one pan, topped with melted cheese. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a cozy hug after a long day, but without the usual lengthy prep or cleanup.

That one night, I remember juggling work emails and dinner plans, glancing at the clock somewhere between 5:30 and 6:00 pm, realizing I hadn’t prepped anything. So I grabbed what was in the fridge and started browning the beef while the onions sizzled. The kitchen filled with the smell of garlic and cumin, and just as the cheese started melting on top, my phone buzzed again—but I was already halfway through the skillet and feeling a little less frazzled. It’s not perfect timing or fancy plating, but it hits the spot every single time.

It’s a one-pan meal, so fewer dishes and less stress.
Rich in protein but balanced with veggies like black beans and corn for texture and nutrition.
The spices bring depth without overwhelming the dish—though it’s not overly spicy if you’re cautious with heat.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or ingredients that require a special trip to the store.

If you’re worried about leftovers, this skillet keeps well and reheats nicely, making it a solid candidate for next-day lunches or a second dinner.

High Protein Beef Enchilada Skillet

Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful high-protein beef enchilada skillet packed with lean ground beef, black beans, and cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
1 cup low sodium enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add lean ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in black beans, corn kernels, enchilada sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Cooking this dish feels surprisingly approachable. All you really need is a good skillet and a bit of patience while the flavors meld. When serving, a simple side like a fresh green salad or some tortilla chips can add a nice contrast of crunch. I’ve sometimes swapped out the black beans for pinto beans or added a handful of fresh spinach toward the end, though I haven’t tested all of these variations enough to know if they’re equally good every time. Sometimes I even throw in a dash of hot sauce, but only when I’m in the mood for a little extra kick.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely, making it great for meal prep.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce? You can use salsa or a mix of tomato paste with chili powder, but the flavor profile will change a bit.

Is this dish spicy? It has a gentle warmth from the spices but isn’t hot unless you add extra chili powder or hot sauce.

Ready to try something that’s hearty, quick, and a little bit comforting? Give this beef enchilada skillet a shot and watch how it turns your busy evening around.