This Healthy Enchilada Skillet Dinner is a quick and tasty meal the whole family will love. With beans, veggies, and cheesy goodness, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
You can serve it with tortillas or enjoy it straight from the skillet—no fancy plates needed! I always add extra toppings, because why not? 😉
I appreciate how easy this dish is to whip up on busy nights. Just throw everything in one pan, and you’re good to go! It’s a fun way to enjoy enchiladas without all the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing but you can substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor or if you need to avoid olive oil.
Beans: Black beans add a hearty texture and protein. If you prefer, kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas work well too!
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious when in season, but frozen corn is just as nutritious and super convenient. You can also skip it if corn isn’t your favorite.
Chicken: This is optional, so feel free to leave it out if you want a vegetarian version. You could also use shredded rotisserie chicken for an easy protein boost.
Cheese: I recommend reduced-fat cheddar for a guilt-free topping. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure Everything Cooks Evenly?
The key to this skillet dinner is heating and cooking everything at the right pace. Start with the onions and peppers so they soften nicely. Sauté them until they’re tender before adding the other ingredients.
- Medium heat is ideal for sautéing; it allows flavors to develop without burning.
- When adding cooked ingredients like chicken and rice, mix well so they warm evenly with the sauce.
- Covering the skillet after adding cheese helps it melt perfectly.
With these tips, your enchilada skillet dinner will turn out great every time!
Healthy Enchilada Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast (optional for extra protein)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Healthy Enchilada Skillet Dinner requires about 10 minutes for prep and takes around 15-20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and tasty option. You’ll have a delicious, well-rounded meal ready to enjoy in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with Sautéing
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Bell Pepper
Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell peppers soften slightly.
3. Mix in the Good Stuff
Add the corn, black beans, cooked shredded chicken (if using), and cooked brown rice or quinoa into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Sauce it Up
Pour the enchilada sauce over the mixture. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that all the flavors meld together.
5. Let it Simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the dish to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to combine and develop.
6. Cheese Time!
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and let cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Add fresh cilantro and sliced green onions as a lovely garnish. Serve your delicious skillet dinner warm, and don’t forget to add any optional toppings you like, such as avocado slices, Greek yogurt, or sour cream, with lime wedges on the side for a little zing!
This skillet dinner is not only healthy but also full of flavor, making it an easy go-to meal for busy nights. Enjoy your tasty creation!
FAQ for Healthy Enchilada Skillet Dinner
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and make sure to use vegetable broth in your enchilada sauce, if making homemade. You can also add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and protein.
What Toppings Can I Use?
Besides cilantro and green onions, you can get creative with toppings! Avocado slices, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream, and lime wedges all make great choices to enhance the flavor. Feel free to personalize it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Can I Use Different Grains Instead of Rice or Quinoa?
Yes! You can substitute with other grains like farro, barley, or couscous. Just make sure they are cooked before adding them to the skillet for the best texture and flavor.
