Let me tell you, nothing beats the ease and deliciousness of stove top enchiladas when you’re racing against the clock on a busy weeknight! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver. With just a handful of simple ingredients, I can whip up a meal that my entire family loves. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday when I had about 30 minutes to get dinner on the table. I reached for this recipe, and in no time, we were all digging into cheesy, saucy goodness. The best part? You don’t have to fuss with the oven! Just a skillet, a few ingredients, and you’re all set. Trust me, once you try making stove top enchiladas, you’ll be adding it to your weeknight rotation for sure!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these scrumptious stove top enchiladas. I love how straightforward the ingredients are—you probably have most of them in your pantry already!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Just a quick note: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, feel free to swap the ground meat for your favorite meat alternative! It’ll still be delicious and satisfying.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the easy steps to create your delicious stove top enchiladas! I promise, it’s as simple as pie. Just follow along, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This step is super important because it creates the perfect base for all those amazing flavors to come together. Just let the oil warm up for a minute or so until it’s nice and shimmery—this means it’s ready for the next step!
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Next, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to become soft and translucent, which helps develop that yummy flavor we all love. Just keep stirring occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly—nobody likes burnt onion bits!
Step 3: Add Garlic
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and let it cook for about 1 minute. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell heavenly! Garlic brings such a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Brown the Meat
Go ahead and add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet next. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked through and there’s no pink left—this is key for a safe and tasty meal!
Step 5: Mix in Beans and Sauce
Once your meat is cooked, it’s time to mix in the black beans and the enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic happens—the filling for your enchiladas is coming together, and it already looks so tasty!
Step 6: Add Tortillas
Now, let’s add those corn tortillas! Gently place them in the skillet, folding them in half over the filling. It’s like giving them a little hug! Make sure they’re arranged evenly so they cook nicely. You can fit about four at a time, depending on the size of your skillet.
Step 7: Sprinkle Cheese
Time for the best part—sprinkle that shredded cheese generously over the tortillas! You want to make sure every nook and cranny is covered. This will melt beautifully and bring everything together. Who doesn’t love a gooey, cheesy topping?
Step 8: Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because covering the skillet helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps everything nice and warm. Just peek under the lid once or twice to see how it’s doing—no need to let all that heat escape!
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to garnish your enchiladas with some chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. This little addition not only makes the dish look beautiful but also adds a burst of flavor. Serve them up warm, and watch everyone dig in with smiles on their faces!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have these stove top enchiladas ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for those hectic evenings when time is tight!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you won’t need to make a special trip to the store. Most of these are pantry staples!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory meat, creamy cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce delivers a flavor explosion that you and your family will love.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking everything in one skillet means less mess and hassle when it’s time to clean up. Yay for fewer dishes!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your tastes—add jalapeños for heat, swap the meat for beans for a vegetarian version, or experiment with different cheeses!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these cheesy enchiladas, making it a guaranteed hit around the dinner table.
- Leftover Friendly: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully for a tasty lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your stove top enchiladas turn out perfectly every time? Here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This makes cooking and cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you don’t want to be wrestling with stuck-on cheese after a long day!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is too full, the tortillas won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary, so each enchilada gets that lovely, melty cheese treatment!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling. You can always start small and taste as you go—better to add than to take away!
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to swap the ground meat for a meat alternative like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. You can also throw in some chopped bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor!
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds flavor but also makes your dish look polished and inviting. Plus, it’s a simple way to elevate your meal!
- Let it Rest: Once you’ve cooked the enchiladas, let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit, making it easier to serve without everything falling apart.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious stove top enchiladas that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
As a friendly reminder, the nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just estimates. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (1 enchilada):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, and enjoy your delicious stove top enchiladas with peace of mind!
FAQ Section
Can I make stove top enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the enchiladas in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and cook them when you’re ready to eat. This makes it super convenient for busy weeknights!
What can I use instead of ground meat?
If you want a vegetarian option, I love using black beans, lentils, or even sautéed mushrooms as a substitute for ground meat. They’re all delicious and offer great texture and flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stove top enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the microwave or on the stove, and they’ll be as tasty as the first time!
Can I freeze stove top enchiladas?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.
What toppings can I add to my enchiladas?
The sky’s the limit here! You can top your enchiladas with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even some sliced jalapeños for that extra kick. Fresh cilantro is always a nice touch too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftover stove top enchiladas? No worries, they store beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week!
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them! Wrap each enchilada tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to dig in, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, you can pop them in the microwave for a quick fix—just be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Heat them in 30-second intervals until they’re warmed through. If you prefer the oven method, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the enchiladas in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated all the way through. This method helps maintain that delicious cheesy goodness!
Whether you’re reheating in the microwave or the oven, you’ll be back to enjoying those tasty enchiladas in no time!
What to Serve with Stove Top Enchiladas
These stove top enchiladas are delicious on their own, but why not elevate your meal even more with some tasty sides? Here are a few of my favorite accompaniments that perfectly complement the flavors of the enchiladas:
- Mexican Rice: A fluffy side of Mexican rice is a classic pairing. The slightly tangy flavor and texture balance the cheesy enchiladas beautifully!
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add some extra protein and make for a satisfying side. You can serve them on the side or even spread them on your plate for a hearty bite!
- Guacamole: A fresh, creamy guacamole brings a lovely coolness to the dish. Plus, who doesn’t love dipping their enchiladas in some zesty guac?
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. It’s a must-have!
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime and cilantro can brighten up the plate and add some crunch. It’s a colorful and tasty addition!
- Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is another great option. It adds a crisp texture and a refreshing contrast to the warm enchiladas.
Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a delicious and well-rounded meal. They’ll enhance your dining experience and leave everyone asking for seconds!
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Stove Top Enchiladas: Quick, Easy, & Family-Friendly Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy stove top enchiladas made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Mix in black beans and enchilada sauce. Stir to combine.
- Place corn tortillas in the skillet, folding them in half over the filling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the tortillas.
- Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet for easy cleanup.
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Feel free to substitute ground meat with a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: stove top enchiladas, easy enchiladas, quick dinner recipe
