Let’s be real. On weeknights, I don’t always have the patience—or the number of clean dishes—for a full-blown enchilada situation. That’s where this ground beef enchilada skillet comes in. It’s rich, cheesy, and hearty with just the right kick. And it all happens in one pan. Yes, ONE. This is one of those gluten free dinner recipes I lean on when I want something filling but don’t want to think too hard. It also hits that magical spot where everyone at the table—from the picky kid to the ravenous partner—cleans their plate without a single complaint. We’re talking real-deal comfort food that still fits into the ‘gluten and dairy free recipes for dinner’ column. If you’re browsing for family dinner recipes gluten free style, or in search of easy fall recipes dinner gluten free approved, this skillet has your back. It’s speedy, cozy, and doesn’t skimp on flavor. Think of it as your go-to when you need gluten free chicken recipes but crave something beefy. Yes, it’s a twist—but it works.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Recipe
3) Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet
4) How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet
5) Tips for Making Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet
6) Making Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This one-pan dinner is hearty, gluten free, and packed with bold flavor.
Comes together in under 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Great for families, meal prep, or those avoiding gluten and dairy.
Customizable with protein swaps or veggie add-ins.

2) Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Recipe

Let me be honest. I’ve never once made traditional enchiladas on a weeknight. It just feels like a lot when you’ve got kids bickering in the background and a dishwasher already full from lunch. That’s why I lean on this skillet version. It’s everything I love about enchiladas—savory beef, that little spice, gooey cheese—but made fast and without stacking, rolling, or baking trays.

This skillet hits every checkbox for me. It’s quick, satisfying, and family-approved. You toss the beef in, build the flavor in the pan, and finish it off with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Best part? Fewer dishes. If you’re hunting for gluten free dinner recipes that don’t taste like cardboard or a compromise, this one’s gold.

Whether you’re following gluten and dairy free recipes for dinner or just craving something hearty that won’t wreck your gut, this skillet fits. It’s the sort of thing I serve when I want my people to eat seconds—and maybe fight over leftovers.

3) Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to get things going and help soften the onion without burning.

Yellow onion: Diced small. It adds a sweet-savory base that builds flavor fast.

Garlic: I toss in two cloves, minced. Skip it if you’re out, but it gives the beef extra depth.

Ground beef: One pound, lean if you can. It’s the anchor of the dish, and soaks up all the spices beautifully.

Chili powder: One teaspoon to bring warmth without overwhelming heat.

Cumin: Adds that earthy, taco-night flavor we all know and love.

Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch of each to round everything out.

Tomato sauce: Half a cup to give it sauciness and help bind the flavors together.

Beef broth: Adds body and keeps things from drying out. I’ve even used veggie broth in a pinch.

Diced green chiles: Mild and canned. They sneak in flavor without making the kids cry.

Dairy-free cheese: Half a cup, shredded. It melts over the skillet and makes it feel like real comfort food.

Green onions: Chopped and tossed on top for color and a little zing.

Cilantro: Optional, but if you love it like I do, throw it on with a heavy hand.

4) How to Make Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Step 1. Warm up that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes.

Step 2. Add the garlic and stir it in. Give it about 30 seconds—just until it smells like dinner’s really happening.

Step 3. Crumble in the ground beef. Cook and break it up with your spatula until it’s browned and sizzling.

Step 4. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the meat gets evenly seasoned.

Step 5. Pour in the tomato sauce, broth, and those magical little green chiles. Stir and reduce the heat a bit.

Step 6. Let it all simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll see it thicken just enough to hug everything together.

Step 7. Sprinkle the dairy-free cheese right over the top. Cover the skillet and wait for it to melt—2 to 3 minutes should do it.

Step 8. Finish with green onions and cilantro, then serve it hot right out of the pan.

5) Tips for Making Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Let your beef get a little crispy before you stir in the liquids. That browning adds big flavor with zero extra effort.

If you’re watching sodium, use low-sodium broth or tomato sauce. That way you control how salty it ends up.

Looking to stretch the dish? Add a cup of frozen corn or black beans right before you simmer. It’s still a gluten free dinner recipe, just with a little more bulk.

6) Making Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Ahead of Time

This recipe actually gets better after a night in the fridge. The flavors blend, and the texture stays hearty. If you’re into family dinner recipes gluten free style, you’ll want this in your rotation.

To make it ahead, just stop before the cheese step. Store the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove and top with cheese to melt fresh.

It freezes well too. I portion it into single-serve containers for quick lunches when I can’t deal with cooking.

7) Storing Leftover Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, whatever works for your mood or schedule.

Want to freshen it up? Add extra green onions or a splash of broth when reheating. That brings back the sauciness without adding too much.

This is one of those gluten free dinner ideas that holds its texture and taste long after dinner’s done. No soggy surprises here.

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9) Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet