If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex in a single pan, the Beef Burrito Skillet One Pot Meal Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant skillet meal layers seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, tender pinto beans, sweet corn, and crispy tortilla strips, all melted together with gooey cheese. It’s comfort food made effortlessly, bursting with textures and colors that brighten any dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic burrito flavor profile without the fuss of wrapping or multiple pots.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is key to this dish’s success. Each element has a distinct role, contributing to the symphony of flavors and textures in this one-pot wonder. From the savory beef to the crunchy tortillas, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular, but make sure it’s fresh to build a tasty, meaty base.
- 1 package taco seasoning mix: This spice blend adds that signature bold southwestern kick.
- ½ cup water: Helps the seasoning infuse the beef and keeps the mixture nice and saucy.
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce: Brings deep red color and a tangy richness that’s essential.
- 15 ounces pinto beans, drained: Adds creamy texture and protein, making the dish filling and hearty.
- 15 ounces corn, drained: Sweet kernels that balance out the spices and add vibrant pops of color.
- 6 flour tortillas: Cut into strips, these provide a crunchy contrast once cooked in the skillet.
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to unite all the ingredients with a luscious gooeyness.
- Scallions and cilantro for topping: Fresh herbs add brightness and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Beef Burrito Skillet One Pot Meal Recipe
Step 1: Cook the beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown your ground beef, cooking it for about 7-8 minutes or until no pink remains. This is when the beef delivers its hearty aroma and sets the stage for all the flavors to come. Be sure to drain any excess grease, which keeps the dish from getting too heavy and helps the spices cling to the meat instead of sliding off.
Step 2: Add seasonings and sauce
With your beef nicely browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet, pour in the half cup of water, then stir in the enchilada sauce. This blend creates a rich, zesty base full of smokiness and spice. Add the drained corn and pinto beans next, folding them in so every bite includes a perfect balance of sweet and hearty bits.
Step 3: Simmer to thicken
Lower the heat slightly and let everything cook together for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken just enough to cling to the beef and veggies, intensifying the flavors and bringing a comforting warmth to the skillet. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the tortillas
While the sauce simmers, take your flour tortillas and slice them into roughly 1-inch strips. These strips will soak up the enchilada sauce and add delightful texture once stirred into the skillet.
Step 5: Incorporate tortilla strips
Stir the tortilla strips into your saucy beef and bean mixture. They will soften just enough to meld into the dish while still providing a slight crispness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy beans and melted cheese. This clever addition elevates the traditional burrito concept into a hearty skillet meal.
Step 6: Top with cheese
Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet briefly so the cheese can melt into a gooey, irresistible layer that unites all the ingredients. This is where comfort food magic happens—ooey, gooey cheese that wraps every bite in warmth.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Finish by scattering freshly chopped scallions and cilantro over the top. These herbs add a fresh pop of flavor and color, making each serving look inviting and bright. Now it’s ready to enjoy—the ultimate Beef Burrito Skillet One Pot Meal Recipe is complete and waiting to be devoured.
How to Serve Beef Burrito Skillet One Pot Meal Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallions and cilantro are your go-to garnishes for this dish. Their brightness cuts through the richness and adds a lively burst of green that makes the skillet even more visually appealing. You might also try a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to introduce a cool, tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal stands tall on its own, but if you want to round out the feast, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or some simple sliced avocado. A side of Spanish rice or a small bowl of salsa and chips will also complement the flavors perfectly without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or casual gathering, serve the beef burrito skillet straight in the pan at the table. Alternatively, scoop it into individual bowls and top each serving with unique garnishes like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even pickled onions. It’s a versatile recipe that invites your own signature twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your beef burrito skillet to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your leftovers will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or a fuss-free dinner the next day.
Freezing
This one-pot meal freezes nicely. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave single portions, covered loosely, for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well in this recipe. Just keep the cooking times similar, adjusting for leaner meats which may need less fat to stay moist.
What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, use a combination of tomato sauce, chili powder, and garlic powder to approximate the flavor. Salsa roja is another great alternative, adding a fresh and spicy twist.
Are there gluten-free options for the tortilla strips?
Yes! Look for gluten-free tortillas in your grocery store, then cut and cook them exactly the same way. Corn tortillas also work, though their texture will be a little different once incorporated into the skillet.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the beef and add extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to keep things hearty and flavorful. Adjust seasonings to taste.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
The spice level depends largely on the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce you use. To tone it down, choose mild seasoning packets and sauces. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about having a soulful, delicious dish come together in one skillet, and the Beef Burrito Skillet One Pot Meal Recipe delivers that and more. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress friends with minimal effort, this recipe brings warmth, bold flavors, and comforting textures to your table. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this meal as much as I do—it’s a keeper for sure!
Print
Beef Burrito Skillet One Pot Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: One Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Beef Burrito Skillet One Pot Meal is a quick and satisfying dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and tortilla strips all cooked together in a skillet. Topped with melted colby jack cheese and fresh scallions and cilantro, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup water
- 10 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 15 ounces pinto beans, drained
- 15 ounces corn, drained
Toppings & Extras
- 6 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- Scallions for topping
- Cilantro for topping
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add seasoning and sauce: To the cooked beef in the skillet, add the taco seasoning mix, water, red enchilada sauce, drained corn, and drained pinto beans. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Cook the beef mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare tortilla strips: While the beef mixture simmers, cut the flour tortillas into approximately 1-inch wide strips to be added into the skillet later.
- Add tortilla strips: Stir the tortilla strips into the skillet, making sure they are well coated with the sauce, which helps them soften and absorb flavor.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the mixture. Let it sit for a minute or two to melt the cheese slightly.
- Serve with fresh toppings: Dish out the skillet meal onto plates and garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish and additional flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or hot sauce before serving.
- Use corn tortillas to make the meal gluten-free, or choose a gluten-free flour tortilla variety.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
