Enchilada Skillet: A Delicious and Nutritious Lunch & Dinner Recipe

This dish combines rich flavors, appealing textures, and bright colors, transforming the traditional enchilada into an easy one-pan meal. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also revitalizes you for the rest of your day with its nutritious ingredients. Not to mention, it's even reheated as leftovers.

Watch my step-by-step tutorial for this recipe

What Makes This Enchilada Skillet Unique?

The Enchilada Skillet takes classic enchilada elements and reinvents them. Instead of rolling tortillas with filling, everything cooks together in one pan. This method saves prep time and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

This recipe is also incredibly adaptable, catering to various dietary preferences. Whether you follow a vegetarian or gluten-free diet, you can adjust the ingredients based on what’s available in your kitchen.

Ingredients to Brighten Your Plate

• Protein: Choose from ground turkey, chicken, or black beans for a plant-based option.

• Vegetables: Include bell peppers, red onion, and your choice of other vegtables such as zuchini or corn.

• Tortillas: Use almond flour or corn tortillas, cut into strips for that classic enchilada feel.

• Enchilada sauce: A tasty base that ties everything together; I love switching between red or green enchilada sauce.

• Toppings: Enhance with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Optional: cheese

  
  

INGREDIENTS LIST:

1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey

1 tbsp avocado oil

1-2 bell peppers

1/2 - 1 red or yellow onion

Enchilada sauce

Tortillas (I use Siete Almond Flour tortillas or corn tortillas)

optional toppings: cheese, cilantro, avocado, fresh lime, sourcream

SIMPLIFIED STEPS:

1. Heat pan to medium high heat with 1/2 a tbsp of avocado oil

2. Prep your veggies then add them into your pan

3. Allow veggies to cook for 5-7 minutes until sauteed

4. Remove vegtables from pan and add ground meat allowing to fully cook

5. Cut tortilla into strips

6. Once meat is fully cooked, add vegtables back into pan and turn heat to medium before pouring over your enchilada sauce

7. Allow to simmer before sprinkling in your tortilla strips

8. Cover with lid for 3-5 minutes while oven heats to a low broil setting

9. Sprinkle with cheese then add to oven for 30 seconds to a minutes

10. Remove and top with avocado, cilantro, and fresh lime juice

11. Enjoy and save leftovers for your next meal!

These ingredients not only enhance the dish visually but also create a nutrient-dense meal. For instance, one serving provides approximately 25 grams of protein, thanks to the beans or lean meat, and is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins.

Cooking the Perfect Skillet Enchilada

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

First, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bell peppers (about a cup) and add half a diced onion. Sauté until tender, typically 5-7 minutes. This process builds the flavor foundation for your dish.

Danielle Harms Wellness Enchilada Skillet

Step 2: Incorporate the Protein

Once the vegetables are ready, it's time to add your protein. If using ground beef or chicken (about 1 pound), cook until no longer pink. If you're choosing black beans, add one can, drained and rinsed. This boosts the dish's heartiness while delivering a healthy protein source.

Step 3: Bring it All Together

Next, add in your enchilada sauce and allow to simmer on medium heat. Finish off by sprinkling in your tortilla strips. Stir gently to blend ingredients while allowing the tortillas to soften and absorb the sauce. Top with a generous sprinkling of cheese then allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until everything is heated through. Optional; add to the oven on a broil setting to ensure there is a crisp top to your dish. (Ensure your pan is able to go in the oven at high heat).

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

After removing the skillet from heat, it's time for your toppings. Sprinkle a handful of fresh cilantro, add avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. These elements not only elevate the flavor but also enhance the nutritional value of your meal.

Nutritionist Notes:

This dish is not just visually appealing; it is also exceptionally healthy. Here’s why:

• Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C—just one medium pepper contains about 150% of your daily requirement.

• Zucchini provides essential antioxidants and hydration, making it a great summer vegetable.

• Whole wheat tortillas introduce dietary fiber, crucial for digestive health.

• Well Balanced from the protein, cards, and fats incooperated in this meal.

  
  

Eating a colorful diet has been linked to improved mental health, thanks to a boost in mood and energy levels. When meals are visually appealing, you are more likely to eat mindfully and appreciate each bite.

Serving Suggestions

The Enchilada Skillet is flexible. Pair it with a light salad and a citrus dressing or serve alongside black beans for a more substantial meal. You can also prepare larger quantities to enjoy leftovers during the week—just store them in the fridge.

Meal Planning with Ease

This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. Make a batch over the weekend, portion it out, and you’ll have quick lunches ready to go. Reheat as needed, adding fresh toppings each time for a burst of flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Colorful Enchilada Skillet invites you to celebrate healthy eating with appealing, nutritious ingredients. Its simple preparation, customizable nature, and mouthwatering flavors make it a must-try for your lunch recipes.

Try to move away from dull lunches and embrace this delicious option that nourishes and energizes you. Gather your colorful ingredients and relish the satisfaction that comes with every vibrant bite of this delightful enchilada skillet!

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