Life isn’t always tacos and tequila, but it should be. There’s something about Mexican food that makes my soul happy. Chips and Pico de Gallo, guacamole, warm tortillas, the fresh smell of lime juice and cilantro…all of it makes me feel at home. Seriously, Alejandro and Miguel at Plaza Azteca are like family. We eat there so often that if we miss Taco Tuesday, there is always Mexican Monday, Fajita Friday, and Sangria Sunday. I have a feeling everyone would like Tuesdays a lot more if tacos were always involved. ¡Aaaaajajajajai!
During the pandemic, I rolled my laundry cart out just so I could make my tableside guacamole. Tip jar included. I can consume nachos, tacos, burritos, tortas, enchiladas, tamales, and anything resembling Mexican in enormous quantities happily knocking back huge amounts of margaritas, mezcal, and Mexican beer while doing it. This dish has an incredibly satisfying crunch and is just plain fun to eat. So, I encourage you to live every day like it’s Taquito Tuesday because joking aside if you don’t like Mexican food, I’m nacho friend.
Mexican Beef Enchilada Skillet
INGREDIENTS
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium poblano, chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chile powder
- 1 teaspoon EACH: cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper
- 1 (15-ounce can) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (17-ounce jar) undrained Mexican Style Street Corn
- 1 (10-ounce can) Red Enchilada Sauce
- 1 (10-ounce can) Original Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
- 8 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas, each cut into 6 triangles
- 8-ounce shredded Mexican cheese blend or Pepper Jack cheese, divided
- Optional toppings: Mexican crema, fresh cilantro, chopped red onion, chopped green onion, chopped cilantro, chopped fresh tomato, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, guacamole
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Heat oil in a large 10” oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers, then saute until they begin to soften, 5 minutes. Turn up heat to medium-high then add ground beef, chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper. Continue to saute until beef is cooked through and peppers are tender, 8-10 minutes, then drain beef mixture if necessary (I did not) and add back to the skillet.
- Add pinto beans, street corn, enchilada sauce, and Ro-Tel: stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer then add 1/2 of cheese and chopped tortillas; fold to combine. Simmer until tortillas are tender, 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Remove skillet from heat then sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and tortillas begin to brown. Top with your favorite ingredients above.
