Healthy Enchilada Skillet

$- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (opt for those with green chilies for an extra flavor punch) - 1 cup corn kernels (choose fresh or frozen based on availability) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste - 4 small whole wheat tortillas, cut into strips I love starting with lean protein. Ground turkey or chicken gives that meaty flavor. It’s lighter than beef, making it a healthier choice. Next, I add black beans and corn. They are packed with fiber and nutrients. Diced tomatoes bring moisture and a bit of acidity. Onions and garlic add depth to the dish. I always use fresh ingredients for the best taste. The chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika create a warm and spicy kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all flavors. - 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese (cheddar or pepper jack works beautifully) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy topping Once the skillet is ready, I like to sprinkle cheese on top. Low-fat cheddar or pepper jack melts beautifully. It adds creaminess and richness to the dish. Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor and color. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is a great finishing touch. It balances the spices and adds a smooth texture. You can mix and match toppings to suit your taste. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! To start, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to make the onion clear and fragrant. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. Next, add 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula. Make sure the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. This ensures it is safe to eat and adds good flavor to the skillet. Now it’s time to add flavor. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and fresh pepper to taste. Stir well so the spices coat the meat evenly. This mix makes your dish really pop! Then, pour in 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of corn kernels. Mix everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend and heat up nicely. After that, gently fold in 4 small whole wheat tortillas cut into strips. This step adds texture. Let the strips soak up some of the sauce while mixing. Now for the best part! Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded low-fat cheese on top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low for a few minutes. You want the cheese to melt into gooey goodness. Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish it with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. This adds a nice color and flavor boost. Serve your Healthy Enchilada Skillet hot. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. Enjoy this delicious meal! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make your Healthy Enchilada Skillet even tastier, try adding spices like oregano or cayenne. A pinch of cinnamon can also add warmth. Seasoning is key. It brightens every bite. Taste as you cook to ensure bold flavors. For even cooking, use medium heat. This helps the meat brown nicely without burning. Stir often to avoid sticking. Adding a bit of olive oil to the skillet can help prevent food from clinging. To make your dish look great, serve it in colorful bowls. A sprinkle of cilantro on top adds a fresh touch. Pair it with a side salad or some avocado slices for a balanced meal. You can also use tortilla chips for a crunchy side. {{image_4}} You can switch up the veggies in this Healthy Enchilada Skillet. Instead of black beans, try pinto beans or chickpeas. You could also add bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra nutrients. For protein, you have choices. If you prefer, you can use ground beef or pork. For a lighter option, turkey or chicken works well. You can also substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep. To make this dish vegan or vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat or skip the meat altogether. You can boost flavor with more beans and veggies. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the whole wheat tortillas for corn tortillas. Check that all canned goods are labeled gluten-free to avoid any issues. Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the skillet. You can also use chipotle powder for a smoky kick. For a twist, blend in flavors from other cuisines. Try adding curry powder for an Indian twist or soy sauce and ginger for an Asian flair. Each change keeps the dish exciting and new. For the full recipe, check the Healthy Enchilada Skillet section! To keep your Healthy Enchilada Skillet fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container. It lasts for up to 3 months. Let it cool before sealing. Reheat your enchilada skillet with care to keep its taste and texture: - Methods: Use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir often. In the microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. - Toppings: If you added cheese, reheat gently. This way, it stays melty. For sour cream or yogurt, add these after reheating for the best flavor. For the full recipe, follow the instructions provided in the earlier section. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the skillet, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just heat it on the stove. This makes meal prep easy. How do I customize the spice level? To adjust the spice, add more chili powder or diced green chilies. You can also use jalapeños for extra heat. If you prefer it milder, reduce the spices. Taste as you go for the best flavor. What are the nutritional benefits of this recipe? This dish is packed with protein from lean meat and beans. It also has fiber from the beans and corn. Using whole wheat tortillas adds healthy carbs. Overall, it’s a balanced meal that fuels your body well. Can I substitute the meat for a plant-based option? Absolutely! You can use black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat. This keeps the meal hearty without meat. It’s a great option for vegans or vegetarians. What can I serve with this dish? This skillet goes well with a fresh salad or some guacamole. You can also serve it with rice for extra filling. Feel free to add some tortilla chips for crunch. How can I make the skillet more filling? Add more beans or corn to bulk it up. You can also include diced bell peppers or zucchini. These veggies add texture and flavor, making the dish even more satisfying. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! This blog post covered a tasty and healthy enchilada skillet recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, steps to prepare, and ways to enhance flavor. I shared tips on serving and storage, plus ways to customize for your diet. Remember, cooking can be fun and simple. With these easy instructions, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking. Your next favorite dish awaits!$

Discover a mouthwatering way to enjoy a nutritious meal with my Healthy Enchilada Skillet! Packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices, this recipe is perfect for busy nights. Follow simple steps to create a flavorful dish that's both satisfying and good for your health. Customize it to your taste with optional toppings and ingredient swaps. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey or chicken

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (opt for those with green chilies for an extra flavor punch)

1 cup corn kernels (choose fresh or frozen based on availability)

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

1 cup shredded low-fat cheese (cheddar or pepper jack works beautifully)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

4 small whole wheat tortillas, cut into strips

Optional: Sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy topping

Instructions

In a spacious skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Introduce the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns evenly. Ensure the meat is fully cooked (no longer pink) before moving on.

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices, enhancing the flavor.

Pour in the black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), and corn. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and everything to heat through.

Gently fold in the tortilla strips, letting them soften and absorb some of the delicious sauce while incorporating into the mix.

Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese across the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low for a few minutes, just until the cheese has melted into gooey perfection.

Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat and garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves.

Serve this dish hot, offering each bowl a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness if desired.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, serve the enchilada skillet in individual bowls. Top with an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a generous dollop of sour cream or yogurt, creating a vibrant, inviting dish that’s sure to please!