Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet

A Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal that combines the flavors of enchiladas with the convenience of a skillet dish. It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey (optional, for a vegetarian version, skip or use plant-based meat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or use pre-cooked rice for a quicker version)
• 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat (Optional):
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add Rice and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the uncooked rice (if using pre-cooked rice, add it later with the corn and beans). Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Combine Liquids and Simmer:
   • Pour in the enchilada sauce and broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender (skip this step if using pre-cooked rice).
5. Add Corn and Beans:
   • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the corn and black beans. If using pre-cooked rice, add it now and heat through.
6. Add Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with your favorite toppings like cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or avocado. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish is versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to your liking. Enjoy your Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet! 🌮🧀