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Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet in a large pan topped with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and dairy-free sour cream ready to serve

Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet

A one-pan ground beef enchilada skillet with bold saucy flavor, tender butternut squash, and almond flour tortilla strips. Over 30 grams of protein per serving, naturally gluten-free, and ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 401

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 blend recommended, or substitute ground turkey
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper omit for AIP
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin omit for AIP
  • 2 cups butternut squash cubed into 1/2-inch pieces, frozen and thawed recommended
  • 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce Siete brand recommended for paleo
  • 4 almond flour tortillas sliced into strips
  • 1/4 cup dairy-free shredded cheese optional
  • 2 tbsp dairy-free sour cream for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for topping
  • 1 tbsp green onion chopped, for topping
  • 1 avocado sliced, for topping
  • fresh lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Heat-safe container for draining fat

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cumin. Break beef into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook 6 to 8 minutes until completely browned with no pink remaining and onions have softened. Drain most fat into a heat-safe container, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Transfer beef mixture to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet with reserved fat, add cubed butternut squash. Saute 5 to 7 minutes for frozen and thawed squash, or 12 to 15 minutes for fresh, stirring occasionally, until fork-tender and lightly golden on the edges. Return cooked beef to the pan and stir to combine.
  3. Pour enchilada sauce over the beef and squash mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Bring to a low simmer, then add sliced tortilla strips. Gently fold into the sauce and let soften for 2 to 3 minutes without over-stirring to keep strips intact.
  4. If using cheese, sprinkle over the top and melt for about 1 minute on low heat. Remove from heat. Top with fresh cilantro, chopped green onion, dairy-free sour cream, and sliced avocado. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Use frozen and thawed butternut squash to save cooking time. For AIP omit black pepper and cumin and use AIP enchilada sauce and cassava tortillas. Fold tortilla strips gently to prevent breaking. Store filling without toppings for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Add water or enchilada sauce when reheating to restore moisture. Leftovers are excellent topped with a fried egg for breakfast.