If there’s one dish that brings together the comfort of a burrito with the ease of a one-pan meal, it has to be this Burrito Skillet Recipe. Packed with tender sirloin steak, melty Mexican cheese, hearty black beans, and zesty enchilada sauce all layered over crispy tortilla strips, this dish captures every element you love about a classic burrito—without any wrapping or fuss. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this skillet recipe is here to deliver big, bold flavors and a warm, satisfying experience that will quickly become a new favorite in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to how this Burrito Skillet Recipe comes alive with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juicy sirloin that adds richness, to the spices that bring a smoky warmth, to the tortillas that provide a crispy, comforting base.
- Thinly sliced sirloin steak (1¼ pounds): Choose lean cuts for tender, quick-cooking beef that absorbs seasoning beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A little oil helps sear the steak while keeping it juicy and enhances the dish’s richness.
- Red enchilada sauce (10-ounce can, mild): Adds a tangy, slightly smoky layer that brings everything together.
- Black beans (15-ounce can, drained): They introduce hearty texture and protein, enriching the skillet’s filling.
- Mexican cheese blend (8-ounce bag): The melty cheese creates a gooey, satisfying finish that pulls all the flavors into harmony.
- Soft flour tortillas (6-8, cut into 1-inch strips): Crisp up in the skillet to add a delightful crunch and soak up sauce.
- Cilantro (for garnishing): Fresh cilantro adds brightness and a pop of color when serving.
- Seasonings – paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings smoky warmth that wakes up the palate.
- Cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds earthy depth and subtle spice.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses savory undertones that elevate the steak flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
How to Make Burrito Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced sirloin steak and sprinkle the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the meat. Cooking it for 3 to 4 minutes, allow the steak to sear nicely, locking in those flavors. You want the beef just cooked through but still juicy, setting a mouthwatering foundation for the recipe.
Step 2: Let the Sauce and Beans Work Their Magic
Next, pour the red enchilada sauce into the skillet and add the drained black beans. Stir everything gently to coat the steak and beans evenly in that saucy goodness. Simmer for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to mingle and the sauce to warm through, so every bite bursts with layered taste.
Step 3: Add Crispy Tortilla Strips and Melty Cheese
It’s time to elevate this skillet! Scatter the soft flour tortillas, already cut into strips, over the saucy mixture. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend on top and then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure the cheese melts perfectly and the tortilla strips become slightly crisp yet tender. This is where the magic texture contrast happens.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top to add a refreshing herbal note and a splash of color that brightens the dish. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, informal meal that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Burrito Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A bit of chopped cilantro is classic and perfect, but adding a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can take your Burrito Skillet Recipe to the next level. These simple garnishes contribute coolness, acidity, or heat for an irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
This skillet is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with Mexican rice or a crisp side salad introduced layers of flavors and textures that complement the rich skillet ingredients. Refried beans or fresh guacamole also make lovely accompaniments that round out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or just mix things up? Serve the burrito skillet in individual cast iron skillets or even over a bed of leafy greens for a burrito-inspired salad bowl. You could also top with crunchy tortilla chips for added crunch or spoon it over steamed rice for a heartier plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Burrito Skillet Recipe tastes fantastic and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, let the skillet cool fully and transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy days when you want a quick flavorful meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low-medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or additional enchilada sauce to keep everything moist and melty. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly and avoid drying out your Burrito Skillet Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of sirloin steak?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well and will give a slightly different texture, but just season and cook it as you would the steak to maintain those delicious flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the sirloin steak for diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives, and you’ll get hearty, satisfying results.
What can I substitute for the enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, a combination of tomato sauce, chili powder, and a bit of garlic powder can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce and seasonings are gluten-free—then you’re all set for a safe, delicious meal.
How spicy is the Burrito Skillet Recipe?
This version is mild because of the mild enchilada sauce, but you can easily add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or a spicier sauce if you want to heat things up.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Burrito Skillet Recipe feels like sharing a warm bowl of happiness around the table. Its layers of bold flavors and satisfying textures come together effortlessly, making it a must-try for anyone craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. Once you make this, be ready to add it to your regular meal plans because it’s pure, delicious magic in one skillet.
Print
Burrito Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Burrito Skillet recipe is a flavorful, easy one-pan meal featuring thinly sliced sirloin steak, black beans, enchilada sauce, and a melty Mexican cheese blend all cooked together with tender tortilla strips. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings classic burrito flavors in a convenient skillet dish ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds thinly sliced sirloin steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 ounce can red enchilada sauce (mild)
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained
- 8 ounce bag Mexican cheese blend
- 6–8 soft flour tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
- Cilantro, for garnishing
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Steak: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak along with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the steak is seared and mostly cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Enchilada Sauce and Beans: Pour the red enchilada sauce and drained black beans into the skillet with the steak. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to heat thoroughly.
- Add Tortilla Strips and Cheese: Toss in the cut flour tortilla strips and sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts completely and the tortilla pieces soften and absorb some of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately on its own or with your favorite side of rice for a full meal experience.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro as garnish for added brightness and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, opt for a medium or hot enchilada sauce instead of mild.
- To add more veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers or onions when cooking the steak.
- Soft flour tortillas are preferred to ensure they soften properly during cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
