Speedy Low-Carb Skillet Enchilada Bake (Cheesy, Hearty & Easy!)

Speedy Low-Carb Skillet Enchilada Bake (Cheesy, Hearty & Easy!)

Get all the comforting flavors of enchiladas with minimal fuss in this Speedy Low-Carb Skillet Enchilada Bake!Layered with seasoned ground beef, zesty pico de gallo, rich queso, and plenty of shredded cheddar, all between low-carb tortillas, this dish bakes up into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free (if using compliant tortillas) meal is a delightful addition to your health journey, ready to be enjoyed in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (KETO NOTE: Check ingredients for no added sugar or fillers)
• 2 tablespoons water (for taco seasoning)
• 2 low-carb tortillas (e.g., Mission Carb Balance, La Banderita Carb Counter, or similar; ensure they are large enough for your skillet)
• 1 cup queso cheese sauce (sugar-free, low-carb variety, or homemade queso)
• 1 cup pico de gallo (freshly made or store-bought, check for no added sugar)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional: Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, for a spicy kick
• Optional for serving: Fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado/guacamole

Equipment:

• 10-inch cast iron skillet (oven-safe) or a 9×9 inch casserole dish
• Spatula
• Medium mixing bowl (if pre-mixing beef/taco seasoning)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In your 10-inch cast iron skillet (or a separate pan if using a casserole dish), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
   • Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 2 tablespoons of water with the cooked beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the seasoning is well combined and the water has absorbed. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
2. Layer the Enchilada Bake: In the same (now empty) 10-inch cast iron skillet (or a 9×9 inch casserole dish):
   • Layer 1 (Bottom): Place one low-carb tortilla flat in the bottom of the skillet/dish. If your tortillas are smaller than the skillet, you can tear them to fit and cover the bottom.
   • Layer 2 (Meat): Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the tortilla.
   • Layer 3 (Queso): Drizzle half of the queso cheese sauce over the ground beef.
   • Layer 4 (Cheese): Sprinkle about ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the queso.
   • Layer 5 (Second Tortilla): Place the second low-carb tortilla over the cheese layer.
   • Layer 6 (Pico & Remaining Beef): Spoon the remaining half of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the second tortilla, then top with all of the pico de gallo.
   • Layer 7 (Queso & Cheese): Drizzle the remaining half of the queso cheese sauce over the pico de gallo. Sprinkle generously with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
   • Optional: If desired, scatter sliced jalapeños over the top cheese layer.
3. Bake: Place the skillet (or casserole dish) in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top cheese is melted and golden brown.
4. Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the skillet enchilada cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly.
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado/guacamole if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Low-Carb Tortillas: Ensure you’re using truly low-carb tortillas. Carb counts can vary significantly between brands.
• Keto Taco Seasoning: Just like with other keto recipes, check your taco seasoning packet for hidden sugars or fillers. Many brands now offer low-carb or sugar-free versions.
• Queso Cheese Sauce: Store-bought queso can sometimes contain thickeners or starches. Read labels carefully or consider making a simple homemade keto queso.
• Pico de Gallo: Store-bought pico is usually fine, but check for added sugars if you’re very strict. Making your own from fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño is always a great option.
• Cast Iron vs. Casserole Dish: A cast iron skillet creates a fantastic crispy bottom and sides, but a casserole dish works perfectly fine for a more traditional casserole texture.
• Don’t Overcook: Bake until bubbly and golden; overbaking might dry it out.
• Rest Time: The 5-minute rest helps the layers solidify slightly, making it easier to serve.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:

This Low-Carb Skillet Enchilada Bake is a delicious addition to your health journey!

• High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef and cheeses.
• High Fat: Yes, from the ground beef, queso, and cheeses.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by utilizing low-carb tortillas and naturally low-carb ingredients.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the low-carb tortillas, taco seasoning, and queso cheese sauceare verified as sugar-free and low in net carbs. All other ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free if using certified gluten-free low-carb tortillas and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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