Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the hearty flavors of beef, beans, and cheese, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas and smothered with zesty enchilada sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is not just easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why Make This Recipe

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a fantastic choice for several reasons. Firstly, it’s rich in flavor, with the combination of spices and ingredients creating a mouthwatering dish. Secondly, it’s a one-dish wonder that simplifies meal prep and cleanup. Lastly, it’s versatile—whether you have a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe can be easily tailored to fit your needs.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Creating your Beef Enchilada Casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To prepare this scrumptious casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, black beans, and corn into the skillet and mix well.
4. In a baking dish, layer 4 corn tortillas, half of the beef mixture, and a portion of the shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining tortillas and cheese on top.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

Serve the Beef Enchilada Casserole warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

How to Store Beef Enchilada Casserole

To keep your Beef Enchilada Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly for extra flavor.
• Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. Use cheese and keep the black beans for protein.
• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce for those who enjoy heat in their meals.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.

2. What can I use if I don’t have enchilada sauce? You can substitute with salsa or homemade tomato sauce mixed with some spices to get a similar flavor profile.

3. How do I reheat leftovers? To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Enjoy your Beef Enchilada Casserole as an easy-to-make weeknight dinner that brings warmth and flavor to the table!

Beef Enchilada Casserole

A delicious and satisfying dish combining beef, beans, and cheese wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with zesty enchilada sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 8 pieces corn tortillas Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Customize with different cheese types like Monterey Jack.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) Feel free to use fresh corn if available.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to your preference.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, black beans, and corn into the skillet and mix well.

Building the Casserole

1. In a baking dish, layer 4 corn tortillas, half of the beef mixture, and a portion of the shredded cheese.
2. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining tortillas and cheese on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or sour cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.