Irresistible Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe to Delight You

Beef Enchilada Casserole is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds sing and your heart do a little happy dance. Imagine layers of tender beef, zesty enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and corn tortillas all melted together into one glorious creation. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug, promising an explosion of flavors in every bite.

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about memories, too. Picture this: a chilly evening with friends gathered around the table, laughter echoing as you dig into a bubbling casserole straight from the oven. It’s the perfect occasion for family game night or when you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a hearty base that won’t leave you feeling heavy after dinner.
• Corn Tortillas: These will be the sturdy layers that hold everything together—look for fresh ones for the best texture.
• Enchilada Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade—either way, make sure it’s spicy enough to tickle your taste buds.
• Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides the ultimate gooeyness when melted.
• Canned Black Beans: Rinse them well; they add protein and fiber while giving extra flavor to the casserole.
• Chopped Onions: Use yellow or red onions for sweetness and depth in flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness; sprinkle it on top before serving for that restaurant-style finish!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to keep things from sticking later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef along with chopped onions. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Stir in canned black beans and half of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes so those flavors can mingle like old friends at a party.

Step 4: Layer Like a Pro

Spread half of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Place three corn tortillas over the sauce, then spoon half of the beef mixture on top followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your casserole with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another ten minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once out of the oven, let it cool for about five minutes (if you can resist!). Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before slicing into squares. Transfer to plates and serve hot!

There you have it—a delightful Beef Enchilada Casserole that’s sure to steal hearts and satisfy even the hungriest appetites! Enjoy every cheesy bite because life’s too short not to indulge!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef in a large skillet, ensuring it’s well-seasoned. While the beef cooks, prepare your enchilada sauce and chop fresh toppings. Layer everything in a baking dish for optimal flavor distribution, then pop it into the oven.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add black beans for extra protein. Toss in some jalapeños if you want to spice things up!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for quick convenience.

Sometimes, I whip up this Beef Enchilada Casserole on busy weeknights, and my family devours it faster than I can say “enchiladas.” Their smiles and satisfied faces make all the chopping worth it!

FAQs:

What is Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delicious layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and a blend of cheese, all smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. It combines the comforting flavors of traditional enchiladas with the convenience of a casserole, making it easy to prepare and serve. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings, such as sour cream or avocado, for extra flavor.

How do I store leftovers of Beef Enchilada Casserole?

To store leftovers of Beef Enchilada Casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Can I make Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just remove the covering and follow the baking instructions. If you’ve frozen it instead, remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking for best results.

What sides pair well with Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Beef Enchilada Casserole pairs wonderfully with various sides that enhance its flavors. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad topped with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Mexican rice or refried beans are classic choices that complement the dish perfectly. You could also add some guacamole and tortilla chips on the side for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

Conclusion for Beef Enchilada Casserole:

In summary, Beef Enchilada Casserole is an easy-to-make dish that combines flavorful ground beef with tortillas and cheese in a scrumptious layered format. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be stored easily as leftovers. Feel free to customize your casserole with various ingredients and toppings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting meal at family gatherings or cozy evenings at home!

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Beef Enchilada Casserole

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Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delightful one-dish meal that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and corn tortillas for a cozy and satisfying dinner. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this casserole delivers rich flavors and an irresistible aroma that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with fresh cilantro, this easy-to-make dish will surely become a favorite at your table.

• Author: Madison
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 6 corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion for 6-8 minutes; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in black beans and half of the enchilada sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Layer half of the remaining enchilada sauce in the baking dish, followed by three tortillas, half of the beef mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let cool for five minutes before garnishing with cilantro and serving hot.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 210g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg