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Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole: Cozy Comfort Food for Family Nights

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting dish featuring ground beef, beans, and cheese layered with corn tortillas, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with chicken, turkey, lentils, or tofu.
  • 1 medium Onion Use yellow or white onion for best results.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferred.
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust to taste or substitute with cumin.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Omit or adjust as needed.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust based on dietary preferences.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground gives the best flavor.
  • 2 cups Red Enchilada Sauce Can substitute with green enchilada sauce.
  • 10 tortillas Corn Tortillas Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 can Black Beans Pinto beans or corn can be used as alternatives.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack or dairy-free cheese.
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Can substitute with cheddar or cheese of choice.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Optional, for garnish.
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Jalapeños Slice and add before baking for extra heat.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Serve on the side.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Seasonings: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 3–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional minute. Combine with beef and one cup of red enchilada sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
  4. Start Layering Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with corn tortillas, half of the beef mixture, black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layering.
  5. Finish Layering and Add Sauce: Top the next layer with tortillas, then pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle remaining cheese.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Rest and Garnish Before Serving: Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is easy to customize with different proteins and is perfect for make-ahead meals. Refrigerated leftovers can last up to 3 days.

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