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Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole: Family Comfort in Every Bite

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a family favorite packed with protein-rich layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy black beans, and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Try using shallots for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves are preferred for best results.
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust according to your heat preference.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Spice blends can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 tsp Salt Sea salt or kosher salt work best for even distribution.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Consider white pepper for a milder alternative.
For the Casserole Base
  • 1 cup Red Enchilada Sauce Homemade or store-bought varieties are delicious.
  • 10 pieces Corn Tortillas Flour tortillas can be used but aren’t traditional.
For Additional Layers
  • 1 can Black Beans Pinto beans or corn can be great lighter substitutes.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese A Mexican blend can be interchanged for variety.
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese Feel free to swap with your favorite melty cheese.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Optional; omit if you prefer to skip fresh herbs.

Equipment

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

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent.
  3. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Pour in red enchilada sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  6. Lay down the first layer of corn tortillas to cover the sauce. Then, add half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the black beans and cheese.
  7. Continue layering with another layer of tortillas, remaining beef mixture, remaining black beans, and more cheese.
  8. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer of tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese over the sauce.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
  12. Slice into portions and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge before baking to save time on busy weeknights.

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