Description
Homemade beef enchilada casserole brings layers of Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and warm tortillas create a hearty meal travelers and families will savor together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican rice)
- 8–10 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional garnishes: sliced jalapeños, avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Sauté ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat until meat turns golden brown, carefully draining any excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate cooked rice, black beans, and green chilies into the seasoned meat, mixing thoroughly to create a harmonious filling.
- Create the first layer of the casserole by arranging tortillas across the bottom of the greased dish, covering the entire surface.
- Distribute half of the beef-rice mixture over the tortilla base, followed by a generous pour of enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese, building a second complete layer.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, add a dollop of sour cream, and optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or diced avocado before serving hot.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat-seekers or reducing it for milder palates.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and streamline the cooking process, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 433 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg