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Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole delivers a delicious Mexican-inspired comfort meal packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying dinner you will crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound shredded cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Sauce:

  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 6 tortillas
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375F (190C), preparing a deep baking dish for layered enchilada casserole.
  2. Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic, incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until meat browns completely and develops rich, aromatic flavors.
  3. Create first layer in baking dish by spreading thin layer of enchilada sauce across bottom, then arrange tortilla pieces to cover sauce evenly.
  4. Spread seasoned beef mixture over tortilla layer, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
  5. Drizzle additional enchilada sauce across beef, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese to create a melty, indulgent layer.
  6. Repeat layering process – tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese – building casserole until dish is nearly full, ensuring top layer is abundant with cheese.
  7. Transfer casserole to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for cheese to become golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around edges.
  8. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest 5-7 minutes, enabling layers to set and making serving easier and more structured.
  9. Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or sour cream for added flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce to suit different taste preferences.
  • Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition and fiber.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the layering process and ensure even distribution of beef and cheese throughout the casserole.
  • Experiment with protein alternatives like shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for versatile meal options that cater to various dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg