Description
Hearty beef enchilada casserole delivers Mexican comfort in one satisfying dish. Layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas create a robust meal that brings warmth and flavor to family dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Salsa
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Pour diced tomatoes with green chilies and enchilada sauce into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes.
- Create the first base layer in the baking dish by spreading a thin coat of the seasoned beef mixture.
- Arrange the first set of corn tortillas directly over the beef layer, covering the entire surface.
- Distribute half of the black beans evenly across the tortillas, then generously sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining beef mixture, tortillas, black beans, and another cup of cheese.
- Garnish the casserole’s top with remaining cheese and optional sliced black olives.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown crust.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions and serve alongside sour cream, avocado, and salsa.
Notes
- Corn tortillas provide an authentic Mexican flavor and gluten-free option, but quickly warm them in a skillet before layering to prevent breaking.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crispy, well-textured dish.
- Use a blend of Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for deeper flavor complexity and better melting performance.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 415 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg