Description
Hearty beef enchilada casserole layers Mexican flavors between tender corn tortillas and rich spices. Melted cheese and zesty sauce create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Main Components:
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green chilies (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a casserole dish for the enchilada layering process.
- Sauté ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet until meat is thoroughly browned and crumbled, releasing rich, aromatic flavors.
- Enhance the beef mixture by incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, creating a robust and complex seasoning profile.
- Fold green chilies and enchilada sauce into the meat, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a cohesive, spicy filling.
- Create alternating layers in the casserole dish: spread a base of corn tortillas, generously top with seasoned beef mixture, and sprinkle a lavish amount of cheese.
- Continue layering tortillas, beef, and cheese until the dish is filled, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling blanket.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting the layers to set and flavors to intensify before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that still packs incredible flavor.
- Enhance heat levels by adding jalapeños or switching to a spicier enchilada sauce for adventurous palates who crave extra kick.
- Create a make-ahead friendly dish by assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
- Elevate nutrition by adding black beans, diced bell peppers, or spinach between layers for extra vegetables and protein boost.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg