Description
Mexican comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this beef enchilada casserole nestled between layers of corn tortillas. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a hearty meal savored by home cooks seeking authentic southwestern flavors you’ll devour with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet, carefully draining any excess fat to prevent a greasy dish.
- Infuse the meat with robust flavors by mixing in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then stir in half the enchilada sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to develop depth.
- Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish by arranging corn tortillas to cover the bottom completely.
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly, then scatter black beans and corn across the tortilla base.
- Generously sprinkle a blanket of shredded cheese over the first ingredient layer.
- Methodically repeat the layering process, alternating tortillas, beef mixture, beans, corn, and cheese until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Ensure the final layer is a generous covering of cheese for a golden, crispy top.
- Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce across the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
- Layer tortillas slightly overlapping to prevent dry edges and ensure every bite has perfect sauce coverage.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to boost vegetable content and create more complex flavor profiles without extra cooking steps.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and prevent tortillas from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg