Beef Enchilada Casserole
Beef Enchilada Casserole is a mouthwatering, savory masterpiece that brings the warm, comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine straight to your table. This dish layers rich seasoned ground beef, black beans, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled between soft corn tortillas and bathed in velvety enchilada sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking for a delightful weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Get ready to dive into a step-by-step cooking adventure that promises to please every palate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore Beef Enchilada Casserole. First and foremost, it necessitates minimal prep time and can be assembled swiftly, which is a relief for busy weeknights. You can make it in advance and pop it in the oven, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal rather than preparing it.
This dish is not only family-friendly but also encourages fuss-free modifications. Consider swapping in your favorite beans or adding extra veggies for a personal twist. It’s a dependable option that caters to various tastes while being deliciously indulgent.
Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole
To whip up a delectable Beef Enchilada Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef – hearty and flavorful protein.
- 1 small onion, diced – sweet and aromatic base for the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for added depth and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder – brings warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – earthy undertones that enhance the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to elevate all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – a hint of sharpness.
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce – rich, tangy goodness.
- 8 corn tortillas – tender layers to hold everything together.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – adds fiber and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – melty, gooey goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese – creamy and smooth finish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) – a bright, fresh garnish.
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned, infusing your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Make sure to drain off any excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté until soft and fragrant, creating a warm blend of flavors.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the beef mixture evenly. Let it simmer for a few moments to enhance the spice blend.
- Pour in one cup of enchilada sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer for about five minutes. This step ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for layering.
- Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish, setting the stage for the sumptuous layers to follow.
- Add a layer of tortillas, followed by the seasoned beef mixture, black beans, and a generous sprinkle of the shredded cheese mix.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of tortillas topped with the remaining enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese to ensure a cheesy topping.
- Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps to get everything nice and heated through.
- Uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating a beautiful finish.
- After removing it from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro if desired, adding a splash of color.
Tips & Tricks
To take your Beef Enchilada Casserole to the next level, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth or some diced jalapeños for your fellow spice lovers. If you’re looking to streamline your efforts, prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake. This is a great timesaver for busy lives!
Don’t shy away from mixing up your cheese! Adding Pepper Jack or even crumbled queso fresco can create a delicious variation. For a creamier texture, you might even try blending cream cheese into the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Beef Enchilada Casserole is wonderfully versatile, easily pairing with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside a bright, tangy Mexican bean salad for a refreshing contrast or some fluffy cilantro-lime rice to soak up all that delightful sauce. A side of guacamole or a zesty sour cream can elevate each bite, adding creaminess and flavor.
Don’t forget the greens! A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance out the hearty casserole beautifully. It will make your meal feel light and fresh.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Beef Enchilada Casserole is packed with hearty protein and fiber-rich ingredients. While indulging in this delicious dish, you’re also providing your body with essential nutrients. Depending on your portion size, a typical serving can range around 450-500 calories, balancing the richness of cheese and beef with the nutritious beans and tortillas. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy an indulgent meal every now and then!
Storing Tips & Variations for Beef Enchilada Casserole
If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This casserole also freezes wonderfully! Just be sure to cover it tightly before placing it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months.
When you reheat it, consider using the oven rather than a microwave to maintain that delightful cheese texture. For a healthier twist, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even lentils, making it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor. The possibilities for creativity are endless!
Conclusion for Beef Enchilada Casserole
There’s no reason to wait to try Beef Enchilada Casserole. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotations. It’s delectable, satisfying, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Gather your ingredients today and start cooking!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just assemble everything and cover it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
2. Can I substitute the ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken works great. For a vegetarian option, try beans, lentils, or even roasted vegetables.
3. What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can use salsa in a pinch or make your homemade enchilada sauce using diced tomatoes, spices, and broth.
4. How can I ensure the cheese doesn’t burn?
Covering the casserole with foil for the first half of baking helps to keep the cheese from overcooking. Remove it for the last few minutes for that golden top.
5. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas and check the enchilada sauce for gluten-containing ingredients. Enjoy gluten-free bliss!
Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A mouthwatering casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melted cheese between soft corn tortillas, bathed in enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain off excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; let simmer for a few moments.
- Pour in one cup of enchilada sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of tortillas, followed by the beef mixture, black beans, and cheese.
- Repeat layers, finishing with tortillas topped with enchilada sauce and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
Consider adding smoked paprika or diced jalapeños for extra flavor. This dish can be made ahead of time for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
