Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s practically permanent resident in our weekly meal. What is the best beef enchilada casserole? Picture all the deliciousness of classic beef enchiladas – that savory, spiced ground beef, melty, and tangy. How do you make a cheese roll without the fuss of individually rolling each one? Is it like a lazy girl’s enchiladas? If you love the ease of a good lasagna and the satisfying flavors of Mexican food, then this beef stew is for you. What is your new best friend enchilada casserole? My kids go nuts for it, and honestly, I’m not complaining – it means less work for me and less stress for my kids. Happy faces all around!
What is Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Think of it as a deconstructed enchilada, layered in an oven like casserole. What are some of your favorite enchilada ingredients? What is your favorite kind? ), enchilada sauce, and tons of cheese – stacked on top of each other and baked until bubbly and crispy. No rolling required. The name says it all. It’s the ease of a casserole with all the comforting flavors of Enchiladas. What are some great ways to use up leftover ground beef? What are some easy ways to make a healthy dinner on saturday night?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this recipe is its adaptability. Is this one of those dishes that’s forgiving and easy to adjust to your personal tastes? Can you use different cheeses, different kinds of beans, add extra veggies – the possibilities are endless?Why are you so obsessed?
- Flavor Fiesta:The combination of ground beef, the tangy enchilada sauce, and melted cheese is outstanding. Is there any one Is it a flavor explosion in every bite? I always use a really good quality enchilada sauce – it really makes an impact!
- Ridiculously EasyWhat is the best beef enchilada casserole recipe? Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this one. Is layering so easy? I practically do!
- Budget FriendlyGround beef is generally pretty affordable, and the other ingredients – tortillas, cheese, enchilada, etc. What are some pantry staples that won’t break the bank? What are some great ways to stretch a recipe even further by adding extra veggies or beans?
- What’s your winnerWhat is a good beef enchilada casserole? Is it safe to cook a chicken in the oven? I’ve even frozen the whole casserole before baking it!
- Versatile VibeWhat is not just a dinner dish? Serve with a fried egg on top for brunch, or cut into squares for an appetizer.
What is the recipe for a taco bake? What’s a little more sophisticated than taco night, but just as easy to put together? What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe?
How do you make Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make Beef Enchilada Casserole? Brown your ground beef, season it up, layer it with tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese in a frying pan. Serve immediately. Is it safe to bake in a baking dish, and then bake it until everything is melted, bubbly and glorious? What’s the best part? No fussy enchiladas involved! What is a dump-and-bake recipe? Don’t be intimidated by the layering – it’s super simple, and you really can’t mess it up.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but you can use whatever you like)
- 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white will do)
- What are some good ways to cook a green bell pepper?
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained (you can also use pinto beans or kidney beans)
- I love the sweetness of corn, but I don’t like it. Is it healthy to eat it raw?
For the Casserole: What
- What is the best corn tortilla recipe?
- 2 (10-ounce) cans enchilada sauce (I like to use a mild or medium sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work great)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro: What
- Diced tomatoes
- What are some examples of green onions
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Is this step crucial, otherwise, you’ll have a stuck-on mess later?
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. How do I break up a cooked potato with the help of sand? I always drain off any excess grease after browning – nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Step 3: Sauté Veggies (Optional)
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet with ground beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds extra flavor and nutrients, but it’s totally optional if you’re short on time.
Step 4: Season the Beef
Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through. Now, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I always add chili powder to my smoothies. I love it!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. What is the best way to keep tortillas from sticking? Now, arrange a layer of tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them as needed to cover the bottom of the tortilla. I usually tear some tortillas to fit in the gaps. If you’re making tortillas, spread half of the beef mixture over the top, then sprinkle with half the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers: tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and remaining cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ham is golden brown. How do you cook a casserole? What is the best time to cook in your oven? You want the cheese to be nicely browned on top.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the beef enchilada casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it hold its shape better. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
What is the best way to serve it?
I love to serve this Beef Enchilada Casserole with a few simple side dishes. What are some good ways to round out your meal?What are some of my favorite pairings?
- Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the casserole perfectly. I usually make a big batch of Mexican rice in my Instant Pot.
- Refried Beans: Another classic Mexican side dish that’s always a hit. You can use canned refried beans or make your own from scratch.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing side salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing. I like to add some avocado for extra creaminess.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a great summertime side dish.
- Chips and Salsa: Always a crowd-pleaser! Serve with your favorite salsa and guacamole.
For a cozy night in, I love serving this with a side of warm tortilla chips and homemade salsa. If we’re having friends over, I’ll add a pitcher of margaritas! Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these pairings. The beef enchilada casserole is the star of the show, and everything else just complements it.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Beef Enchilada Casserole
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Beef Enchilada Casserole even more delicious.
Here are my top tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, or it will become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Use Good Quality Enchilada Sauce: The enchilada sauce is a key ingredient, so use a good quality one that you enjoy the taste of. I always taste the sauce before adding it to the casserole to make sure I like the flavor.
- Don’t Overlap the Tortillas Too Much: When layering the tortillas, try not to overlap them too much, or the casserole will become too dense. Just a slight overlap is enough to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Use a Variety of Cheeses: For extra flavor, use a blend of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack. You can also add some pepper jack for a little bit of heat.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. This will ensure that the casserole is heated through and the cheese is nicely melted.
- Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it hold its shape better and prevent it from falling apart.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions are all great options. You can also add some pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it’s heated through.
- Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Sneak in some veggies: Add some chopped zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the beef mixture for a nutritional boost.
I once tried using refried beans as a layer in the casserole, and it was a huge hit! It added a creamy texture and extra flavor. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly covered to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, it’s best to add the cheese after thawing and before baking. This will prevent the cheese from becoming soggy.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
When reheating, I sometimes add a splash of enchilada sauce to keep it moist. Nobody likes a dry enchilada casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a baking dish. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and ease, making it a guaranteed family favorite. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love, this is it!
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Chicken Enchilada Soup or my Taco Salad. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make.
I can’t wait to hear how your Beef Enchilada Casserole turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 15 oz Enchilada Sauce
- 12 corn tortillas Corn Tortillas
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the beef mixture. Roll up the tortillas and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
