Sizzling Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering beef enchilada bake sparks joy in any kitchen adventure.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful meal that comes together effortlessly.

Cheese, tender meat, and spicy sauce create a symphony of flavors you’ll crave.

Mexican-inspired comfort finds its perfect expression in this straightforward dish.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers excitement without complicated steps.

Colorful and satisfying, the enchilada bake brings warmth to your table.

Each bite promises a delicious journey that will make you the hero of dinnertime.

Beef Enchilada Bake With Rich Sauce And Cheese

• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Whip up this beef enchilada bake in under 45 minutes with minimal prep, perfect for busy families craving Mexican-inspired comfort food.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of ground beef, beans, and melted cheese, making mealtime a delicious crowd-pleaser.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Use affordable ingredients like ground beef, corn tortillas, and canned beans to create a satisfying meal that won't break the bank.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for chicken, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes.

All Items Found In Beef Enchilada Bake

• Ground Beef: Rich and flavorful meat that forms the base of the dish, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Chili Beans: Adds hearty texture and extra protein, provides additional flavor and thickness to the bake.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide sweet and fresh vegetable base, bell pepper adds color and crunch.
• Garlic: Offers deep, aromatic flavor that enhances overall dish complexity.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy Mexican-style spice profile.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: Classic Mexican sauce that brings authentic flavor and moisture to the dish.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base that provides structure and authentic texture.
• Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates creamy layer with mixed cheese flavors.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, zesty finish.
• Sour Cream: Creamy topping that provides cool contrast to spicy elements.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

Beef Enchilada Bake Preparation

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle the Veggie Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Diced bell pepper

Sauté until the veggies soften and release their mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Dump ground beef into the skillet and cook until it’s perfectly browned.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili beans
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ground cumin

Let everything mingle and cook for a quick 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Enchilada Foundation

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a zesty base.

Step 6: Build the First Layer

Lay down 4 corn tortillas over the sauce.

Spread a third of the beef mixture and sprinkle a generous handful of cheese.

Step 7: Repeat the Magic

Create two more identical layers, making sure to end with a cheese crown on top.

Step 8: Sauce It Up

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the entire dish, ensuring maximum flavor coverage.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 10: Dress and Serve

Optional final touch: Sprinkle fresh cilantro and add a dollop of sour cream for extra pizzazz.

Handy Hints for Beef Enchilada Bake

• Select high-quality, ripe bell peppers and fresh ground beef for maximum flavor and texture in your enchilada bake.
• Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent greasy results and maintain a lighter, healthier dish.
• Spread enchilada sauce and cheese evenly between layers to ensure each bite has balanced flavors and consistent moisture.
• Adjust spice by selecting mild or hot enchilada sauce, or add extra ground cumin and black pepper for more kick.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the enchilada bake.

Preserve Beef Enchilada Bake And Reheat Effortlessly

• Store leftover beef enchilada bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, place in baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Plates That Match Beef Enchilada Bake

• Perfect Drink Pairing: Craft a Zesty Margarita that complements the spicy beef enchilada notes with fresh lime and tequila, balancing the rich Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Refreshing Side Companion: Prepare a Crisp Mexican Coleslaw with tangy lime dressing and cilantro to cut through the enchilada's richness and add a bright, crunchy texture.
• Flavor-Enhancing Salsa: Whip up a Fresh Pico de Gallo with ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to provide a vibrant, fresh counterpoint to the hearty beef enchilada bake.
• Cooling Cream Accent: Add a dollop of Creamy Guacamole to introduce a smooth, buttery element that softens the dish's spicy undertones and adds complexity to each bite.

Beef Enchilada Bake Updates

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace corn tortillas with thin cauliflower rounds, creating a keto-friendly enchilada bake that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining rich, savory flavors.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Alternative: Swap ground beef with black beans and plant-based protein crumbles, keeping the same spice profile and layering technique for a meat-free option.
• Chicken Enchilada Transformation: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, maintaining the original recipe's structure and adding a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and verify enchilada sauce is gluten-free, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this hearty meal without compromising taste.

FAQs

• What makes the beef mixture flavorful?

Ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, bell peppers, chili beans, salt, pepper, and cumin, creating a rich and spicy filling that provides depth and complexity to the enchilada bake.

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas are traditional, you can substitute flour tortillas. However, corn tortillas provide an authentic texture and flavor that complements the beef and enchilada sauce better.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level. The heat comes from the chili beans and cumin. If you prefer more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the cheese quantity, add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and opt for low-fat sour cream as a topping to decrease calories and increase nutritional value.

Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada bake delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 corn tortillas
• 12 ounces (340 grams) Mexican blend shredded cheese
• 1 (15 ounce / 425 grams) can chili beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, any color, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 (15 ounce / 425 grams) can red enchilada sauce, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Cilantro
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and introduce chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper, allowing them to dance and soften over medium heat.
3. Introduce ground beef to the sizzling vegetable mixture, browning thoroughly and carefully draining any lingering fat.
4. Enhance the meat with chili beans, aromatic ground cumin, salt, and pepper, letting the flavors intermingle for a few moments.
5. Create a delicate foundation in the baking dish by spreading a thin veil of enchilada sauce across the bottom.
6. Construct the first architectural layer using corn tortillas, positioning them carefully over the sauce.
7. Distribute a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture atop the tortillas, generously showering the surface with melting cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process twice more, ensuring each stratum is rich with beef and generously adorned with cheese.
9. Crown the final layer with remaining enchilada sauce, allowing it to cascade across the surface.
10. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream to complement the warm, robust flavors.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting ground cumin and choosing mild or spicy chili beans for personalized flavor intensity.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives that keep the dish’s signature taste.
• Use corn tortillas strategically by slightly overlapping them and ensuring complete coverage to prevent dry edges and create a consistent layered texture.
• Consider preparing this dish ahead and refrigerating before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinner preparation easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg