Description
Hearty beef enchilada casserole brings Mexican comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of spicy meat, melted cheese, and corn tortillas. Families will savor each cheesy bite of this soul-warming dish that delivers authentic southwestern flavors in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
Tortillas and Beans:
- 12 corn tortillas, quartered
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained
Cheese and Sauces:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- avocado
- cilantro
- jalapenos
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a receptive environment for the layered casserole.
- Heat a large skillet and brown ground beef with diced onions, carefully draining any accumulated fat to maintain a lean texture.
- Infuse the meat with robust taco seasoning, then incorporate diced tomatoes with green chilies and black beans, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare a baking dish by creating a preliminary coating of enchilada sauce across the bottom, which will prevent sticking and enhance the overall moisture.
- Construct alternating layers of corn tortillas, seasoned beef mixture, shredded cheese, and additional enchilada sauce, ensuring each tortilla is generously covered and ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Repeat the layering process, culminating with a crowning layer of cheese that will transform into a golden, crispy topping during baking.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a richly melted cheese surface.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest briefly, then embellish with optional garnishes like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving while still piping hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Use corn tortillas made from gluten-free ingredients to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious casserole.
- Amp up the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture, boosting nutrition and creating more complex flavors.
- Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, allowing busy home cooks to have a quick, ready-to-bake meal waiting after a long day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg