Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Bursting with savory flavors, layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce come together to create a fiesta for your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love The Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe:
Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe offers all the bold flavors of classic enchiladas without the hassle of rolling each one individually. With its simple assembly and crowd-pleasing taste, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences.
Personal Story: Growing up in a household that cherished Mexican cuisine, beef enchiladas were a staple on our dinner table. As I ventured into cooking for my own family, I sought to recreate the comforting flavors of my childhood while simplifying the preparation process. This Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe became a go-to recipe, earning rave reviews from loved ones and sparking memories of shared meals and laughter.
Key Features:
- Layers of seasoned ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese
- Easy assembly with no rolling required
- Versatile dish that can be customized with toppings like sour cream, avocado, and cilantro
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
What you need to make Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional Additions:
- Sliced black olives
- Diced green chilies
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
How to Make Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture, stirring until combined. Remove from heat.
- Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange 6 corn tortillas in a single layer on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Tips for Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe:
- To save time, use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of making your own.
- For added heat, mix diced jalapeños or green chilies into the beef mixture.
- To make this casserole vegetarian, substitute black beans or refried beans for the ground beef.
Variations for Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe:
- Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or cooked beans for a different protein option.
- Add a layer of sliced avocado or guacamole between the beef mixture and cheese for extra creaminess.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free corn tortillas.
Make It Healthier:
- Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content.
- Incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheese or a smaller amount of cheese to cut down on calories.
Closing: Elevate your dinner game with this Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this easy-to-make dish is sure to satisfy cravings and bring everyone to the table for a memorable meal.
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe:
Can I make this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if starting with a cold casserole.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, you can certainly use flour tortillas if preferred. Keep in mind that flour tortillas may result in a softer texture compared to the firmer texture of corn tortillas.
What can I serve with the Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe?
Serve the casserole with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides such as rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Course: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 pound (450g) ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
12 corn tortillas
2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional Additions:
Sliced black olives
Diced green chilies
Chopped cilantro
Diced tomatoes
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture, stirring until combined. Remove from heat.
- Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange 6 corn tortillas in a single layer on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.