Beef Enchilada Casserole

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight meals, or casual get-togethers, this casserole combines seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and layers of melted cheese, all nestled between soft corn tortillas. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a standout choice for any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole
• For Garnish
• How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
• Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Sauce
• Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 5: Bake the Casserole
• Step 6: Rest and Serve
• How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Pair with Fresh Toppings
• Accompany with Sides
• Serve with Bread
• How to Perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Reheating Beef Enchilada Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?
• What sides go well with Beef Enchilada Casserole?
• Can I customize the Beef Enchilada Casserole?
• How do I know when my casserole is done?
• What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is easy and hassle-free.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and savory flavors.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead Option: Prep the casserole in advance for a stress-free meal any night.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Beef Enchilada Casserole, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Nonstick spray or oil
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Perfect for browning the beef and mixing in spices. A good skillet ensures even cooking.
• Baking Dish: A sturdy 9×13-inch dish helps create layers of flavor while providing enough space for all the ingredients.
• Nonstick Spray: Prevents sticking, allowing for easy removal of the casserole from the dish after baking.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a hearty, one-pan dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes. Packed with layers of bold flavors, including seasoned ground beef, red enchilada sauce, black beans, corn tortillas, and plenty of cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any night of the week.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro or parsley

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How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or lightly coat it with oil.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook the ground beef along with diced onion and garlic until browned.
2. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Sauce

To the skillet:
1. Add enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish:
1. Place 4 corn tortillas on the bottom; overlap if necessary.
2. Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over tortillas.
3. Sprinkle half of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over beef mixture.
4. Add another layer of 4 corn tortillas on top followed by remaining beef mixture.
5. Top with remaining cheeses evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes:
– Keep an eye out until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked:
– Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
– Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired before serving.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add some flair, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy contrast to the spiciness of the casserole.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado provides a rich and buttery flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.

Accompany with Sides

• Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with herbs makes a great base for scooping up the casserole.
• Refried Beans: Serve warm refried beans on the side for an authentic Mexican touch.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad balances the richness of the casserole.

Serve with Bread

• Warm Tortillas: Soft, warm tortillas are perfect for scooping up pieces of beef enchilada casserole.
• Garlic Bread: For a twist, garlic bread offers a buttery taste that pairs well with the flavors in the dish.

How to Perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole

Perfecting your Beef Enchilada Casserole will elevate this already delightful dish. Keep these tips in mind for an even better outcome.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and high-quality spices enhance flavors significantly.
• Layer Wisely: Proper layering ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook just until brown to keep the beef tender and juicy.
• Mix Cheese Varieties: Combining different cheeses adds depth and richness to your casserole.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set, making slicing easier.

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Best Side Dishes for Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but also pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices that complements the flavors of your casserole perfectly.
2. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and fiber, rounding out your meal delightfully.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole brings freshness and a touch of lime to balance out spicy flavors.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make for an enjoyable appetizer before diving into the casserole.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn offers a light, summery contrast to the richness of enchiladas.
6. Garden Salad: A simple salad dressed in vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch alongside your comforting casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Beef Enchilada Casserole, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using stale tortillas: Old corn tortillas can become brittle and ruin the texture of your casserole. Always use fresh tortillas for the best results.
• Overcooking the beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can lead to dryness. Brown it just until no pink remains for a juicy filling.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can make your casserole bland. Make sure to measure your cumin, chili powder, and salt carefully.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into the casserole immediately can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
• Ignoring cheese quality: Using low-quality cheese may affect flavor and melting. Choose good-quality shredded cheeses for a rich taste and gooey texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Beef Enchilada Casserole in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezing Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place individual servings on a plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat portions in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What sides go well with Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Serving this dish with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad complements its flavors perfectly.

Can I customize the Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

How do I know when my casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top, typically after about 25 minutes of baking.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with homemade enchilada sauce or even salsa if needed. Adjust seasonings according to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that makes weeknight dinners easy and enjoyable. With its customizable ingredients, you can tailor it to suit your family’s preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting meal any night!

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