Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, comforting Mexican-American dish made with seasoned ground beef, layers of corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Components
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole after assembly.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess fat. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the diced green chilies and half of the enchilada sauce, mixing them well into the meat.
- Assemble the Casserole Layers: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the tortilla strips evenly over the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle with chopped black olives if using, and a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer starting with the remaining tortilla strips, top with the rest of the beef mixture, olives if desired, and cheeses, creating a second hearty layer.
- Add Final Sauce Layer: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top layer of the casserole to lock in flavor and moisture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the casserole to heat through and flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream if desired for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hotter enchilada sauce.
- Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.
