Description
This Enchilada Casserole is a quick and easy layered version of classic enchiladas, featuring seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this casserole delivers bold Mexican-American flavors in a comforting, hearty dish without the fuss of rolling individual enchiladas.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut in halves or quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt; cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ aromas.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and ½ cup of the enchilada sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors thoroughly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer Casserole: Start layering by adding one-third of the tortilla pieces, followed by one-third of the beef mixture and one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Add Sauce and Cover: Drizzle any remaining enchilada sauce over the top cheese layer. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven to let the flavors blend and ingredients heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown for a perfect finish.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a vegetarian alternative to suit dietary preferences.
- Add corn kernels or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangier variation.
- To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure to use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
