The Juiciest Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Whipping up a delectable beef enchilada bake always brings smiles to hungry faces around my kitchen table.

Aromas of melted cheese and spicy meat instantly spark excitement for dinner.

My family craves these layered, comforting flavors that remind us of cozy weekend gatherings.

Corn tortillas nestled between seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering texture that makes everyone eager to dig in.

Southwestern spices blend perfectly with rich, gooey cheese for an irresistible meal.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dish a weeknight superhero.

Dive into this recipe, and you’ll become the dinner champion everyone celebrates.

Hearty Beef Enchilada Bake Full of Bold Flavors

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty beef enchilada bake brings everyone to the table with its irresistible flavors and simple preparation.
• Create a Stress-Free Meal: One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with minimal fuss.
• Pack in the Protein Power: Loaded with ground beef, black beans, and corn, this dish delivers a nutritious and satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay for hours.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, fresh salsa, or different cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Classic Beef Enchilada Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious Mexican-inspired casserole.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that create layers in the enchilada bake.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, golden topping for the dish.

• Enchilada Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy flavor that defines the classic enchilada taste.
• Green Chilies, Cumin, Chili Powder: Spices that add depth and authentic Mexican-inspired warmth to the beef mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients that build a flavorful foundation for the beef mixture.
• Black Beans, Corn: Hearty additions that provide texture and extra nutrition to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and beef to develop rich flavors.

• Fresh Cilantro, Sour Cream, Avocado, Lime Wedges: Bright, fresh accompaniments that add extra flavor and freshness to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef Enchilada Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet.

Break up the meat and cook until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Enchilada sauce
• Green chilies
• Black beans
• Corn
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer and mingle for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.

Step 5: Build the Cheesy Layers

• First layer: Half of the tortillas
• Second layer: Half of the beef mixture
• Third layer: Half of the cheese

Repeat the layers for maximum tastiness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

Serve with optional sides like sour cream, sliced avocado, and zesty lime wedges.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Layered Beef Enchilada Bake

• Select ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
• After browning beef, carefully drain any extra fat to prevent a soggy enchilada bake and ensure a more concentrated taste.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or bold depending on your taste buds.
• Spread ingredients evenly across tortillas to guarantee each bite contains a perfect blend of beef, cheese, and sauce, preventing dry spots.
• Add fresh toppings like diced jalapeños, green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving to boost freshness and zest.

Delicious Variations to Try with Beef Enchilada Bake

• Vegetarian Enchilada Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Chicken Enchilada Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Enchilada Casserole: Use cauliflower tortillas or skip tortillas entirely, layering ingredients directly in the baking dish for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Southwest Enchilada Bake: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and include pepper jack cheese for extra heat and flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas for Beef Enchilada Bake

• Fresh Taco Night Companion: Create a vibrant side salad with crisp romaine, diced tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to complement the rich enchilada bake.
• Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Top the dish with sliced jalapeños, diced red onions, or a dollop of tangy Mexican crema for extra kick and texture.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the baking dish with warm tortillas on the side, encouraging everyone to scoop and create their own perfect bite with additional toppings like fresh guacamole or pico de gallo.
• Beverage Pairing: Offer ice-cold Mexican beer, refreshing margaritas, or a citrusy agua fresca to balance the hearty, spicy flavors of the enchilada bake.

Best Storage Tips for Beef Enchilada Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the beef enchilada bake remains fresh and tasty.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this enchilada bake. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat from green chilies and chili powder. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder and choosing mild or hot green chilies.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this dish gluten-free. Double-check that your enchilada sauce is also gluten-free.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra beans like pinto or kidney beans. You can also include diced bell peppers or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.

Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada bake delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and rich sauce. Families will savor this easy, satisfying meal that brings southwest flavors directly to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Sauce, Tortillas, and Cheese:

• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with light cooking spray.
2. Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and soft.
3. Add minced garlic and ground beef, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking until completely browned.
4. Pour enchilada sauce into skillet and incorporate green chilies, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Allow mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor and melding spices together.
6. Create initial layer in baking dish using half of the tortillas, spreading evenly across bottom.
7. Distribute half of seasoned beef mixture over tortilla layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
8. Sprinkle first portion of shredded cheese across beef layer.
9. Repeat layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
10. Transfer baking dish to preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to set layers.
12. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with optional accompaniments like sour cream, diced avocado, and lime wedges.

Notes

• Check beef browning carefully to prevent burning and ensure even cooking for maximum flavor depth.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives and diet flexibility.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding mild green chilies for family-friendly versions.
• Layer tortillas tightly to create a compact, cohesive casserole that holds together perfectly when serving.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg