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