Description
Mexican-inspired beef enchilada casserole combines layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas for a hearty meal. Spicy, cheesy comfort beckons you to savor each satisfying bite of this traditional southwestern dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 12 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat to prevent sogginess.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans into the meat mixture, allowing flavors to meld during a 5-minute simmer.
- Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the corn tortillas across the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, creating a uniform meat layer.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce across the beef, allowing it to seep between meat and tortillas for enhanced flavor distribution.
- Generously sprinkle a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce, creating the first cheese stratum.
- Repeat layering process with remaining corn tortillas, creating a mirror image of the previous layer.
- Add remaining beef mixture, ensuring consistent coverage across the entire casserole surface.
- Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce to maintain moisture and enhance overall taste profile.
- Top with final layer of cheese, creating a complete coverage that will melt and brown during baking.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around edges.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, enabling ingredients to set and flavors to stabilize.
- Optional: Garnish with sliced black olives and fresh cilantro for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, leaner protein option that keeps the dish’s robust flavor profile.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to control salt intake and make the casserole more heart-friendly for those watching sodium levels.
- Layer tortillas slightly overlapping to prevent dry edges and ensure each bite has a perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and filling.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience and minimal last-minute cooking stress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg