Description
Hearty beef enchilada casserole combines layers of seasoned meat, tortillas, and melted cheese for a classic Mexican-inspired comfort meal. Spicy, cheesy, and satisfying, this dish delivers robust flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 6 tortillas
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
- In a skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic, infusing the meat with aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until fully browned and fragrant.
- Create the first foundation layer in a baking dish by spreading tortillas across the bottom, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the tortilla base, creating an even, hearty layer.
- Drizzle enchilada sauce across the beef, allowing the rich, tangy sauce to seep into the meat and tortillas.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the sauce, creating a melty, golden blanket.
- Repeat the layering process: tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese, building delicious strata of flavor and texture.
- Complete the casserole with a final abundant layer of cheese, promising a golden, bubbling top.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese transforms into a molten, slightly crisp surface.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the layers settle and flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra depth and a spicy kick.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour to make the dish gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious casserole.
- Make ahead and refrigerate assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps meld flavors and saves time during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg