Description
Hearty beef enchilada casserole nestles layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas into a comforting Mexican-inspired dish. Families will savor each bite of this cheesy, zesty meal that brings warmth and flavor to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Tortillas and Sauce:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant in a large skillet.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Season the beef mixture with selected spices, incorporating salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Remove the seasoned beef from heat and allow to rest momentarily while preparing the baking dish.
- Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish using corn tortillas, covering the entire bottom surface.
- Spread an even portion of the prepared beef mixture directly over the tortilla base.
- Drizzle enchilada sauce generously across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle a moderate layer of shredded cheese over the sauce, creating a melty barrier.
- Repeat the layering process: tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese until ingredients are exhausted.
- Conclude the casserole with a final, abundant cheese topping for a golden, crispy finish.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes, permitting the layers to set before serving.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin for milder or bolder flavors.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
- Use gluten-free corn tortillas to make the dish celiac-friendly and ensure complete dietary compatibility.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or black beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and protein.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg