Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of Mexico with our tantalizing Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe. Bursting with savory ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a fiesta for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a comforting meal, our Beef Enchilada Casserole is sure to satisfy. Join us as we explore the simple steps to creating this mouthwatering masterpiece that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
- 12-14 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, and diced green chiles until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Layer Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with tortillas, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom. Repeat the layers, alternating between the beef mixture and tortillas, until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of tortillas on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top layer of tortillas.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: While the casserole is baking, prepare the garnishes. In a small bowl, toss the diced avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning. Once the casserole is done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with diced avocado, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeno. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Tortilla Options: Use flour or corn tortillas based on your preference or dietary needs. Corn tortillas are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and substitute with additional black beans or your favorite meat alternative, such as tofu or tempeh, for a vegetarian-friendly version of the casserole.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level of the casserole by adding more or less diced jalapeno, or include the seeds for extra heat.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace tortillas with low-carb alternatives such as lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas made from almond or coconut flour.
- Use a homemade keto-friendly enchilada sauce or store-bought low-carb version to reduce the carb content.
Low-Carb Version:
- Opt for low-carb tortillas or skip the tortillas altogether and serve the beef mixture over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice.
- Choose low-carb toppings such as diced avocado, shredded lettuce, and sour cream to keep the carb count down.
In conclusion, Beef Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of flavorful beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the flavor of Beef Enchilada Casserole – a taste of Mexico right in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as turkey or chicken may cook faster than beef.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, Beef Enchilada Casserole freezes well. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through.
