Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef with layers of cheesy, spicy goodness. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Enchilada sauce: 2 cups (480ml), divided
- Corn tortillas: 8-10, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200g), shredded, divided
- Black beans: 1 can (15oz/425g), drained and rinsed (optional)
- Corn: 1 cup, frozen or canned, drained (optional)
- Green chilies: 1 can (4oz/113g), diced (optional)
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh cilantro: for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream: for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
1.1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
2.1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2.2. Brown the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2.3. Season the Meat:
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of the enchilada sauce and mix well. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined.
3. Prepare the Casserole Layers:
3.1. Cut Tortillas:
- Cut the corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces or strips.
3.2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut tortillas with the beef mixture.
- If using, add the black beans, corn, and green chilies.
- Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
4.1. Layer the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of the beef and tortilla mixture on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
4.2. Add Remaining Sauce:
- Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups of enchilada sauce evenly over the top layer of cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole:
5.1. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
5.2. Uncover and Brown:
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
6. Serve:
6.1. Garnish:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
6.2. Add Toppings:
- Serve with optional toppings like sour cream.
Tips for Success:
- Beef: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Tortillas: If you want a bit more texture, you can pre-toast the tortilla pieces in a skillet before adding them to the casserole.
- Cheese: Feel free to use a combination of cheeses for added flavor. Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese works well.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: The casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 30 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With its layers of seasoned beef, tortillas, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
