Beef Enchilada Casserole

A Flavorful Take on Comfort Food

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors that has a special place in weeknight dinners and family gatherings. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese—each bite transporting you to a fiesta of taste. Whether you’re crunching through a busy week or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe makes mealtime a breeze. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters can’t resist!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in a dish that blends simplicity and flavor? This Beef Enchilada Casserole is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly and loaded with nutritious ingredients like black beans and corn. Perfect for feeding a family or serving at a potluck, it brings people together over delicious, comforting food.

“This casserole is a lifesaver for busy nights! My kids devour it every time.” – Sarah M.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Beef Enchilada Casserole is as straightforward as pie. Here’s a quick overview: Sauté your onions, brown the beef, mix in black beans and corn, and layer everything with tortillas and cheese. It’s a one-baking-dish masterpiece that’s ready to enjoy in under an hour!

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can red enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

You can easily swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative to cater to different dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking it until browned. Season with salt and pepper for flavor.
4. Mix in black beans, corn, and half of the enchilada sauce until combined.
5. In a baking dish, layer 3 corn tortillas, followed by half of the beef mixture, and a third of the cheese.
6. Repeat layers, finishing with tortillas on top, the remaining enchilada sauce, and cheese.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro right before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.

Best Way to Serve

For an authentic touch, consider serving your Beef Enchilada Casserole with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top. A side of Mexican rice or a crisp, fresh salad makes a delightful complement. For a complete fiesta vibe, why not throw in some tortilla chips for crunch?

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Beef Enchilada Casserole fresh longer, allow it to cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the casserole; it’s good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just bake it straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Expert Advice

• Brown your beef well to enhance flavor.
• Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex taste.
• Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
• For a spicier twist, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

Creative Twists

Feel free to make this dish your own by experimenting with flavors! Consider adding roasted vegetables for extra nutrition or swapping the beef for shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, black beans can shine as the star protein, combined with additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this casserole take to prepare?

You’ll have this delicious casserole ready in about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for baking, making it a quick 45-minute meal!

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas will create a different texture, but they can work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the layering as needed.

Is it safe to reheat leftovers?

Yes, as long as you store and reheat them properly. Reheat leftovers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is not just about filling your stomach—it’s about bringing people together with every savory bite. Whether it’s the star of your dinner table or a comforting meal for one, it’s sure to become a recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Beef Enchilada Casserole

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A delicious and comforting casserole that layers savory ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can red enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking it until browned. Season with salt and pepper for flavor.
4. Mix in black beans, corn, and half of the enchilada sauce until combined.
5. In a baking dish, layer 3 corn tortillas, followed by half of the beef mixture, and a third of the cheese.
6. Repeat layers, finishing with tortillas on top, the remaining enchilada sauce, and cheese.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro right before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.

Notes

For best results, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or a side salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Beef Enchilada Casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, family dinner