Beef Enchilada Casserole
Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors that promises to ignite your culinary passion. This dish is packed with tender ground beef, luscious cheeses, and a mouth-watering enchilada sauce layered perfectly between corn tortillas. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of spices that provide warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Whether you’re seeking a quick weekday meal or something indulgent for the weekend, this casserole is worth making. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors create not only an enticing dish but also a lasting memory at your dining table. Best of all, this recipe is easy to follow and incorporates step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the cooking process, making it accessible even for novice cooks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are endless reasons to fall in love with Beef Enchilada Casserole. First, it allows you to prepare a wholesome meal for your family with minimal effort. The straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated steps mean you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
Second, this casserole is undeniably family-friendly. The combination of cheese, savory beef, and beans means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s a hit among kids and adults alike!
Finally, you can rely on this dish for a quick fix on busy nights or a traditional meal for a cozy weekend gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll find that this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.
Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
In this vibrant roster of ingredients, the ground beef forms the heart of the dish, while the onions and garlic contribute depth and aroma. The spices offer a familiar warmth, and the combination of cheeses creates a gooey texture that perfectly contrasts with the crispy tortillas. Black beans provide additional protein and fiber, making each bite that much more satisfying.
Step-by-Step Directions
-
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
-
Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they transform into a soft, fragrant mixture, releasing an inviting aroma.
-
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to coat the beef with the flavors. Pour in 1 cup of the enchilada sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent any sticking.
-
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish, creating a flavorful base for your casserole.
-
Layer the corn tortillas into the dish, followed by a portion of the beef mixture, a layer of black beans, and a generous sprinkling of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
-
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer comprises tortillas topped with remaining sauce and a final helping of cheese.
-
Cover your baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven, letting it bake for 20 minutes.
-
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden, baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
-
Once golden and fragrant, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
As with any recipe, there are secrets to enhancing your Beef Enchilada Casserole. Consider incorporating additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or diced bell peppers for an extra kick.
Another option is to use homemade enchilada sauce for a unique twist that’s packed with flavor. If you want to boost the health factor, opt for whole-grain tortillas or add additional vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to the layers.
Lastly, ensure that you allow the casserole to rest after baking. This not only allows the flavors to settle but also makes slicing easier, resulting in a more visually appealing presentation!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Beef Enchilada Casserole shines on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a variety of side dishes. Fresh guacamole or a zesty corn salad can provide a delightful contrast.
Consider serving a refreshing green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. For drinks, a chilled non-alcoholic lime spritzer or a refreshing iced tea can perfectly complement the meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Beef Enchilada Casserole delivers rich flavors along with nourishment. As you savor this dish, you’ll receive:
- Calories: approximately 450-500 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 2g
Indulge guilt-free, knowing that you’re also benefiting from protein and fiber-rich black beans, all while enjoying a hearty meal that the entire family will cherish.
Storing Tips & Variations for Beef Enchilada Casserole
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! Beef Enchilada Casserole stores exceptionally well. Allow it to cool before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating is simple: just warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. To lighten up the recipe, consider using lean ground turkey or substituting beans for meat in a vegetarian version without sacrificing any flavor.
Conclusion for Beef Enchilada Casserole
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a hearty Beef Enchilada Casserole bubbling away in your oven. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend get-together, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and joy. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and create a dish that will fill your home with delightful aromas and your loved ones with happy hearts!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef, making this recipe adaptable to your dietary needs.
2. How can I make this vegetarian-friendly?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and increase the amount of black beans, or incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
3. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
4. What can I serve with Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Tossed salads, rice, or even chips with guacamole and salsa make excellent accompaniments to this dish.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer-term storage. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful fusion of flavors with tender ground beef, luscious cheeses, and a mouth-watering enchilada sauce layered between corn tortillas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the beef. Pour in 1 cup of the enchilada sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the corn tortillas, followed by the beef mixture, black beans, and both cheeses.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas topped with sauce and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Consider adding toppings like sliced jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor. Use homemade enchilada sauce for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
