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Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole
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This easy Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish featuring layers of seasoned lean ground beef, rich red enchilada sauce, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and soft corn tortillas. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals, offering bold Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal fuss and maximum delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup red enchilada sauce, plus more for layering

Assembly

  • 10–12 soft corn tortillas
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Sliced green onions
  • Pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in about 1 cup of red enchilada sauce and simmer briefly to blend all the flavors.
  2. Layer the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a layer of soft corn tortillas over the sauce. Add a portion of the beef mixture, sprinkle black beans if using, and cover with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a top layer of shredded cheese.
  3. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat everything through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from beef to prevent greasiness and maintain clean flavors.
  • Use fresh corn tortillas as they hold moisture better and avoid cracking during baking.
  • Do not skip the enchilada sauce—it keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
  • Layer cheese evenly for better binding and melty texture on every bite.
  • Allow casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and richer flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, cheesy beef bake, weeknight recipe, gluten free enchiladas

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/beef-enchilada-casserole/