There’s something truly comforting about a warm, hearty beef enchilada casserole that just wraps you in a cozy hug! This dish is a staple in my home and has quickly become a family favorite. I mean, who can resist layers of tender tortillas, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese all baked together in a delicious enchilada sauce? It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this beef enchilada casserole, it’ll be on your weekly meal rotation. Everyone will be asking for seconds—and you’ll be more than happy to oblige!
Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 6 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (your favorite type works wonders!)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, whichever you have handy)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Casserole
Getting this beef enchilada casserole ready is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through it! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want that cheese to be bubbly and golden when it comes out!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, and the smell is just divine!
- Once the beef is browned, add in the cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors.
- Next, throw in the black beans and corn, stirring everything together. Let it cook for another couple of minutes so the beans and corn warm through.
- Now, grab a baking dish and start layering! Place a tortilla at the bottom, then add a layer of the beef mixture, followed by a drizzle of enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat this process until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is all melty and bubbly. It’s hard to resist peeking, but let it cool for a few minutes before diving in!
Nutritional Information for Beef Enchilada Casserole
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, a serving size of this beef enchilada casserole (about 1/6 of the dish) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and filling, perfect for a cozy dinner! For more detailed nutritional information, you can check out this resource.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
- Delicious layers of flavor with every bite—trust me, it’s a flavor explosion!
- Customizable to your taste; swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day (if there are any!).
Tips for Success with Beef Enchilada Casserole
To make your beef enchilada casserole even more delightful, here are some of my go-to tips! First off, don’t hesitate to mix up the ingredients. If you’re not a fan of black beans, try kidney beans or even refried beans for a different twist. I love adding chopped bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and crunch—plus, they make it even more colorful!
When layering, make sure to spread the ingredients evenly so every bite is packed with flavor. And if you can, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking before serving; this helps it hold together beautifully when you cut into it. As for leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and don’t worry—this casserole reheats wonderfully in the oven or microwave! Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Variations of Beef Enchilada Casserole
One of the best things about my beef enchilada casserole is how versatile it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, why not switch up the meat? Ground turkey or shredded chicken work beautifully in this recipe. And if you want to go vegetarian, black beans or lentils are fantastic substitutes that still pack a protein punch!
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses—pepper jack adds a lovely kick, while Monterey Jack gives that creamy goodness!
Lastly, don’t forget about the toppings! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate your casserole to the next level. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Serving Suggestions for Beef Enchilada Casserole
When it comes to serving my beef enchilada casserole, I like to keep things simple yet delicious! A fresh side salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to lighten up the meal. Don’t forget a generous dollop of sour cream on top for that creamy contrast—it’s a game changer! And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of guacamole adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the spices in the casserole beautifully. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this beef enchilada casserole is super easy! Just place any uneaten portions in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry—just cover them to keep things moist. Enjoy those leftover flavors!
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Beef Enchilada Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty beef enchilada casserole layered with tortillas, cheese, and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 6 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef.
- Stir in black beans and corn.
- In a baking dish, layer tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- Use your favorite type of cheese.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, Mexican casserole, beef casserole
