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Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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5 from 10 reviews

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal that simplifies traditional enchiladas by layering ground beef, vegetables, beans, tortillas, and cheese into a delicious baked dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines bold Mexican flavors with ease of preparation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
  • ½ cup yellow onion, diced
  • ½ cup green pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 can (15.25 oz) yellow corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce, hot or mild
  • 3 tsp chili powder
  • 3 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 10 corn tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Lime slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside while you prepare the filling.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish (approximately 3 cups). Layer half of the tortilla pieces (about 1 cup) over the beef, then sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining beef mixture, tortilla pieces, and cheddar cheese to form a second layer.
  7. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and lime slices. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting beef enchilada casserole.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce and adding extra chili powder if desired.
  • For extra creaminess, consider adding a layer of sour cream or a sprinkle of Mexican crema before the final cheese layer.
  • If preferred, use flour tortillas instead of corn, but the texture will be different.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

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