Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

Name: Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef; 1 cup Chopped onion; 1 tsp Chili powder; 0.5 tsp Cumin; 1 can (15 oz) Enchilada sauce; 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese; 6 count Corn tortillas

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Let’s talk comfort food. What are some of the best dishes to have in your rotation? What is ground Beef Enchilada Casserole? Think of it as the chill older sibling to traditional enchiladas. What’s your favorite ground beef dish? How do you make a tortilla without the fuss of individually rolling it? My grandma used to make something similar, though her version involved a lot more chopping and putting up. What is a questionable amount of canned cream of mushroom soup? This recipe is a modern take on, streamlined for busy weeknights, and packed with flavor that’ll have you hungry for more. Is it true that everyone is asking for seconds? When I made this, it vanished in about 15 minutes. I’m not going to eat it again. What is the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. What are some good ways to make ground beef enchilada casserole over and over again?

What is ground beef enchilada casserole?

What is GROUND BEEF enchilada casserole? Imagine all the deliciousness of enchiladas – that rich, seasoned ground beef, the warm tortillas. What’s better: tortillas soaked in flavorful enchilada sauce, and a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. How do I make a picture of everything layered into .a baking dish instead of rolled individually? Is it a deconstructed enchilada? Is it easier to assemble? Think of it as the ultimate weeknight shortcut – same great taste, less time spent in the kitchen. What are some comforting Mexican-inspired recipes? What’s the hassle of making individual enchiladas? Is it incredibly customizable?

Why you will love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some good reasons to eat Ground Beef enchilada casserole?

Flavor explosion: WhatWhat are some layers of ground beef seasoned with a warm blend of spices, tangy enchilada sauce and savory ham? What’s not to like? A creamy, bubbly cheese that soaks into every cranny. Is it a symphony of flavors in every bite?
Ridiculously easyIs this recipe foolproof? Just brown the beef, mix the sauce, layer it all in a dish, and bake. What is the easiest way to nail this one?
Budget friendlyHow can I make my family happy without spending a lot of money? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t have to break the bank to make a delicious meal. What is the most satisfying meal you have
Versatile and CustomizableWhy don’t you like black olives? What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole? I’ve swapped ground beef for shredded chicken before, and it was equally delicious! I tested this adding corn, and its amazing!

What I love about this recipe is how much my kids enjoy it. They practically inhale it! I’m a picky eater. Is this recipe worth it? What is the difference between a taco bake and enchilada sauce? What is your new go-to Ground Beef enchilada recipe? Is it better than the ones you can get in a restaurant?

How do I make ground beef enchilada casserole?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to make Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole? How do you brown ground beef? What’s a good recipe for enchilada cheese? Is it safe to put it in the oven until golden brown? The beauty of this method is that it eliminates the need to roll individual enchiladas, saving you money. Is it worth it to spend tons of time and effort on this What’s a comforting meal that comes together in under an hour?

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef: I usually go for 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works too.
1 packet taco seasoning: You can use homemade or store-bought, your choice! I prefer low sodium, low fat, and easy to make.
1/2 cup chopped onion: Yellow or white, whichever you have on hand.
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel): 1 can tomato juice. What is the best way to add heat and acidity to a dish?

For the Casserole:

6-8 flour tortillas: Corn tortilla works too, but flour are more pliable.
I usually go for green enchilada sauce, but green is good too!
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Or Monterey Jack, or a blend – go wild! Is Colby Jack the best flavor?
Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, black olives, green onions.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easy. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you start layering, to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Remove from the heat and set aside. When beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. What is the best way to make a greasy casserole?

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

Stir in the taco seasoning, onion, and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the flavors have melded together. The aroma at this point is absolutely intoxicating!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. How do you keep tortillas from drying out? If you want to cover the bottom of a dish, layer tortillas, overlapping as needed.

Step 5: Layer the Beef Mixture and Cheese

Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. If you have shredded cheese, sprinkle with half of it. Repeat the layers. What is ground beef and cheese? Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for that perfect melty topping.

Step 6: Top with Enchilada Sauce

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer of cheese. How do you keep a casserole moist? What makes this dish so delicious?

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When the casserole is heated through, it will not burn. If it is, do The foil prevents the cheese from burning while ensuring the inside is cooked through. When a knife comes out of the center, you’ll know it’s done.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. How do I keep a sphere in shape? Top with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, chopped cilantro, and black olives. I like to add a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro – it adds flavor to my dish.

What should I serve it with?

What is a good ground beef enchilada casserole? What are some of the

Mexican Rice:What is a classic casserole dish?
Refried Beans:What are some of the best Mexican dishes? Add a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
Side Salad:What’s a good salad with lime vinaigrette? What is the richness of a casserole?
What is Corn on the Cob?What are some good side dishes to serve with corn on the cob?

For a fun twist, try serving it with a side of homemade salsa and tortilla chips. My family loves to dip the chips in the enchilada sauce! And don’t forget the drinks! Margaritas, Mexican beer, or even just a refreshing glass of iced tea are all great choices.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole even more amazing. Here are my top tips:

Don’t overcook the beef: Overcooked beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and then remove it from the heat.
Use good quality enchilada sauce: The enchilada sauce is a key ingredient, so don’t skimp on quality. I prefer to use a homemade sauce, but there are some great store-bought options available too.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the casserole will steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy texture. Make sure to use a large enough baking dish and don’t overfill it.
Let it rest before slicing: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing will help it hold its shape and prevent it from falling apart.
Customize it to your liking: Feel free to add other ingredients to your casserole, such as black beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers. You can also adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste.

One time, I accidentally used corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and it turned out surprisingly delicious! The corn tortillas added a slightly nutty flavor that complemented the other ingredients perfectly. The main thing to watch out for is to not let the tortillas dry out, because they can become brittle.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats well.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, it’s best to wait to add the toppings until after it’s been reheated. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.

I often make a double batch of this casserole and freeze half for later. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas. Make sure to check that your enchilada sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat flour as a thickener. You can also use a gluten-free taco seasoning. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground beef?

Definitely! Shredded chicken is a great alternative to ground beef. Simply cook the chicken and shred it before adding it to the casserole. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker and easier meal. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like a little heat, there are several ways to spice up this casserole. You can add some chopped jalapeños to the ground beef mixture, use a spicier enchilada sauce, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to each serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this casserole ahead of time. Assemble it as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What kind of cheese should I use?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, but you can use any cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great options. You can also use a combination of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. What more could you ask for? I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good from the inside out. And who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life? If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my taco soup or my cheesy chicken enchiladas. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear what you all think, be sure to leave a comment below! And if you tweaked it, I want to hear all about it!

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