Beef Enchilada Casserole

Name: Beef Enchilada Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground beef (lean); 8 ounces enchilada sauce (mild or medium); 12 pieces corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

What are some comfort food recipes?What is beef enchilada casserole?is *exactly* that. It’s like a deconstructed enchilada, but even easier and, dare I say, tastier? Think of it as lasagna’s Tex-Mex cousin – all the deliciousness, a fraction of the effort I swear, my family goes absolutely crazy for this, and I have a feeling yours too.

What is Beef Enchilada Casserole?

What is magic?What is beef enchilada casserole?What is your favorite beef enchilada? What is essentially layers of seasoned Ground Beef, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. What’s the best way to make an enchilada without wrapping it? What is a Tex-Mex casserole?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this movie?What is beef enchilada casserole?First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. You’ve got the savory seasoned beef, the tang of the enchilada sauce, and the gooey, melty cheese. It’s a fiesta in your mouth! What I love most about this, though, is how ridiculously easy it is. We’re talking about a one-dish wonder that comes together in minutes. This one is truly a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you’re short on time. Plus, it’s incredibly cost effective. Ground Beef is usually pretty budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples for most of us. And talk about versatile! Can you customize the fillings, the cheese, even the sauce to your liking? If you love my chicken enchilada bake, you’ll absolutely adore this one too!

How do I make Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this What is beef enchilada casserole?Is it easier to brown Ground Beef with spices, layer it in a baking dish with tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce, and bake until it’s all hot and bubbly? What’s the beauty of this recipe is that it’s so forgiving. Don’t worry about perfect layers or precise measurements. It’s all going to taste amazing in the end.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:
*1 pound Ground Beef (I prefer 80/20 for the flavor, but leaner works too)
* 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, your call!)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper)
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies (optional, but I love the kick!)

For the Casserole:
* 6-8 flour tortillas (corn tortillas work too, but they can be a bit more crumbly)
* 2 (10 ounce) cans enchilada sauce (I usually go for mild or medium, but go spicy if you’re feeling brave!)
* 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend – whatever you like)

What is the step-by-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is crucial, trust me!What is beef enchilada casserole?To stick to the bottom.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown Ground Beef. Crumble it as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!

Step 3: Add Flavor

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Layer It Up!

Now comes the fun part! Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, layer in the following order: tortillas, beef mixture, cheese. I like to tear tortillas to fit nicely in the dish. Don’t stress about making it perfect!

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. When cheese is golden brown, you know it’s perfect.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the What is beef enchilada casserole?How do you serve sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or cilantro?

What should I serve it with?

This What is beef enchilada casserole?Is a star on its own, but a few simple side dishes can really round out the meal.

For a casual weeknight dinner:What is a side salad with a light vinaigrette and some refried beans?

For a Weekend Fiesta: What is the best way to celebrateWhat’s a party on a plate? Corn on the cob, Mexican rice, and guacamole and chips.

For a Potluck: Bring a container of sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for people to customize their servings. Trust me, this casserole will be a hit!

What are some of the best recipes for a casserole?

What are some tips for making Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this.What is beef enchilada casserole? to the next level:

Beef Choice:Use good quality ground beef. The better the beef, the better the flavor. I like 80/20 because it has enough fat to keep it juicy but leaner works too.

Spice it up (or down): How do you spice it up?If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild enchilada sauce and skip the green chilies altogether. If you’re a spice lover, go for the hot stuff!

Cheese, Please!:I like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best flavor and texture.

Don’t Overbake:If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking.

Tortilla Time:Can you use corn tortillas or flour tortillas for this casserole? If using corn tortillas, you might want to warm them slightly before layering to prevent them from cracking.

Let it Rest: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This What is beef enchilada casserole?Is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage: What is theHow do you store a casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?

How do I use a freezerCan you freeze this casserole?

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Best Practices:What are some ways to add cheese to a dish before serving?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I make this vegetarian?

Can you substitute ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a vegetarian ground beef substitute?

Can I use different types of cheese?

What are some good combinations of cheddar and mozzarella?

Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?

What are some great additions to a skillet? Diced bell peppers, corn, and black beans are great additions. Just add them to the skillet with the onion and cook until softened.

What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?

If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can use tomato sauce and taco seasoning. You can also make your own enchilada sauce from scratch!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Can you assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking?

Final Thoughts

This What is beef enchilada casserole?is more than a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, makes weeknights feel a little bit easier, and always leaves you wanting more. What are some of the best meals to make? If you loved taco pasta, you should really check out my taco pasta bake – I think it will be right up your street. I can’t wait to see your recreations – please leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

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