Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
This Beef Enchilada Casserole combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a hearty, saucy base, all layered between soft corn tortillas. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1 yellow or white onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon sea salt)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 20 ounces (2¼ cups) enchilada sauce
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 15 corn tortillas
Instructions
🍳 1. Cook the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain off the excess grease, then stir in chopped garlic and diced onion.
- Add kosher salt, chili powder, and ground cumin. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of water and chopped cilantro (if using). Take the skillet off the heat.
🍽️ 2. Prepare the Casserole
- Pour ⅓ cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Place 5 corn tortillas on top of the sauce. You may need to cut or overlap the tortillas to fit them all in the dish.
- Layer half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by ¾ cup enchilada sauce.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and finish with the last layer of cheese.
🍳 3. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
🍽️ 4. Serve
- Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes to set.
- Slice into squares and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Custom Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor.
- Add Heat: For a spicier casserole, add chopped jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Vegetable Additions: Add some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra veggies in the casserole.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a perfect dish for family gatherings and parties. The layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce make each bite a burst of delicious Mexican-inspired flavors! 🌮🧀