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Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole
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Warm and comforting Beef Enchilada Casserole layered with savory seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, rich enchilada sauce, and tender tortillas. This easy-to-make Tex-Mex casserole is perfect for family dinners, customizable with fresh toppings and variations, and ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 8–10 soft flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Fresh Toppings

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Dollop of sour cream
  • Sliced avocado

Optional Variations

  • Diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added veggies
  • Chopped green chilies or hot sauce for spicier flavor
  • Black beans or pinto beans for added fiber and vegetarian protein
  • Cheese variations: pepper jack or Mexican cheese blend
  • For low-carb option: thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of tortillas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, then season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce to keep the mixture moist and flavorful. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor. Place a layer of tortillas over the sauce, then evenly spread half of the beef mixture on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with more tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, more sauce, and cheese. Finish with a final tortilla layer topped with enchilada sauce and cheese.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and slice cleanly.

Notes

  • Use fresh enchilada sauce for best flavor – homemade or a high-quality store-bought version works great.
  • Keep casserole layers thin to ensure even baking and ideal texture.
  • Warm tortillas briefly before assembling to make them more pliable and enhance layering.
  • Allow the casserole to rest before slicing to help it hold together well.
  • Feel free to experiment with cheese blends to find your preferred melt and flavor balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Beef Enchilada Casserole, Tex-Mex, casserole recipe, beef dinner, easy family meal, enchilada layers

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/beef-enchilada-casserole/