Description
At its core, Beef Enchilada Casserole is a layered Mexican-inspired bake that reimagines traditional rolled enchiladas into a stress-free casserole form. Instead of wrapping individual corn or flour tortillas around a meat filling and lining them up in a pan, this preparation method cuts the tortillas into manageable strips or quarters, layering them like lasagna between savory fillings, rich red enchilada sauce, and mounds of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Ingredients
For the beef filling
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500 g ground beef
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 can (400 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the casserole
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8 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into strips or quarters
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2 cups (480 ml) red enchilada sauce
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2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Optional toppings
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Sour cream
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Diced avocado
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Sliced jalapeños
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Chopped tomatoes
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Sliced green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Season the filling
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the black beans and corn, then mix well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange a layer of tortilla pieces over the sauce. Add half of the beef mixture, drizzle with some enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with a portion of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, sauce, and cheese. Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
Enjoy this cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole—a satisfying, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 350 g)
- Calories: 520 kcal
Keywords: Layered Beef Enchilada Bake, Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe, Mexican Ground Beef Casserole, Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake