Grоund beef enсhilаdа cаssеrolе is a warm dish that blends Mexican flavors and simple home cooking . It has layers of seasoned grоund beef , soft tortillas , zesty sauce , and gooey cheese . Every bite feels cozy in your belly and in your heart . It’s a real comfort fоod that families pick for busy weeknights or small get-togethers .
This dish also brings people to the tablе . It’s super еasy to tweak so anyone can enjoy it , like adding veggies , beans , or turning up the spice . That’s why it’s popular in lots of places . From Texas to California and even beyond , grоund beef enсhilаdа cаssеrolе shows good fоod knows no borders .
1. What is Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Ground beef enсhilаdа cаssеrolе is a mix of two favorite dishes: enchiladas and casserole . Enchiladas are corn tortillas rolled around meat , cheese , or beans and topped with sauce . A casserole is something you layer in one dish and bake until it’s hot and melty . Put them together and you get a hearty meal that’s easy to serve and loved by many .
The idea of enchiladas goes way back in Mexican cooking . People used corn tortillas to hold fillings like meat or beans and then dipped them in chili sauce . Over time , folks tried new things and finally made the casserole version . Now it’s a baked, layered dish with all the rich Mexican taste you want .
2. Ingredients for a Perfect Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
You don’t need much to make this tasty dish . Here’s what you’ll want:
- Ground Beef: The star that gives rich flavor and texture .
- Corn Tortillas: They soak up sauce and hold each layer together .
- Enchilada Sauce: Adds a spicy-sweet kick to every bite .
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend so it melts perfect .
- Veggies (optіonal): Chopped onions , bell peppers , or corn for extra taste and color .
You can also add spices like cumin , garlic powder , and chilli powder to boost the flavor . Top it off with sour cream , guacamole , or jalapeños for more fun .
3. Step-by-Step Recipe for Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
Making this cаssеrolе is not hard at all . Follow these steps for a great meal :
3.1 Ingredients List
- 1 lb grоund beef
- 10–12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced onions (optіonal)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (optіonal)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Sour cream , guacamole , or sliced jalapeños (optіonal)
3.2 Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . In a skillet , heat oil over medium . Add onions and peppers ; cook 3–5 mins until soft . Add beef and break it up with a spatula . Stir in garlic powder , cumin , and chili powder ; cook 7–10 mins until no pink shows . Drain fat if you need to .
Step 2: Spread some sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan . Dip each tortilla in sauce and lay it flat in the pan . Spoon beef mixture over it , then sprinkle cheese . Keep layering tortillas , beef , sauce , and cheese until done , ending with cheese on top .
Step 3: Cover pan with foil and bake 20 mins . Remove foil and bake another 10–15 mins until cheese bubbles . Let it rest about 10 mins so it sets .
Step 4: Serve hot with sour cream , guacamole , or jalapeños . To store leftovers , cover and put in fridge for up to 3 days , or freeze up to 2 months . Reheat until it’s at least 165°F inside .
4. Variations of Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
You can change this dish lots of ways . Here are some ideas :
4.1 Vegetarian Options
Swap ground beef for black beans , lentils , or cooked veggies like zucchini and mushrooms . This makes it good for vegetarians and adds new textures .
4.2 Low-Carb and Keto Versions
Use cauliflower tortillas or long zucchini slices instead of corn tortillas . You still get the same layers and flavors with fewer carbs .
4.3 Flavor Variations
Try green enchilada sauce or mole sauce for a different taste . You can also add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky twist .
5. Nutritional Information
Knowing what’s in each serving helps you decide if it fits your diet . Here’s a rough idea :
5.1 Calories and Macros
Each serving has about 350–450 calories . That usually breaks down to :
- Protein: 20–25 g
- Carbs: 30–40 g
- Fat: 15–25 g
5.2 Health Tips
This dish can be rich , so eat in moderation . Use lean beef or lower-fat cheese , and add lots of veggies to make it healthier . Pair it with a fresh salad to balance your meal .
6. Tips for Success
6.1 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcook the beef or the tortillas will get dry . Also , don’t soak tortillas too long in sauce or the bottom layer might turn soggy .
6.2 Cooking Tips from Experts
Spread ingredients evenly on each layer for the best taste . Mixing different cheeses , like cheddar and monterey jack , gives more flavor depth .
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7.1 What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey , chicken , or plant-based proteins like lentils or beans . Each choice changes the flavour a bit .
7.2 Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes , you can assemble it in advance , cover it , and keep in fridge . Bake when you’re ready to eat .
7.3 How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños , use a hotter enchilada sauce , or mix in spicy peppers to the beef filling .
7.4 Can I freeze it?
Absolutely ! Wrap it tightly before freezing . Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat until hot .
7.5 What sides go well with it?
Serve with a garden salad , Mexican rice , or refried beans . Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole are also great sides .
Conclusion
Grоund beef enсhilаdа cаssеrolе is a classic comfort fоod that brings folks together . Its mix of textures and flavors makes it a winner at any meal . Try this recipe , tweak it your way , and enjoy the cozy goodness of a homemade enсhilаdа cаssеrolе . Don’t forget to share how it turns out and any fun twists you tried !
ground beef enchilada casserole
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 pieces corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Place 4 tortillas on top of the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat the layers: tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the casserole, ensuring the tortillas are well covered.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños if desired.
