Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that layers seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
Carbohydrates
- 6 8-inch flour tortillas
Dairy
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×11 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes. Add the diced yellow onions and cook together until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened, approximately 3 minutes more.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water into the beef mixture. Cook until the liquid has reduced significantly and almost evaporated, ensuring the meat is well seasoned. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Layer the Casserole – First Layer: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place two flour tortillas on top of the sauce layer.
- Layer the Casserole – Second Layer: Add one-third of the cooked beef mixture over the tortillas, then spread another 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce, followed by sprinkling 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese over everything.
- Repeat Layers: Place two more tortillas over the cheese layer and repeat the layering of beef, enchilada sauce (1/2 cup), and cheese (1 cup). Repeat one last time with the remaining ingredients, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to brown slightly and become bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Use reduced-fat cheddar to lower fat content if desired.
- Prepare a homemade enchilada sauce for a fresher taste.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until heated through.
