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Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Beef Enchilada Casserole combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn tortillas, and a cheesy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This easy-to-make casserole is baked to perfection, delivering a comforting Mexican-inspired dish perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Casserole Assembly

  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the enchilada sauce, drained diced tomatoes, black beans, ground cumin, and chili powder into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
  4. Layer Tortillas: Place 4 corn tortillas on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Overlap slightly if necessary to cover the base evenly.
  5. First Layer of Filling and Cheese: Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Then sprinkle half of the combined cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef layer.
  6. Second Layer of Tortillas: Add another layer with the remaining 4 corn tortillas over the cheese and beef mixture.
  7. Top with Remaining Filling and Cheese: Spread the remaining beef mixture over this tortilla layer and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, distributing it evenly.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
  9. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

  • Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred, but corn is traditional.
  • For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Vegetarian version can be made by omitting beef and adding extra beans or vegetables.