There’s something truly heartwarming about a beef enchilada casserole, isn’t there? It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in comfort, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner. I remember my grandmother making this for us when we visited, filling the house with the most delicious aromas. The layers of tender beef, gooey cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce always made me feel right at home. What I love most about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare. You can whip it up in no time, and everyone will be asking for seconds! Trust me, once you’ve made this beef enchilada casserole, it’ll become a cherished go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this delightful dish that’s sure to bring warmth and smiles to your table!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making your delicious beef enchilada casserole! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef (feel free to use ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 onion, chopped (it adds such great flavor!)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (you could swap these for kidney or pinto beans if you prefer)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that gooey goodness)
• 8 corn tortillas (these provide the perfect base, but gluten-free tortillas work too!)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that extra kick of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (it adds a lovely warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste (adjust according to your preference)

How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Casserole

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part: preparing our beef enchilada casserole! This part is really straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step. Trust me, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time!

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want everything to cook evenly.
2. Next, grab a sturdy skillet and cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Stir it around until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. You want to make sure the beef is fully cooked, so no pink remains!
3. Once that’s done, sprinkle in the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together so those flavors can mingle. Yum!
4. Now, stir in your drained and rinsed black beans along with half of the enchilada sauce. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
5. In your baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom. This helps keep everything moist and adds flavor.
6. Place 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them a bit if needed. Then, layer half of your beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and top it all off with the rest of the cheese. You can never have too much cheese, right?
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This helps keep it from drying out while it bakes. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes. This time lets the cheese get that lovely bubbly, golden brown finish.
10. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set a bit, making it easier to serve up those delicious portions.

And there you have it! A cozy, comforting beef enchilada casserole that’s ready to be enjoyed. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to bring everyone to the table with big smiles!

Tips for Success

To make the most out of your beef enchilada casserole, here are a few handy tips that I’ve gathered through my cooking adventures. First, don’t hesitate to customize the recipe! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully. You can also use lentils or extra beans for a hearty vegetarian version. And remember, if you’re gluten-sensitive, gluten-free tortillas will do the trick without sacrificing flavor.

When cooking the beef, make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. I like to taste my beef mixture before layering to adjust the seasoning—this way, you’re ensuring it’s just right. Lastly, let the casserole cool a bit after baking; it makes serving so much easier and helps those layers hold together. Trust me, this dish is all about comfort, so a little patience goes a long way!

Nutritional Information

It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The following nutritional information is an estimate based on typical ingredients used in this beef enchilada casserole. Each serving, which is about one-sixth of the casserole, contains approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, it has 6 grams of fiber, making it a satisfying option. Always feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences for the best results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a one-dish wonder that makes cleanup a breeze!
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
• Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or dietary needs.
• The layers of flavor create a comforting, hearty meal that brings smiles all around.
• Ready in just 45 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
• Kids and adults alike love this dish, making it a family favorite!
• It fills your home with an irresistible, savory aroma—who can resist that?

FAQ Section

Let’s tackle some common questions you might have about this delightful beef enchilada casserole! It’s always good to have clarity when you’re cooking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers freeze beautifully! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This beef enchilada casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some Mexican rice. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for an extra creamy touch!

Is this casserole spicy?
The spice level really depends on the enchilada sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild sauce. You can always add some chopped jalapeños for a kick if you like things a bit spicier!

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving your beef enchilada casserole with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad is always a great choice—it adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the casserole. I love tossing together some romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and avocado with a light vinaigrette.

Another fantastic option is Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice, which complements the flavors beautifully. And don’t forget about toppings! A dollop of sour cream or a scoop of guacamole can take this dish to the next level. You could even serve some tortilla chips on the side for a bit of crunch. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover beef enchilada casserole is simple! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, it freezes well too! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe containers, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your casserole again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!

Comforting Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Family Favorite

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting beef enchilada casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned.
3. Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stir in the black beans and half of the enchilada sauce.
5. Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Layer 4 tortillas on the sauce, followed by half the beef mixture and a layer of cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version.
• Swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans if preferred.
• For a vegetarian option, use lentils or more beans.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, easy casserole, comfort food