Welcome to my kitchen, where today we’re diving into the delightful world of an easy enchilada bake! This dish is a true comfort food classic that warms the heart and fills the belly. I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me on busy weeknights or when I’m hosting family gatherings. It’s so simple to whip up, and the best part? You don’t have to be a culinary expert to make it shine! Just layer some tortillas, a savory beef mixture, and cheese, and you’re well on your way to a delicious meal that everyone will love. Trust me, the smell of this enchilada bake bubbling away in the oven is pure magic! So, gather your loved ones and let’s create something special together that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home or casual family feasts. You’re going to love it!

Ingredients for Easy Enchilada Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish. I like to lay everything out before I start, so it’s easy to grab what I need as I go. Let’s make sure we have all the ingredients ready to go!

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas, cut in half
• 2 cups shredded cheese (I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack!)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you like will work!)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Now, don’t fret if you don’t have everything on hand! This recipe is pretty flexible, and you can easily substitute or leave out what you don’t have. Just make sure to gather all your ingredients, and we’ll be ready to create some magic in the kitchen!

How to Prepare Easy Enchilada Bake

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making this easy enchilada bake! I promise you, it’s as simple as layering your ingredients, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious dish bubbling away in the oven. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want everything to cook evenly once we pop it in!
2. Next, grab a skillet and brown your pound of ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat—this keeps the dish from getting greasy.
3. Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, the can of enchilada sauce, diced bell peppers, cumin, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. In a baking dish, start layering! Place four corn tortilla halves on the bottom. Then, spoon half of that delicious beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by one cup of your shredded cheese. Oh, the cheesy goodness!
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, the rest of the beef mixture, and top it all off with the last cup of cheese. Just imagine how cheesy and gooey this will be!
6. Now, carefully transfer your creation into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. It’s going to smell heavenly!
7. Once it’s done, let your easy enchilada bake cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This little waiting period helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. Plus, it won’t burn your mouth when you take that first bite!

And there you have it! A warm, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish!
• A comforting meal that warms the heart and satisfies the belly.
• Customizable ingredients, so you can make it your own—add more veggies or switch up the protein!
• Perfect for various dietary needs; simply swap out ingredients as needed.
• Great for family gatherings or cozy nights in, serving up to six people!
• Leftovers heat up beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

Tips for Success

To make your easy enchilada bake turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure to layer your tortillas evenly to avoid sogginess. I like to slightly overlap them for better coverage. Keep an eye on the bake time—check for that golden, bubbly cheese around the 25-minute mark. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes. And remember, let it cool for a bit before serving; this helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Oh, and always use oven mitts when handling hot dishes—safety first!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

One of the best things about this easy enchilada bake is its flexibility! If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary needs, here are some fantastic substitutions you can consider:

• Protein Swaps: If ground beef isn’t your thing, you can easily use ground turkey or chicken instead. They work wonderfully and are a bit leaner, too!
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, feel free to replace the meat with extra beans or a medley of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You’ll still get that hearty flavor!
• Tortilla Choices: If you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free corn tortillas are a great substitute. They hold up nicely in the bake and taste delicious!
• Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese based on your preference. A Mexican blend, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese can give you a unique flavor!
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the dish your own. Don’t hesitate to get creative and use what you have on hand. You’ll end up with a delicious meal that suits your taste perfectly!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your easy enchilada bake, the possibilities are endless! I love to top each slice with a dollop of sour cream for that creamy contrast. Avocado slices or guacamole add a lovely freshness that pairs beautifully with the flavors. You can also sprinkle some chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor!

If you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. A side of Mexican rice or beans can also complement this dish wonderfully. Whatever you choose, enjoy sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your easy enchilada bake, it’s always nice to know what’s in it! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional values per serving, which is about one slice:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 20g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose and any substitutions you make. If you opt for leaner meats or different types of cheese, for example, the nutritional content may change. It’s always good to adapt recipes to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying a hearty meal!

FAQ Section

Can I make this easy enchilada bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it!

How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the enchilada bake cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze the easy enchilada bake?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What if I want a vegetarian option?
No problem at all! Simply replace the ground beef with more black beans, or try adding in some diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for a delicious meat-free version. You won’t miss the meat one bit!

How do I know when the enchilada bake is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, usually around 25 to 30 minutes. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a thermometer to check that the center has reached at least 165°F (74°C).

For more delicious recipes, check out our comforting casseroles or Mexican recipes!

Easy Enchilada Bake: A Cozy 5-Step Comfort Recipe

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple and comforting easy enchilada bake that anyone can prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add black beans, enchilada sauce, bell peppers, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. In a baking dish, layer four tortillas, then half of the beef mixture, and one cup of cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.
• For a vegetarian option, replace meat with more beans or vegetables.
• Use gluten-free tortillas if needed.
• Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: easy enchilada bake, enchilada recipe, comfort food