Description
This hearty Beef Enchilada Bake combines seasoned ground beef, chili beans, sautéed bell peppers and onions, layered with corn tortillas, cheddar cheese, and rich enchilada sauce. Baked to perfection, this casserole is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can chili beans, drained
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
Dairy and Others
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can enchilada sauce (about 10 oz)
- 10 corn tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften and blend well with the meat.
- Add Beans: Stir in the drained chili beans and heat the mixture through, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Layer Tortillas: Arrange the corn tortillas evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Spread Beef Mixture: Spread half of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the layer of tortillas.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, then pour half of the enchilada sauce evenly on top.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining beef mixture, remaining cheese, and remaining enchilada sauce to build another layer.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before garnishing as desired and serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add spices such as cumin or chili powder to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture, though corn tortillas give a more authentic taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for added zest.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Drain excess fat well after browning to keep the dish less greasy.
