Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and flavorful Mexican American main dish, perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tortillas, and melted Mexican blend cheese baked to bubbly perfection with rich enchilada sauce create a satisfying and hearty casserole. Easy to prepare and customizable, this dish brings a delicious twist to traditional enchiladas all in one pan.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce, divided
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into halves
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to crumble evenly. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole lighter.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix in black beans, corn, and 1 cup of the enchilada sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the tortilla pieces over the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and enchilada sauce. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow layers to meld and cheese to begin melting.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
- For added spice, mix in diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Serve with sour cream, sliced avocado, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
