Beef Enchilada Casserole

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

2. Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Layer the casserole as follows:

• Place a layer of tortilla strips at the bottom of the dish.
• Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
• Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
• Repeat the layering with another set of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.

3. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. For a golden and slightly crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or any other toppings you love.

Serve this Beef Enchilada Casserole with a side of rice, a simple salad, or some warm tortillas for a complete meal. It’s perfect for dinner parties, game day, or just a satisfying weeknight family dinner.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Customize the filling: For extra flavor, you can add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or other veggies to the beef mixture.
• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for black beans, refried beans, or lentils, and use vegetable-based enchilada sauce to create a meatless version.
• Freeze leftovers: If you have leftovers, Beef Enchilada Casserole freezes wonderfully. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Final Thoughts

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors in a simple, satisfying way. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing an easy dinner for your family, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The layers of seasoned beef, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!