Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both flavorful and simple to prepare? Look no further than this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas! Packed with seasoned ground beef, layers of corn tortillas, savory enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, with just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have this casserole ready to serve in no time. Read on for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips for creating the perfect enchilada casserole. Let’s dive in!
What is Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Beef Enchilada Casserole is a layered Mexican-inspired dish that combines all the flavors of traditional beef enchiladas in a simplified, casserole form. Instead of rolling individual enchiladas, this recipe layers the ingredients—ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese, and seasonings—like a lasagna, making it quicker and easier to prepare. The result is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd at a gathering.
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole
Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Beef Enchilada Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10-12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup canned black beans (optional)
- 1 cup canned corn (optional)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa (for serving)
This ingredients list is flexible, and you can customize it based on what you have in your pantry or what your family enjoys. Now, let’s get to the steps!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you have dietary preferences or ingredient limitations, you can easily modify the casserole without compromising on taste. Here are some substitution ideas:
- Meat Substitutes: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute like soy crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Tortillas: If you prefer flour tortillas over corn, feel free to make the switch. Just note that corn tortillas offer a more traditional enchilada flavor and are gluten-free.
- Cheese: While cheddar or a Mexican blend is recommended, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for added spice. Dairy-free cheese also works well for those avoiding lactose.
- Enchilada Sauce: Red enchilada sauce is classic, but green enchilada sauce can add a fun, tangy twist to the dish.
- Additional Ingredients: You can bulk up the casserole with ingredients like bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or rice for extra texture and flavor. Beans and corn are great additions too, as mentioned in the ingredient list.
Now that you have your ingredients and know your substitution options, let's move on to how to actually make this delicious casserole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prep ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, gather and prepare all your ingredients. This includes chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and shredding the cheese if you haven’t done so already. - Cook the beef mixture
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. - Season the beef
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the browned beef mixture. If you’re adding canned black beans or corn, stir them in at this point. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Assemble the casserole layers
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of corn tortillas on top (you may need to tear them to fit), followed by a layer of the beef mixture, a sprinkling of cheese, and more enchilada sauce. Repeat these layers—tortillas, beef, cheese, and sauce—until you’ve used all the ingredients. Be sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese on top. - Bake the casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and serve
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.
How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this Beef Enchilada Casserole involves simple, repetitive steps—layering and baking—but there are a few tricks to ensure that it comes out perfect every time:
- Layering: Be sure to evenly distribute the beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce between layers for consistent flavor in every bite. You’ll want 3-4 layers, depending on the size of your baking dish.
- Sauce: Don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce! The tortillas will absorb some of the moisture during baking, so using enough sauce ensures your casserole stays juicy and flavorful.
- Baking: Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking helps to trap moisture, while uncovering it at the end allows the cheese to brown and bubble to perfection.
By following these tips, your Beef Enchilada Casserole will come out deliciously cheesy and bursting with flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Be sure not to overcook the ground beef during the initial browning process. It will continue to cook in the oven, so browning it until it’s just cooked through will prevent the beef from becoming dry.
- Not Using Enough Sauce: As mentioned earlier, the tortillas will soak up a lot of moisture during baking, so it’s essential to use plenty of enchilada sauce between layers. If you don’t use enough, your casserole could turn out dry.
- Skipping the Resting Time: After removing the casserole from the oven, it’s tempting to dig right in. However, letting it rest for about 10 minutes will allow the layers to set and make it easier to slice and serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your casserole is baked and ready, it’s time to serve it in style! Presentation may not be the first thing you think of with a casserole, but you can still make it look appetizing.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
Cut the casserole into squares or rectangles and use a spatula to lift out each portion. Serve each piece with a dollop of sour cream on top, alongside a scoop of guacamole or salsa. Adding fresh cilantro or green onions as garnish adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Colorful Toppings: Use colorful toppings like red salsa, green guacamole, or sliced radishes to brighten up the dish.
- Serving on Platter: If you’re serving this at a party or gathering, you can serve the casserole on a large platter with small bowls of toppings like jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes for guests to add their own.
- Side Dishes: For a complete meal, pair your Beef Enchilada Casserole with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.
- Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, flour tortillas can be substituted, but keep in mind that corn tortillas are more traditional and add a unique flavor to the dish.
Q: How do I make this casserole spicier?
A: To add some heat, try using a spicier enchilada sauce, adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, or using pepper jack cheese.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: This casserole is naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas and ensure that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is an easy, comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite. It combines all the best flavors of traditional enchiladas into a convenient and satisfying casserole. With plenty of opportunities for customization and make-ahead options, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. So, next time you're craving Mexican food, give this casserole a try! Enjoy!
PrintBeef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a hearty and flavorful dish, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. With easy preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Ideal for Mexican cuisine lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Corn tortillas
- Enchilada sauce
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef with onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Layer a baking dish with corn tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
- Repeat layers and finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced green chilies or olives.
- You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
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