Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired Beef Enchilada Bake delivers layers of rich, spicy flavor that dance across familiar comfort food landscapes. Melted cheese, tender beef, and zesty sauce combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ½ cup canned black beans or refried beans (optional)
Garnish Ingredients:
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook the ground beef until it loses its pink color, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns.
- Drain excess fat from the beef, then incorporate diced onions, taco seasoning, and green chilies into the meat mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 2-3 minutes.
- Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish by spreading a thin coat of enchilada sauce across the bottom, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange the first layer of tortillas over the sauce, slightly overlapping to create a solid base for the casserole.
- Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the tortilla layer, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with another set of tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and an additional layer of cheese, ensuring the top is completely covered with cheese.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and heat thoroughly.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly with crisp edges.
- Allow the enchilada bake to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to help it set and make serving easier.
- Cut into square portions and garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or guacamole, and serve alongside Mexican rice or refried beans.
Notes
- Customize the beef mixture by adding bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition.
- Spice levels can be adjusted by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and controlling green chili heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg