When you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this Beef Enchilada Casserole is the dish to turn to. It’s the perfect comfort food to fill you up and bring smiles to the dinner table. Layered with savory ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and loads of melted cheese, this casserole combines all the flavors of traditional enchiladas without the fuss of rolling each one.
This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to put together, making it a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend dinner. Let’s get started on creating this delicious meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients
For the Enchilada
1 pound ground beef
1 (10 oz.) can red enchilada sauce (or use the homemade recipe below)
1 (12 oz.) package frozen whole kernel corn
1 (16 oz.) can of refried beans
12 soft corn tortillas
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend recommended)
1 tbsp chili powder
1.5 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp salt
For the Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp oregano, dried
2.5 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp basil, dried
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cumin, ground
1 tsp parsley, dried
1/4 cup salsa
6 oz tomato sauce
1.5 cups water
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is hot enough to bake the casserole evenly.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
Stir in half of your enchilada sauce to the cooked beef, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.
Step 3: Layer the Base
Spread the remaining enchilada sauce over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base layer for your casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas
Spread the refried beans evenly among 6 corn tortillas.
Place these tortillas, bean side up, over the sauce in the baking dish. This forms the first layer of your casserole.
Step 5: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, cooked corn (prepare according to package directions), and undrained tomatoes.
Stir until everything is well combined, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas in the baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
Place the remaining 6 tortillas on top of the cheese layer.
Cover with the rest of the beef mixture and another layer of cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest period helps everything set up for easier slicing.
Cut into squares and serve hot. Enjoy with your favorite sides or toppings.
For the Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Garlic
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Step 2: Add Spices and Liquids
Stir in the chili powder, oregano, black pepper, basil, cumin, parsley, salsa, tomato sauce, and salt.
Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Add 1.5 cups of water, stirring to incorporate.
Step 3: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using in the casserole.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option
Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Use black beans or pinto beans as the main protein source.
Spicy Variation
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Use a spicy cheese blend or pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend.
Different Cheeses
Try using Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure that all canned ingredients and spices are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is deliciously hearty and sure to satisfy any enchilada craving without too much work. It’s packed with flavors and textures that meld beautifully in the oven, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this casserole is bound to become a favorite.
The rich, savory beef combined with creamy beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. The homemade enchilada sauce adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Enjoy this delightful casserole with your family and friends, and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!