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Savory Beef and Cheese Enchilada Casserole

beef and cheese enchilada casserole - featured image
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A quick and easy layered casserole that delivers classic enchilada flavors without the fuss of rolling tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or canned)
  • 8–10 flour tortillas (8-inch)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 can diced green chilies
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  5. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to coat the beef evenly.
  6. Add enchilada sauce, black beans, and diced green chilies. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  8. Top with 2 tortillas, tearing to fit if needed.
  9. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the tortillas.
  10. Repeat layering beef mixture, tortillas, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden around the edges.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set and make slicing easier.

Notes

Brown beef in batches if pan is small to avoid steaming. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness. Be gentle when layering tortillas to prevent tearing; tearing into pieces works well. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly. Add a splash of water if sauce is too thick before baking. Prepare beef mixture a day ahead for meal prep convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, enchilada casserole, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner, Mexican casserole

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/savory-beef-and-cheese-enchilada-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/