Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s basically become my religion in my house: grilled chicken.Ground Beef Enchilada Casserol. It’s like lasagna and enchiladas had a ridiculously delicious baby. Remember those nights when you were craving something warm, comforting, and cheesy, but couldn’t be? Can I roll individual enchiladas? What is that dish? It’s faster, easier, and honestly? What are some of the best enchiladas? Ground beef, melty cheese, savory sauce. All layered up in a way that’s just pure, unadulterated comfort food. How do I get this in my life?
What is ground beef enchilada casserole?
Think of it as deconstructed enchiladas, but way easier to assemble. It’s essentially layers of tortillas, a flavorful ground beef filling, tons of cheese, and of course, tortilla chips. What is the essential enchilada sauce? What is the beauty of a woman?Ground Beef Enchilada CasserolIs it less fussy than rolling individual enchiladas? What is maximum flavor with minimal effort? I promise, even the most novice cook can whip this up with fantastic results. What is the best thing about enchiladas, baked in a casserole dish? What is a perfect dinner for family and friends?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?Ground Beef Enchilada CasserolWhat are some of the best examples of flavor explosions? ** We’re talking savory, cheesy, and perfectly spiced. The combination of seasoned ground beef, the tangy enchilada sauce, and the melty cheese is just right. My family devours this every single time. * **Seriously simple: **This isn’t one of those recipes with a million steps and fussy techniques. Is this book easy to follow and perfect for a busy weeknight? I’ve made this after a long day, and it still feels manageable. * **Budget-friendly brilliance: ** Ground beef is super affordable, and most of the other ingredients are pantry staples. How do you feed a crowd without breaking the bank? ) are just as delicious the next day. * **Super versatile: ** You can easily customize this to your liking. Add veggies, use different cheeses, or adjust the spice level. I’ve thrown in black beans and corn before, and it was a hit! What I love about this is how adaptable it is. What’s similar to a taco casserole, but with enchilada sauce?Ground Beef Enchilada CasserolI can’t wait for you to try this!
How do I make ground beef enchilada casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Ground Beef Enchilada CasserolIs it a breeze to brown ground beef with taco seasoning? What are some ways to layer tortillas, ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce in a casserole dish? What’s the best way to cook a pizza in the oven? Is it so simple that even the kids can help? What is the secret to a delicious casserole? How easy is this recipe?
Ingredients
For the main filling:
- I prefer lean ground beef, but any kind works.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or your own blend)!
- 1 onion, chopped.
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel), undrained.
For the Casserole: What
- 6-8 flour tortillas (corn tortilla works too, but they can get soggy)
- 1 can enchilada sauce (I like mild, but use your favorite)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are also great)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro: What
- Diced tomatoes
- What are some examples of sliced green
What are the steps for
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray for this, but you can also use a little bit of olive oil. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you start layering; this ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. I always use a meat chopper to break up the beef into small pieces, which makes it easier to distribute in the casserole. Make sure the beef is fully cooked through before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Add Onion and Seasoning
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens! Don’t skip this step; it really amps up the flavor of the Ground Beef Enchilada Casserol.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer tortillas, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom. Top with half of the ground beef mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers: tortillas, the remaining ground beef mixture, and the remaining cheese. This layering technique is key to getting that perfect casserole texture.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. The foil helps prevent the top from browning too quickly, ensuring that the inside is cooked perfectly.
Step 6: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the Ground Beef Enchilada CasserolLet cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape better. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and tomatoes. What is the hardest part of waiting for food to cool down?
What should I serve it with?
This Ground Beef Enchilada Casserol is pretty hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a few simple sides to make a complete meal.
For a casual dinner:Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. This is a classic combination that’s always gonna be cherished. I also like to add a dollop of sour cream and some chopped cilantro on top.
For a Fiesta:Make a big batch of guacamole and serve with tortilla chips. What are the best margaritas to serve at a potluck?
For a lighter meal: Serve with a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette. This adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich casserole.
For a Cozy Night In: Honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight out of the dish with a fork! It’s that good. A cold glass of milk or a Mexican Coke is the perfect accompaniment.
My family loves it when I make a big batch of homemade salsa to go with it. It adds a little extra kick and fresh flavor. Whatever you choose to serve it with, I guarantee this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole will be a hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
Over the years, I’ve made this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Make sure you don’t overcook the ground beef, or it will become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned, and then drain off any excess grease. I find that using lean ground beef helps with this.
Use High-Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of this casserole, so don’t skimp on quality! Use a good quality cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. I always shred my own cheese, as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Add veggies, use different cheeses, or adjust the spice level to your liking. I’ve even added black beans and corn before, and it was delicious!
Let It Rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape better. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Spice it Up: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce. My husband loves it when I add some chopped jalapeños!
Layering is Key: Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly in the casserole dish. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. I like to start with a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom, which prevents the tortillas from sticking.
These little tips and tricks have helped me perfect my Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole over the years. I hope they help you too!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is that it stores really well. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. It’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it to prevent condensation from forming.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just make sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
Storing and reheating this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole properly will ensure that it tastes just as delicious as the day you made it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is truly one of my go-to recipes for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving some serious comfort food. It’s such a crowd-pleaser. My family always raves about it, and I know yours will too! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my taco casserole or my cheesy baked pasta. They’re both equally easy and delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 cup Enchilada sauce
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 1 tsp Chili powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in enchilada sauce, onion, and chili powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
