Description
Mexican-inspired beef enchilada bake delights families with layers of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. Hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that brings comfort and authentic southwestern flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup canned black beans or refried beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Meat Sauté: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, crumbling into small pieces. Drain excess fat, then add onions and garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
- Seasoning Blend: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly. Add water and simmer until liquid reduces and flavors intensify.
- Filling Creation: Gently fold black beans and corn kernels into the seasoned meat, creating a robust and hearty mixture.
- Base Layer: Spread a thin film of enchilada sauce across the baking dish bottom, then arrange tortillas to create a complete base layer, cutting and overlapping as needed.
- First Layering: Distribute half the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, drizzle with enchilada sauce, and generously sprinkle shredded cheese.
- Secondary Layering: Repeat the tortilla, beef, sauce, and cheese layering process, ensuring complete coverage.
- Final Topping: Crown the casserole with remaining tortillas, coating thoroughly with enchilada sauce and a thick layer of cheese.
- Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Serving Preparation: Let the enchilada bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced avocado before serving.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is browned at medium-high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors and eliminate excess moisture for a more concentrated taste profile.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use a blend of cheeses and grate them fresh for optimal melting and a more complex, rich flavor that distributes evenly throughout the dish.
- Tortilla Layer Hack: Slightly overlap tortillas and trim edges to create a tight, seamless base that prevents gaps and ensures every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using corn tortillas, or transform it into a vegetarian option by replacing beef with black beans, quinoa, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg