Introduction
Beef Enchiladas Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, wrapping the comforting flavors of seasoned beef, black beans, and cheese in layers of corn tortillas. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any night when you crave something zesty and hearty. With the added ease of baking everything in one pan, it promises flavor without fuss!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer 4 corn tortillas, followed by half of the beef mixture, and a layer of cheese.
- Repeat the layers with 4 more tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and another layer of cheese.
- Top with the final 4 tortillas and spread the sour cream over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking the beef until browned and the onions are translucent ensures a flavor-packed base for the casserole. Layering the tortillas and fillings creates a delightful meld of tastes in every bite.
FAQ
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a lighter option.
- Is there a vegetarian version? Absolutely! You can replace the beef with additional beans and veggies.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchiladas Casserole is sure to become a favorite at your table. Its warm flavors and cheesy goodness make it a comfort food classic that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, it’s a simple, satisfying dish that invites second helpings!