Print

Savory Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole Easy Recipe with Bold Flavors

beef enchilada casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy cheesy beef enchilada casserole with bold spices and layers of gooey cheese and seasoned beef, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8 small (6-inch) or 6 large (8-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your casserole dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  5. Sprinkle in the chipotle powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly, then pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of enchilada sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Place a layer of tortillas to cover the base, overlapping slightly.
  7. Spoon about one-third of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.
  8. Sprinkle about one-third of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef layer.
  9. Repeat the layering: tortillas, beef, cheese. Finish with a last tortilla layer topped with remaining sauce and cheese.
  10. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use corn or gluten-free flour tortillas. To lighten the dish, swap half the cheese for part-skim versions or add black beans for extra protein and fiber. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds if stiff to prevent cracking. Cover casserole with foil during the first bake to retain moisture and remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown cheese. Reduce enchilada sauce if casserole seems too saucy.

Nutrition

Keywords: enchilada casserole, cheesy beef casserole, quick dinner, easy Mexican recipe, ground beef casserole, bold flavors, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/savory-cheesy-beef-enchilada-casserole-easy-recipe-with-bold-flavors/