If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s super easy to whip up, let me introduce you to my ground beef enchilada casserole! This recipe is an absolute lifesaver for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness that everyone will love. I remember the first time I made it; my whole family was gathered around, and we couldn’t get enough of it. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a staple in your home just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, for a healthier option)
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce (choose your favorite brand)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works beautifully)
- 8 corn tortillas (softened slightly for easier layering)
- 1 onion (chopped, adds a sweet flavor to the beef)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that delicious garlicky kick)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (brings in that warm, earthy taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, don’t be shy!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden. Trust me, the smell of it wafting through your kitchen is worth the wait!
Cooking the Beef
Now, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook them together until the beef is nicely browned—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it often to break up the meat. Once it’s done, don’t forget to drain any excess fat! You can use a colander or just tilt the skillet carefully to remove it. No one wants a greasy casserole!
Layering the Casserole
Time to build your masterpiece! Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Then, layer four corn tortillas right over the sauce. Next, spread half of your delicious beef mixture on top of the tortillas, followed by half of the black beans and a third of the cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining tortillas, beef, black beans, and cheese. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle it all with the remaining cheese. Yum!
Baking the Casserole
Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all bubbly and has turned a lovely golden color. Your kitchen will be smelling heavenly, I promise!
Serving Suggestions
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before you dive in. This resting time helps it set up a bit, making it easier to slice. Serve it warm, and watch everyone go back for seconds—it’s just that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This casserole is simple enough for anyone to make, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen!
- Perfect for Beginners: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
- Deliciously Flavorful: Packed with savory beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese, every bite is a flavor explosion.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: This dish brings everyone to the table, and you can easily feed a crowd with just one recipe.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your ground beef enchilada casserole, here are some of my best tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Use Leftover Beef: If you have leftover cooked beef or even rotisserie chicken, feel free to use that instead. It’ll save you time, and the flavors will still shine through!
- Add Extra Veggies: Don’t be afraid to sneak in some extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even diced zucchini. They add great flavor and a nutritious boost!
- Layering is Key: Make sure to spread the ingredients evenly in each layer. This helps every bite be packed with flavor, not just the top layer!
- Let it Rest: After baking, let your casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Customize Your Cheese: While I love a good cheddar or Mexican blend, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick!
With these tips, you’ll be a casserole pro in no time. Enjoy the cooking and the deliciousness that follows!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this scrumptious ground beef enchilada casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal! Enjoy knowing that you’re serving up something wholesome and hearty.
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries about this ground beef enchilada casserole. Let’s dive in!
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast in place of ground beef. It’ll taste just as delicious and is a great way to switch things up!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil!
What can I serve with this dish?
I love serving this casserole with a fresh side salad, some guacamole, or even tortilla chips for crunch! You could also whip up some Mexican-style rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
No problem! You can use flour tortillas instead; just cut them into quarters to layer them properly. They’ll work just fine and still be delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious ground beef enchilada casserole, you’ll probably have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly to keep all that cheesy goodness intact.
First, let the casserole cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cool, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. This will help prevent any drying out or absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it! Just wrap it really well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It’ll stay good in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Now, onto reheating! For those delicious leftovers, you can pop them back in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. Just be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in, heating them in short bursts until warm.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your enchilada casserole just as much on day two as you did on day one!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try this ground beef enchilada casserole as I am! If you give it a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Drop a comment below with your thoughts, questions, or any fun twists you made to the recipe. Did you add extra veggies or a special spice? Share your experiences—let’s inspire each other!
And if you enjoyed this recipe, consider giving it a rating! Your feedback not only helps me but also guides fellow cooks who are looking for delicious meals. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your casserole and share it on social media; tag me so I can see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole: 5 Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious ground beef enchilada casserole that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to combine.
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Layer four corn tortillas over the sauce.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Add half of the black beans and a third of the cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef, black beans, and cheese.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover beef or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for better slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ground beef enchilada casserole, easy casserole, beginner recipe
