Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet scrumptious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week, you’ve landed in the right spot with this baked enchilada casserole. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly beginner-friendly. You can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or even a cozy weekend dinner. The best part? You can customize it to your liking! So, roll up those sleeves and get ready to enjoy a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that anyone can make. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious baked enchilada casserole!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients for your baked enchilada casserole. You’ll find everything you need right here, and don’t worry, they’re all easy to work with!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer, and add in some chopped bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to have fun with it. Enjoy!
How to Prepare Baked Enchilada Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making the baked enchilada casserole! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step, and you’ll have a delicious dish on the table in no time!
Preheating and Preparing Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your casserole to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, go ahead and chop your onion and rinse the black beans. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process a breeze!
Cooking the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet, but leave a little behind for flavor. Then, stir in the black beans, enchilada sauce, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let that simmer for another 2 minutes to meld all those amazing flavors!
Assembling the Casserole
Now it’s time to layer! In a baking dish, lay down 4 corn tortillas, covering the bottom. Next, spoon half of your beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheese on top. For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider adding some diced bell peppers or corn into the layers. It’s all about what you love!
Baking Instructions
Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly—just irresistible! If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the last few minutes. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so everything sets nicely. Trust me; you’ll want to let those flavors mingle just a bit longer!
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked enchilada casserole turns out perfectly, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First, don’t rush the layering process; making sure each layer is even will help everything cook uniformly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try to alternate the direction of the tortillas for added stability—this will keep your casserole from falling apart when you serve it! Also, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check your casserole a few minutes early. You want that cheese perfectly melted, not overdone! Lastly, if you like a little kick, don’t hesitate to add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef mixture. It’s all about making it just right for your taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for each serving of this delicious baked enchilada casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used. But generally, you can expect:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This casserole packs a hearty punch while still being family-friendly! Enjoy every cheesy bite without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! This baked enchilada casserole is super versatile when it comes to meat. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if that’s what you have on hand. Each type of meat will bring its own flavor profile—ground turkey is a bit lighter, while pork can add a nice richness. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as some meats may require a little more or less time in the skillet. It’s all about finding what you love best!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Allow your baked enchilada casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, feel free to freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Easy peasy!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Of course! Making this baked enchilada casserole vegetarian is simple and delicious. You can replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn, or even use lentils or black beans for added protein. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match your taste. You might also want to add some extra cheese or even a layer of spinach for a delightful twist. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors without the meat!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Enchilada Casserole
- Super easy to make, perfect for beginners!
- Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Quick cooking time—on the table in just 45 minutes!
- Versatile: customize with your favorite veggies or meats.
- Great for meal prep, leftovers taste even better the next day!
- A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious baked enchilada casserole ready to go, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more fabulous! I love to serve it with a fresh green salad on the side—something light with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette really complements the richness of the casserole. You might also want to whip up some Mexican-style corn on the cob sprinkled with chili powder and lime—it’s a perfect pairing! If you’re in the mood for something creamy, a side of guacamole or sour cream can add that extra zing. Enjoy every bite!
Make-ahead enchilada casserole is a great option for busy days, allowing you to prepare it in advance and simply bake when ready.
Baked Enchilada Casserole: 5 Simple Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious baked enchilada casserole perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 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, brown the ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat and stir in black beans, enchilada sauce, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer 4 tortillas, half of the beef mixture, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any ground meat you prefer.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Make sure to cover the casserole with foil if it browns too quickly.
- 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: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked enchilada casserole, easy casserole recipe, beginner friendly recipe
