Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: the beef enchilada bake! It’s this glorious, cheesy masterpiece that’s not only bursting with flavor but also super simple to whip up, making it perfect for beginners. I remember the first time I made it; I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be a hit with my family! The layers of tender tortillas, savory beef, and gooey cheese come together so beautifully. Plus, you can have it on the table in under an hour! It’s great for those busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Bake
Gathering your ingredients is the best part, and the beauty of this beef enchilada bake is that it requires just a handful of simple items! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: I usually go for lean ground beef to keep things a bit healthier, but any ground beef works just fine!
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: This is the secret sauce that ties everything together. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your taste!
- 8 corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and give that delightful texture, but feel free to use flour if that’s what you have.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a Mexican blend for extra flavor, but cheddar works great too!
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Onions add a nice sweetness when cooked; I usually use yellow or white onions.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper: Any color works here! I like to use green or red for a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A simple way to get that garlicky flavor without peeling cloves!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This adds a warm, earthy taste that’s iconic in Mexican cuisine.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget these little guys—they can make all the difference!
That’s it! Simple, right? You’ll have everything you need to create this delicious dish!
How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Bake
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this beef enchilada bake! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a cozy meal in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your dish cooks evenly. While your oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready. It’s like setting the stage for a delicious performance!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, grab a skillet and cook that ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it up with a spatula as it cooks! Keep an eye on it, though—overcooking can dry it out. You want it juicy and flavorful!
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add in the chopped onion and bell pepper along with your garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are nice and soft. This step really brings out the flavors, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, lay down 4 corn tortillas on top of that. Next, add half of your beef mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef, and cheese. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce on top, making sure it covers everything. This helps keep the tortillas moist while baking!
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all bubbly and slightly golden. Just let it cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait that long, because it smells so good! And there you have it, a delicious beef enchilada bake that’s sure to impress!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your beef enchilada bake turns out perfectly every time! First, when cooking the ground beef, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This helps it brown evenly instead of steaming. If you find your tortillas are breaking when you layer them, try warming them in the microwave for about 20 seconds—this makes them more pliable! Also, don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce; it keeps the dish moist and flavorful. If you like a little spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef mixture for an extra kick. Lastly, let your bake sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps everything set nicely and makes serving easier. Enjoy the process, and don’t stress too much—it’s all about having fun in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
This beef enchilada bake is not only delicious but also packs a satisfying nutritional punch! Each serving is estimated to contain about 350 calories, with 20g of protein to keep you feeling full. You’ll also get 20g of fat, which includes 10g of saturated fat, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, it has 2g of sugar and 3g of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates, and the actual numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, dig in and enjoy this hearty meal that’s as wholesome as it is tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions
You might have some questions about making this beef enchilada bake, and I’m here to help! Let’s dive into some of the most common ones.
Can I use leftover beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked beef, just skip the browning step and mix it right in with the veggies and spices. It’s a great way to save time!
What if I can’t find enchilada sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing tomato sauce with some chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to mimic that delicious enchilada sauce flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day in advance! Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Is this beef enchilada bake spicy?
It really depends on the enchilada sauce you choose! If you want it spicier, opt for a hot sauce or add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. Otherwise, it’s pretty mild and perfect for everyone!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave, and you’re all set for another delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can create this delicious dish!
- Flavorful: The combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and enchilada sauce packs a punch of flavor that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Make it your own by adding your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch!
- Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy it multiple times!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super simple! Just place any uneaten beef enchilada bake in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy that deliciousness again! When you’re ready to dig in, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, too—just be sure to cover it to keep it from drying out. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
beef enchiladas are a great alternative if you’re looking for something similar!
Beef Enchilada Bake: 5 Irresistible Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious beef enchilada bake that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 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 over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook until vegetables are soft.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 4 tortillas over the sauce, then add half of the beef mixture and half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- 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: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: beef enchilada bake, easy enchiladas, Mexican recipes
