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BEEF ENCHILADA BAKE Recipe

BEEF ENCHILADA BAKE Recipe

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4.6 from 138 reviews

Beef Enchilada Bake is a comforting, family-friendly casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, bold enchilada sauce, and a generous mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This easy, oven-baked recipe is loaded with vibrant flavors, comes together in under an hour, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy this Mexican-American classic topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a truly crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce & Mix-ins

  • 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

Cheese & Tortilla Layers

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 10 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into halves

For Serving & Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  3. Season and Add Sauce: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla halves to cover the beef, then top with a portion of both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with the remaining cheese as the top layer.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Notes

  • Tortillas: Choose corn tortillas for a traditional flavor or flour tortillas for a softer bite.
  • Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter or different twist.
  • Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to eat.
  • Creamy Variation: Stir 1/2 cup sour cream into the beef mixture for extra creaminess.
  • Green Chile Version: Use green enchilada sauce and add chopped green chilies for a tangy twist.
  • Tex-Mex Style: Add a layer of refried beans for a heartier dish.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or substitute zucchini slices for the tortillas.