Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

A beef enchilada casserole is a baked dish that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas, but without the fuss of rolling individual enchiladas. It’s a layered, lasagna-style meal featuring ground beef, cheese, enchilada sauce, and corn tortillas. This casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight, potluck, or casual dinner party.

Now, let's dive into the ingredients you'll need and the step-by-step process to make this hearty, cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas.

Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef – Ground beef is the base of this recipe, adding a rich, savory flavor. You can opt for lean beef or regular, depending on your preference.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Onion provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to balance the richness of the beef.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a fragrant and slightly spicy note to the dish.
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce – This is the key sauce that brings all the flavors together. Feel free to use mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice tolerance.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained – Tomatoes add texture and freshness to the casserole. Draining them prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – Black beans are not only nutritious but provide heartiness and additional protein to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – A quintessential spice in Mexican cuisine, cumin provides earthy warmth to the casserole.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Chili powder brings a little heat and adds complexity to the seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors of the dish.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a hint of spice and sharpness.
• 8 corn tortillas – These are the "layers" in your enchilada casserole, adding texture and a slightly chewy bite. Corn tortillas hold up well under baking and provide that authentic enchilada flavor.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and richness to the casserole.
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Monterey Jack is creamy and melts beautifully, balancing out the sharper cheddar cheese.
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor when sprinkled over the finished dish.

Substitutions and Variations

• Meat Variations: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like tofu crumbles or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to mix things up with different cheeses. Pepper Jack cheese adds an extra kick, or you could even use a Mexican cheese blend for more authenticity.
• Beans: Instead of black beans, try pinto beans or even refried beans for a different texture and taste.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used in place of corn tortillas, though the texture will be a bit different. Corn tortillas maintain a firmer texture after baking.
• Enchilada Sauce: You can easily make your own enchilada sauce from scratch, or try using a green enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent sticking and make serving easier later.
2. Cook the Beef and Veggies: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 more minutes.
3. Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and rinsed black beans. Stir to combine everything thoroughly, then remove the skillet from heat.
5. Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place 4 corn tortillas over the sauce. You may need to tear some tortillas to fit the dish perfectly.
6. Assemble the Filling: Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Pour about ⅓ of the enchilada sauce over the top.
7. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of 4 tortillas, followed by the rest of the beef mixture, the remaining cheese, and more enchilada sauce.
8. Top It Off: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the casserole, ensuring everything is well-coated.
9. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Beef: Make sure not to overcook the ground beef. Cooking it too long can make it tough and chewy, which is not ideal for a casserole.
• Skipping the Drain: Always drain the diced tomatoes and rinse the black beans. Too much liquid can make your casserole soggy.
• Forgetting the Sauce: Be generous with the enchilada sauce, as it's what makes the dish flavorful and moist. Skimping on the sauce could lead to a dry casserole.
• Overloading with Tortillas: Too many tortillas can overwhelm the dish and make it too dense. Stick to the recipe's quantity for best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To serve your Beef Enchilada Casserole in style, cut the casserole into squares and place each serving on a decorative plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh green salad.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Toppings: Enhance your servings with some fun toppings like diced avocados, fresh jalapeños, sour cream, chopped green onions, or salsa.
• Side Dishes: Serve your casserole with sides like refried beans, Mexican street corn, or tortilla chips with queso. These sides complement the flavors of the casserole beautifully.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Color Contrast: Use fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco on top of your casserole for a pop of color and an extra layer of texture.
• Garnish Plates: Serve the casserole alongside a wedge of lime or a small pile of pickled jalapeños for an eye-catching presentation.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 10 minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Double the Recipe: If you're cooking for a crowd, simply double the recipe and bake in two casserole dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole spicier?
A: Yes! You can add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, use a spicier enchilada sauce, or sprinkle in extra chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Absolutely, but keep in mind that flour tortillas tend to absorb more moisture, so the texture might be softer compared to using corn tortillas.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly shredded cheese from a block will melt better and create a creamier texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is the perfect weeknight meal that brings together the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine in a convenient, easy-to-assemble dish. Whether you're making it for a quick family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite sides!

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