Dive Into Flavorful Bliss with Beef Enchilada Casserole
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe! This hearty and satisfying dish combines layers of seasoned ground beef, savory enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and zesty toppings for a fiesta of flavors that will delight your senses. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving a comforting family meal, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Join us as we guide you through the steps of creating this delicious dish, along with tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
- 12-14 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, and diced green chiles. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the surface.
- Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- While the casserole is baking, prepare the avocado topping by tossing diced avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with diced tomato, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeno, and the prepared avocado topping.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Tortilla Options: Feel free to use either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
- Customize with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Sliced black olives, diced red onion, sour cream, or sliced jalapenos are all delicious options.
- Make It Spicy: Amp up the heat by adding extra diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a delicious alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just cook it as you would the beef, seasoning to taste.
Q: Is this dish suitable for a keto or low-carb diet? A: While this recipe contains beans and tortillas, which may not be suitable for strict keto or low-carb diets, you can make adjustments to create a keto-friendly version. Substitute the beans with additional vegetables such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, and use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Substitutions: For a keto-friendly version, omit the beans and use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps. You can also reduce the amount of onion to lower the carb content.
- Low-Carb Tortillas: Look for low-carb tortillas made with almond flour or coconut flour, or use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a lighter option.
Elevate your dinner table with the bold flavors of our Beef Enchilada Casserole. With its layers of savory beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests at a casual gathering, it’s sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex heaven with this delicious casserole!