Stacked Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and easy twist on traditional enchiladas. Instead of rolling each enchilada, this recipe layers the ingredients to create a lasagna-like dish that’s packed with bold flavors. With seasoned ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and a savory enchilada sauce, these stacked enchiladas are perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Tips & Notes
• Variations
• FAQs
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened.
5. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. In the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce.
2. Place two tortillas over the sauce, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom.
3. Spread 1/3 of the cooked ground beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by 1/4 of the enchilada sauce and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
4. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
5. If desired, sprinkle the top with diced green chilies and sliced black olives.

Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Let the enchiladas cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Tortillas: Corn tortillas work best for this recipe, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.
• Enchilada Sauce: For a spicier dish, use hot enchilada sauce or add extra chili powder.
• Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese for extra flavor.

Variations

• Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a different protein.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans and corn for a vegetarian option.
• Green Enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a different flavor profile.
• Loaded Enchiladas: Add cooked bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes to the beef mixture for extra veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Enchiladas?

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

3. Can I Freeze Stacked Enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze assembled, unbaked enchiladas. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

4. Can I Use Store-Bought Enchilada Sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought enchilada sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but you can also make your own if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Serve with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Side Dish: Pair with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a side of coleslaw for a lighter accompaniment.

Stacked Beef Enchiladas are a simple and flavorful way to enjoy all the deliciousness of enchiladas without the hassle of rolling each one individually. With layers of tender tortillas, seasoned beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!