Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

In the bustling world of weeknight cooking, everyone looks for that perfect blend of simplicity and delectability. Enter the Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole—a comforting, flavor-packed meal that answers all your dinner dilemmas with ease. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of traditional enchiladas and transforms them into a no-fuss casserole that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

With layers of tender ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, each bite of this casserole offers a delightful taste of the Southwest. The addition of black beans and green chiles introduces a hearty texture and a zesty flair, making every forkful exciting. Smothered between soft corn tortillas and a generous sprinkle of melted cheese, this dish brings together all the essential elements of a great enchilada without the hassle of rolling each one by hand.

Whether you’re a busy parent juggling multiple schedules or a cooking novice looking to impress, this ground beef enchilada casserole is your ticket to a stress-free, delicious meal. Just assemble the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm, inviting dinner that feels like a hug in a dish.

Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe:

Category	Details
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6-8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent.

3. Add Flavor: Stir in the black beans, half of the enchilada sauce, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

4. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the enchilada sauce to cover the bottom. Layer half of the tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them as necessary. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, and then sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese.

5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Tips and Tricks

Layering Technique: To ensure even distribution of ingredients, layer the tortillas by overlapping them slightly. This prevents gaps and creates a more cohesive casserole.

Drain the Fat: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off the excess fat. This keeps the casserole from becoming too greasy and helps the flavors shine through.

Enhance the Sauce: Add a personal touch to the enchilada sauce by mixing in some of your favorite spices, such as smoked paprika or a bit of chipotle powder, for a deeper flavor profile.

Cheese Matters: For the best melting and flavor, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.

Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.

Variations

Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat alternative to cater to different dietary preferences.

Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, corn, or diced bell peppers with the beef layer for added nutrition and color.

Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicy enchilada sauce.

Low Carb Option: Replace the corn tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini for a lower-carb version of this casserole.

Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheeses for topping, such as pepper jack for a spicy touch or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

This Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole offers a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish, transforming it into a convenient and hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its layers of flavorful beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a dish that can be reheated throughout the week, this casserole will not disappoint. Try it tonight and see why it’s set to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!