If you love the rich and spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine, then this Beef Enchilada Bake is a must-try! Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce, all baked to perfection. Keep reading to discover how to make this delectable Beef Enchilada Bake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What is Beef Enchilada Bake?
Beef Enchilada Bake is a delicious and comforting casserole that brings the flavors of traditional beef enchiladas to your dinner table in a convenient, layered bake. Instead of individually rolling enchiladas, you simply layer all the ingredients in a baking dish, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. This recipe features seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and plenty of cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Bake
To create this tasty Beef Enchilada Bake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Bake (Continued)
For extra flavor and variation, consider adding the following optional ingredients:
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Substitutions and Variations
This Beef Enchilada Bake is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning mix is gluten-free.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Beef Enchilada Bake is simple with these step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the taco seasoning mix.
- Combine Fillings: Add the black beans, corn, diced green chiles (if using), and half of each enchilada sauce (red and green) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of corn tortillas on top. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of corn tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, and another cup of shredded cheese.
- Top and Bake: Finish with a final layer of corn tortillas, then pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the last cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with 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 melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro before serving.
How to Cook Beef Enchilada Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned and no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Fillings
Add the black beans, corn, and diced green chiles (if using) to the skillet. Pour in half of each enchilada sauce (red and green) and stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of corn tortillas over the sauce. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 5: Repeat Layers
Add another layer of corn tortillas, followed by the remaining beef mixture and another cup of shredded cheese. Continue layering until all the ingredients are used up.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Top the casserole with a final layer of corn tortillas. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the last cup of shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top with dollops of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious Beef Enchilada Bake!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Beef: Ensure you cook the ground beef just until browned. Overcooking can make it dry.
- Soggy Casserole: Drain and rinse the beans and corn well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy.
- Burnt Cheese: Cover the casserole with foil initially to prevent the cheese from burning. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Beef Enchilada Bake look as good as it tastes, consider these serving and presentation tips:
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, or a simple green salad.
- Toppings: Offer additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or extra sour cream on the side.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Bake
Beef Enchilada Bake is perfect as a main course. Serve it hot from the oven with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro make it extra special.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Bake
For an eye-catching presentation, use these ideas:
- Casserole Dish: Bake and serve the enchilada bake in a colorful, decorative casserole dish.
- Individual Portions: Cut the bake into neat squares and serve each portion on a plate, garnished with sour cream and cilantro.
- Layer Visibility: Use a clear glass baking dish to showcase the layers of tortillas, meat, and cheese.
Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef and fresh produce for the best flavor.
- Seasoning: Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and adding more or less taco seasoning.
- Extra Cheese: For a cheesier bake, add an extra cup of shredded cheese on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Beef Enchilada Bake?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?
A: You can substitute enchilada sauce with a homemade sauce or use salsa for a different flavor profile.
Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: To add more heat, use hot enchilada sauce, add diced jalapeños, or increase the amount of chili powder in the beef mixture.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchilada Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich, flavorful layers of seasoned beef, beans, corn, tortillas, and cheese, it's sure to become a family favorite. Follow this guide to create a mouthwatering Beef Enchilada Bake that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
PrintBeef Enchilada Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Beef Enchilada Bake recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a family dinner. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, and cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce and diced green chilies. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the tortillas, half of the beef mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Notes
- For added heat, use spicy enchilada sauce or add jalapeños.
- Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
Leave a Reply