This Beef Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate solution for taco night, delivering all the beloved, robust flavors of traditional enchiladas in a simple, layered format that is remarkably easy to assemble. It captures the very essence of comfort food with its layers of seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and a generous blend of melted cheeses. By deconstructing the classic rolled enchilada, this casserole eliminates the fuss of filling and rolling each tortilla individually, making it an accessible and foolproof dish for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. The result is a hearty, satisfying bake that is deeply savory, wonderfully cheesy, and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.
What truly elevates this casserole from simply great to absolutely exceptional is the vibrant, fresh topping added just before serving. The cool, creamy diced avocado tossed with lemon juice, the bright acidity of the tomato, the fresh punch of cilantro, and the subtle heat from the minced jalapeno create a symphony of textures and flavors that cut through the richness of the baked layers beneath. This contrast is what makes the dish so memorable and complete. As it bakes, the tortillas soften and absorb the savory sauce, becoming tender pockets that hold the flavorful beef and bean mixture together. This casserole is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a practical make-ahead meal, as it can be assembled hours in advance and popped in the oven when needed, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises a delicious and comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- All the Flavor, Half the Work: Enjoy the authentic taste of beef enchiladas without the time-consuming process of rolling and filling each one.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the ground beef and black beans, this is a filling one-dish meal that will keep everyone satisfied.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Easily scalable and perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where you need to feed a hungry group.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble the casserole hours or even a day ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, making dinner prep a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green), divided
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
- 12-14 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup diced tomato
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add the finely chopped onion. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Reduce the heat to low, add the minced garlic, and cook for one more minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Beans
- To the beef mixture in the skillet, add 1 ¼ cups of the enchilada sauce, the drained black beans, and the drained green chiles. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers
- Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Arrange a layer of tortillas to cover the bottom, tearing them as needed to fit. Spread one-third of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle one-quarter of the combined cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef. Repeat these layers two more times: tortillas, beef, cheese. For the final layer, top with the remaining tortillas, spread the remaining ½ cup + 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over them, and finish with the last of the cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese on top to become fully melted and slightly golden.
Step 6: Prepare the Fresh Topping
- While the casserole is baking, place the diced avocado in a small bowl and toss it with the tablespoon of lemon juice. This will prevent the avocado from browning. Combine the diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeno in another bowl.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Just before serving, scatter the fresh avocado, tomato-cilantro-jalapeno mixture evenly over the top. Slice and serve warm.
Tips:
- Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor and texture, but flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier for some palates. For corn tortillas, you can briefly warm them in a dry skillet to make them more pliable before layering.
- Spice Level: Control the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce. The jalapeno in the topping can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Beef Alternative: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Layer Evenly: When assembling, press each layer down gently with a spatula to create a compact casserole that holds together well when sliced.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole (without the fresh topping) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For a larger portion, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes excellently before baking. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Beef Enchilada Casserole is the perfect harmony of hearty, cheesy comfort and bright, fresh flavors. It’s a dependable, delicious, and visually stunning dish that is sure to earn a permanent spot in your family’s recipe collection. Enjoy
