Beef Enchilada Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas into a convenient casserole format. This crowd-pleasing recipe features layers of seasoned ground beef, savory enchilada sauce, soft tortillas, and melted cheese, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. The combination of spices, tender beef, and gooey cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Serve it with fresh toppings like cilantro, sour cream, and avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place two tortillas on top of the sauce, overlapping as needed. Spread a third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with a third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of tortillas and the remaining enchilada sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking 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 melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the beef enchilada bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, and sliced avocado if desired.
Enjoy this Beef Enchilada Bake as a delicious and comforting meal that brings all the flavors of enchiladas into an easy-to-prepare casserole, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
