How to make Beef Enchilada Casserole
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the onion and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Reduce the heat and add the garlic, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. Add 1 cup of the enchilada sauce, beans, and green chiles. Stir to combine cooking over low heat for a few minutes. Spread a couple of tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Lay 1/4 of the tortillas on the bottom, then spread 1/3 of the beef mixture and 1/4 of each cheese. Repeat these layers two more times. Finally, top with the last layer of flour tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated. Sprinkle with diced avocado, diced tomatoes, minced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro. Let it for 5-10 minutes before slicing so that the casserole is easier to cut.
Recipe Tips for the Best Beef Enchilada Casserole
Both flour and corn tortillas work for this recipe.
You can use canned or jarred enchilada sauce; however, homemade enchilada sauce is highly recommended because of its amazing flavor.
Feel free to swap out the toppings for what your family enjoys most. Other garnishes might include black olives, sour cream, green onions, jalapeno pepper, salsa, or shredded lettuce.
A Mexican cheese blend can be substituted for the cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese.
Pinto beans, navy beans, lentils, or black-eyed peas can be substituted for black beans, although they should all be precooked for this recipe.
Storage and Reheat
This recipe tastes best right out of the oven. That being said, Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, remove the casserole from the refrigerator 40 minutes before reheating to bring it to room temperature, cover the casserole with foil, and place it in a 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave or toaster oven.
How to Freeze Beef Enchilada Casserole
To freeze, first cool completely, then cover with 2 layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove the casserole 40 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature.
If previously baked, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. If not previously baked, cover the pan with foil and place in a 350-degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 cups enchilada sauce
1 can 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed.
1 can 7 ounces diced green chiles drained
12-14 flour or corn tortillas
1 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 avocado peeled seeded diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeno seeded and minced.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole with nonstick cooking spray for ease in cleaning.
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the ground beef is about halfway browned, add the onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Drain any excess grease. Add 1 1/4 cups enchilada sauce, black beans, and green chiles; cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring to combine.
Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer 1/4 of the tortillas on the bottom, then spread 1/3 of the beef mixture, and 1/4 of each cheese. Repeat these layers two more times. Top with the last layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
Toss avocado with lemon juice. Top the casserole with avocado, tomato, cilantro, and jalapeno.
