Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce layered with corn tortillas and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family meal or gathering, it offers a delightful Tex-Mex twist baked to perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz red enchilada sauce
- 4 oz diced green chilies
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can corn, drained
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Spices: Stir in the red enchilada sauce, diced green chilies, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Layer Tortillas: Arrange a layer of corn tortillas evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a base for the casserole.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the prepared beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, spreading it to cover.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of corn tortillas followed by the remaining beef mixture, and then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious beef enchilada casserole.
Notes
- For extra spice, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Use gluten-free corn tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Black beans can be substituted with pinto beans for a different flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
