When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that pack a punch of flavor, nothing beats a warm, cheesy enchilada casserole. This delicious dish combines all the bold and comforting flavors of classic enchiladas but simplifies the process into a casserole, saving you time without sacrificing taste. Perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or even meal prepping for the week, this Cheesy Enchilada Casserole is a versatile meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Why Make Cheesy Enchilada Casserole?
This enchilada casserole is perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of Mexican cuisine but doesn’t want to spend hours preparing individual enchiladas. The combination of tender ground beef, flavorful enchilada sauce, savory black beans, and sweet corn is layered between soft corn tortillas and smothered in melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and rich, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a crowd-pleasing result.
Ingredients with Quantities
Before diving into the step-by-step preparation, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: The base protein for the casserole, adding a hearty and savory flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the ground beef mixture.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce: Provides the dish’s characteristic tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds a soft, creamy texture and extra protein.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained: Provides sweetness and crunch to balance the savory elements.
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters: The starchy layer that holds everything together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, bold cheesiness.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Enhances the Mexican flavors with earthy warmth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and sharpness to the dish.
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, diced tomatoes (these toppings add freshness and texture when served).
Directions and Preparation Method
This Cheesy Enchilada Casserole is incredibly straightforward to prepare, with only a few simple steps to achieve the perfect, flavorful dish. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to give your oven time to reach the desired temperature before baking so that the casserole cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the onion softens and becomes translucent while cooking alongside the beef. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
Once the beef and onion are cooked, stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The mixture should become thick and aromatic.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the quartered corn tortillas across the bottom. These tortillas will act as a base and absorb some of the sauce, giving the dish its signature casserole texture.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
After placing the tortillas, spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This layering ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and cheesy goodness. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese to create a second layer.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil to help the casserole cook evenly without drying out. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Cheesy Enchilada Casserole with your favorite toppings. Popular options include a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, or fresh diced tomatoes. These toppings add freshness and a burst of flavor to each serving.
FAQs
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Enchilada Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe, or bake directly from frozen by adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Certainly! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter version. The flavor will remain delicious, and you can still follow the same preparation steps.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
Cheesy Enchilada Casserole is a hearty and filling dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with side dishes such as Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or refried beans. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
To add some heat to your casserole, you can stir in a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the ground beef. You could also use a spicier enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of black beans or add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a similar texture.
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, but you can get creative with your cheese choices. A blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack will add a bit of spice, while a Mexican cheese blend will create an authentic flavor. The key is to use cheeses that melt well for a gooey, satisfying texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Enchilada Casserole is a quick and easy recipe that delivers all the bold flavors of traditional enchiladas with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing dinner for your family, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients like ground beef, black beans, and corn tortillas, you can whip up this comforting dish in under an hour.
This casserole is versatile and adaptable to your preferences, whether you like it mild or spicy, meaty or vegetarian. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and freezing, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.