Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that the whole family will love? This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is the answer to your cravings! Easy to make, bursting with flavors, and perfect for any dinner occasion, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Follow along with this detailed guide to learn everything you need to know about creating the perfect casserole, from ingredients to presentation. Don’t miss a single step—read on to master this delicious recipe!

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What is a Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas?

A Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a layered Mexican-inspired dish that combines all the classic flavors of enchiladas in a convenient, easy-to-serve casserole form. Instead of rolling each enchilada individually, the ingredients are layered in a baking dish, making it faster and simpler to prepare. The dish features seasoned ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, resulting in a savory, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:

1. 1 pound of ground beef
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 can (15 ounces) of red enchilada sauce
5. 1 can (10 ounces) of diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
7. ½ teaspoon cumin
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
10. 12-15 corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
11. 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, rinsed and drained
12. 1 can (15 ounces) of corn kernels, drained (or 1 cup of frozen corn)
13. ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
14. Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this Beef Enchilada Casserole is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations to customize the dish according to your preferences:

1. Ground Meat Alternatives: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option.
2. Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and adding or omitting green chilies based on your preference.
3. Beans: Swap the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or refried beans for a slightly different texture.
4. Cheese Choices: Feel free to use other types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend to change up the flavors.
5. Add Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a boost of veggies that blend well with the flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing the oven in advance ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.
• Add the diced green chilies (if using) and the can of black beans.
• Pour in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and mix until everything is well combined. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

• In a large baking dish (9x13 inches works best), spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Place a layer of corn tortillas to cover the base.
• Add a layer of the ground beef mixture, followed by a layer of corn kernels and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
• Repeat these layers (tortillas, beef, corn, cheese) until you reach the top of the dish, ending with a final layer of tortillas and cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let it Rest

• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Draining Step: Make sure to drain the fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
2. Overcooking the Beef: Don’t overcook the meat in the skillet as it will continue to cook in the oven, leading to dry meat.
3. Not Enough Sauce: Be generous with the enchilada sauce to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
4. Improper Layering: Ensure even layers for the best texture and flavor distribution.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Cut the casserole into square portions for easy serving.
• Top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a few slices of avocado for a fresh finish.
• Serve with a side of Spanish rice, guacamole, or a light green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Serve the casserole in the baking dish straight from the oven for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Garnish with extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and chopped tomatoes for a colorful touch.
• Arrange the garnishes in a zigzag pattern to create an appealing visual effect.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
3. Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm to keep the texture of the tortillas intact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? A: Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are more traditional and hold up better to the sauce in this casserole.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or additional beans and veggies.

Q: What sides go well with beef enchilada casserole? A: Spanish rice, refried beans, and a simple green salad are all great side dishes that pair beautifully with this casserole.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: As long as you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and enchilada sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is not just a dish—it’s a complete meal that brings the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Its layers of savory beef, hearty beans, tender corn tortillas, and melted cheese create a satisfying experience in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a flavorful, comforting casserole tonight!

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