Beef Enchilada Bake: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Dinner

Beef Enchilada Bake: Imagine sinking your fork into layers of savory, seasoned ground beef, smothered in a rich, homemade enchilada sauce, all nestled between soft tortillas and bubbling, melted cheese. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? This isn’t just dinner; it’s a fiesta in a pan, a comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Enchiladas, with their roots deep in Mexican culinary history, have evolved over centuries. From simple corn tortillas dipped in chili sauce to the complex, layered dishes we know today, they represent a celebration of flavor and community. Our Beef Enchilada Bake takes the essence of traditional enchiladas and transforms it into an easy-to-assemble casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

What’s not to love? The combination of tender beef, zesty sauce, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, this bake is incredibly versatile. You can customize the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, and even use different types of cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and convenient, making it a winner in my book. Get ready to experience the magic of a Beef Enchilada Bake that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 2 (10 ounce) cans red enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes

Preparing the Beef Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be tender and slightly translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for developing a rich and flavorful filling. The longer it simmers, the better the taste!
7. Taste the filling and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder depending on your preference.

Assembling the Enchilada Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the enchilada bake from sticking to the bottom.
3. Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to create a thin layer. This will help keep the tortillas from drying out and add flavor to the bottom layer.
4. Warm the corn tortillas. This step is important to prevent the tortillas from cracking when you roll or layer them. You can warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, or in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side.
5. Begin layering the enchilada bake. Dip each tortilla in the remaining enchilada sauce, coating both sides.
6. Place 5 of the tortillas in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish. You may need to cut or tear the tortillas to fit snugly and cover the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly.
7. Spread half of the beef filling evenly over the tortillas. Make sure to distribute it evenly so that every bite is flavorful.
8. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef filling. This will create a cheesy layer that binds the ingredients together.
9. Repeat the layers: Dip the remaining 5 tortillas in the enchilada sauce and layer them over the cheese. Spread the remaining beef filling over the tortillas, and then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Baking the Enchilada Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and ensure that the enchilada bake is heated through.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchilada bake is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
4. Let the enchilada bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to cut and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes. A side of Mexican rice and refried beans would also be a great addition to the meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef filling for extra heat. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Use different protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or shredded chicken for a lighter option. You can also use vegetarian crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the beef filling, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Make it ahead: The enchilada bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing instructions: Assemble the enchilada bake in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Beef Enchilada Bake!

Conclusion:

This Beef Enchilada Bake is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, this is it. We’ve taken all the best parts of traditional enchiladas – the savory beef, the melty cheese, the tangy sauce – and streamlined the process into a simple bake that anyone can master. Forget meticulously rolling individual enchiladas; this recipe lets you enjoy all the deliciousness with a fraction of the effort.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution. It’s quick to assemble, requires minimal cleanup, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds! Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Don’t have ground beef on hand? Ground turkey or shredded chicken work beautifully. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or use a spicier enchilada sauce. The possibilities are truly endless.

But the real magic lies in the layers of flavor. The seasoned beef, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, provides a hearty and savory base. The corn tortillas add a subtle sweetness and satisfying texture. And the generous blanket of melted cheese? Well, that’s just pure comfort food bliss. It all comes together in a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more.

Speaking of serving, this Beef Enchilada Bake is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and tangy contrast to the richness of the bake. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness. And a side of guacamole and tortilla chips completes the fiesta! For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad.

Looking for variations? Try adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra fiber and flavor. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with seasoned lentils or crumbled tofu. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of enchilada sauce, such as green chile sauce or mole.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how your Beef Enchilada Bake turned out, what variations you tried, and what your family thought. Leave a comment below and let me know! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your enchilada adventures.

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