Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, green chiles, and a rich tomato sauce layered between corn tortillas and topped with melted colby jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines classic enchilada flavors in a convenient casserole format.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small diced yellow onion
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 pound ground beef (can be swapped with ground chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
Casserole Layers
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and minced garlic. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir it in well.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the diced green chiles and black beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture. Layer corn tortillas over the beef mixture, then add more beef mixture, and sprinkle with shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat layering tortillas, beef, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake 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 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version but make sure they are fresh and pliable to prevent cracking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
