Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty and flavorful layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, green chiles, and corn tortillas, all baked with melted colby jack cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it offers a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas by layering ingredients in a casserole format for easy preparation and serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season and Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and flour over the cooked beef mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the flour taste. Add the minced garlic, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Beans and Chiles: Stir in the drained black beans and diced green chiles. Mix evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes to incorporate the flavors. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom. Place a layer of corn tortillas over the beef, slightly overlapping. Spread another layer of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat layers (tortillas, beef mixture, cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey in place of ground beef for a lighter variation.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Use mild, medium, or hot diced green chiles depending on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before assembling.
