Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Introduction

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine to your table. This dish is a twist on the traditional enchiladas, layering corn tortillas with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce to create a comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping. With the richness of the beef, the tangy enchilada sauce, and the gooey melted cheese, this casserole will surely become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s an easy-to-make dish that requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy nights.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Meal prepping for the week
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Mexican cuisine lovers
• Halal-friendly recipes (no pork, bacon, or alcohol)

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Here’s why Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas will be your new go-to recipe:

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef, tortillas, and cheese creates a hearty meal that’s sure to keep you satisfied.
• Packed with Flavor: The rich spices and enchilada sauce infuse the casserole with a deep, savory flavor profile that’s full of Mexican-inspired goodness.
• Simple and Convenient: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, this casserole is quick to assemble and easy to bake.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to your preferences, adding vegetables, beans, or even different types of cheese to suit your taste.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is made without pork, bacon, or any alcohol, making it suitable for those following a Halal diet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the delicious Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas:

• 1 lb ground beef (Halal-certified)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
• 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce (check for Halal certification)
• 10-12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for added heat)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional for extra fiber and texture)
• 1 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of cumin (optional for added flavor)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: The star protein of this dish, providing a rich and savory flavor. You can substitute with lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Corn Tortillas: These form the base of the casserole and provide the traditional texture and taste of enchiladas. Use fresh, soft tortillas for the best results.
• Enchilada Sauce: The tangy and mildly spicy sauce binds the layers together and gives the casserole its signature flavor.
• Cheese: A generous amount of cheese adds creaminess and richness, making each bite irresistible.
• Spices: The taco seasoning and cumin enhance the dish’s depth of flavor, providing the signature taste of Mexican cuisine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas:

Prepare the Casserole Filling

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add Spices and Enchilada Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans (if using), and diced green chilies (if using). Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin (if desired). Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole

5. Layer the Tortillas: Lay 3-4 corn tortillas at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You may need to cut some of them to fit, overlapping the edges slightly.
6. Add the Beef Mixture: Spread a generous portion of the beef mixture over the tortillas, spreading it evenly.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
8. Repeat the Layers: Repeat this layering process (tortillas, beef mixture, cheese) two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

Bake the Casserole

9. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Cool and Rest: Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.

Serve the Casserole

11. Garnish and Serve: Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas can be served in many delicious ways:

• With Rice: Serve the casserole alongside a scoop of Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice for a complete meal.
• With Guacamole: A side of fresh guacamole or salsa makes the perfect accompaniment, adding a creamy and tangy contrast to the casserole.
• With Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple side salad, such as a tangy Mexican street corn salad or a crisp green salad.
• As Leftovers: The casserole reheats well, making it a great meal for leftovers throughout the week.

Additional Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Here are some tips to make your Beef Enchilada Casserole even better:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Tortillas: If you find that your tortillas are overlapping too much, it can lead to uneven cooking. You can always cut them to fit the dish perfectly.
• Let the Casserole Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, try adding sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture.
• Use a Mix of Cheeses: For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add a few slices of jalapeño peppers or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

Recipe Variations of Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Here are 10 variations of Beef Enchilada Casserole that you can try:

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Swap the beef for black beans or a combination of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef for a lighter, yet still delicious, version of the casserole.
• Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole: Substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
• Cheese Enchilada Casserole: Skip the meat entirely and make a cheesy casserole filled with layers of cheese, corn, and beans.
• Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole: Add a layer of refried beans or pinto beans for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Spicy Beef Enchilada Casserole: Add chopped fresh jalapeños or a can of diced green chilies to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Enchilada Casserole: Use low-carb tortillas or even substitute the tortillas with slices of zucchini or eggplant for a keto-friendly version.
• Beef and Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole: Add roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory contrast that pairs beautifully with the beef and enchilada sauce.
• BBQ Beef Enchilada Casserole: Swap the enchilada sauce for barbecue sauce for a fun twist on the traditional recipe.
• Beef and Rice Enchilada Casserole: Add cooked rice to the beef mixture for a heartier, more filling dish.

Freezing and Storage for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.
• Storage: Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Special Equipment for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Here are some helpful tools you may need:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is the standard size for making a full casserole.
• Skillet: A large skillet is essential for browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Use this to grease your baking dish for easy removal.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the casserole while baking to keep it moist, then remove for the last few minutes to brown the cheese.

FAQ Section about Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

1. Can I make this casserole in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, and then bake it when ready.
2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
   While corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that they may soften more during baking.
3. Can I make this casserole spicy?
   Absolutely! You can add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the beef mixture to ramp up the heat.
4. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, ground chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef while still maintaining the flavors of the dish.
5. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free corn tortillas to make this casserole gluten-free.

Print

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a family gathering, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Customizable, delicious, and Halal-friendly, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!