Beef Enchilada Casserole

Prep 10 min
Total 1 hr 10 min
Ingredients 11
Servings 6

One of the benefits of preparing a casserole is that you have a complete meal in one single dish, and this means less washing post-dinnertime. Yet another plus is that you can prep the hot dish ahead of time. Then, when you're ready to serve, just put it in the oven and you're all set. My favorite is beef enchilada casserole, which I'm sharing with you below. Enchiladas are riquísimas, but they need to be prepped on the spot; so while some are eating, there's always someone in the kitchen dealing with the next batch. With this enchilada casserole, on the other hand, the entire meal is ready at once, and the whole family can eat at the same time. Best of all, it's ready in approximately one hour. It's also affordable, costing only $3-4 per serving. ¡Buen provecho! MORE + LESS -

Ingredients

tablespoon olive oil

lb ground beef

1/2

cup finely chopped onion

garlic cloves, finely chopped

cups canned enchilada sauce, divided

1/2

cup red sauce

corn tortillas

1/2

cup refried beans (optional)

1 1/2

cups of mixed Mexican cheese (with queso quesadilla, asadero, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses)

1/2

cup Mexican or sour cream

3-4 cilantro sprigs

Directions

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1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2

Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the ground beef. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the meat changes color, from pink to brown.
3

Add the onion and garlic, mix and cook for 5 more minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Shut off the stove and let rest.
4

Mix the remaining 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce with the 1/2 cup of red sauce.
5

In the bottom of a heat-resistant casserole dish or pan that can hold about 8 1/2 cups, put 1/3 cup of the enchilada-red sauce mix. Cover with a layer of tortillas.
6

Add some more of the sauce and a layer of refried beans (optional).
7

Add a layer of the ground beef, 1/2 cup of cheese and some of the cream.
8

Cover with a second layer of tortillas, ground beef, another 1/2 cup of cheese and some cream. Add a third layer of tortillas and cover with the remaining red sauce. Add the remaining beef, cheese and cream and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the beef is bubbling.
9

Let cool for 10 minutes.
10

Chop the cilantro and sprinkle it over the top of the casserole. Serve with a salad.

Expert Tips

If you can't find a mix of shredded cheeses, combine mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

Nutrition Information

No nutrition information available for this recipe

More About This Recipe

One of the benefits of preparing a casserole is that you have a complete meal in one single dish, and this means less washing post-dinnertime. Yet another plus is that you can prep the hot dish ahead of time. Then, when you're ready to serve, just put it in the oven and you're all set. My favorite is beef enchilada casserole, which I'm sharing with you below. Enchiladas are riquísimas, but they need to be prepped on the spot; so while some are eating, there's always someone in the kitchen dealing with the next batch. With this enchilada casserole, on the other hand, the entire meal is ready at once, and the whole family can eat at the same time. Best of all, it's ready in approximately one hour. It's also affordable, costing only $3-4 per serving. ¡Buen provecho!