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Enchilada Casserole

Enchilada Casserole

A quick and flavorful Enchilada Casserole layering tender tortillas, savory seasoned meat or protein alternatives, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for families and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or chicken (can substitute black beans or veggies for vegetarian)
  • 810 flour or corn tortillas
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup corn
  • 1/2 cup black beans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Sauté chopped onions and garlic in a skillet until fragrant. Add ground beef or your choice of protein, then season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned. Stir in enchilada sauce along with any optional vegetables and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes.
  2. Assemble the Layers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom. Layer tortillas evenly across the base, then dollop with filling and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat the tortilla, filling, and cheese layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
  3. Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbling. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before cutting to keep layers intact.

Notes

  • Lightly warm tortillas before assembling to prevent soggy, mushy layers.
  • Drain excess liquid from cooked meat to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Distribute filling and cheese evenly to ensure consistent taste in every bite.
  • Allow casserole to rest after baking to make slicing easier and cleaner.

Nutrition

Keywords: enchilada casserole, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, baked enchiladas, comforting meal, cheesy casserole