Description
This Enchilada Casserole is a delicious, layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and a gooey Mexican cheese blend, all baked to perfection with rich red enchilada sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s customizable, satisfying, and perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using beef)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Green onions
- Sliced olives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish depending on your preferred casserole thickness.
- Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil if using ground beef. Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of the enchilada sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a layer of tortillas to cover the base. Add a layer of the meat mixture, sprinkle some shredded cheese, and drizzle additional enchilada sauce over the top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is topped generously with cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, and olives to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for quicker preparation.
- Swap red enchilada sauce for green enchilada sauce to vary the flavor profile.
- Add beans or corn to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
- Leftovers store well and reheat easily for convenient meals.
- Use certified gluten-free tortillas and sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
