Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish that layers tender ground beef seasoned with cumin and chili powder, black beans, corn tortillas, and melted colby jack cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole combines Mexican spices and convenient ingredients for an easy baked meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef (can be swapped with ground chicken)
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small diced yellow onion (divided into two parts)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus 1/2 teaspoon salt for beef)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add flour and liquids: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked beef and stir to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then add diced green chiles and black beans. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Preheat oven and prepare casserole dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the casserole: Begin with a layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the dish. Top with a layer of corn tortillas, overlapping as needed. Sprinkle a layer of shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat layering the beef mixture, tortillas, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm as a hearty main dish.
Notes
- Ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free corn tortillas and flour if you require a gluten-free casserole.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- You can substitute the colby jack cheese with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
