Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe in just 1h 5m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Beef filling
Sauce
Assembling & topping
Pan prep
Method
Beef filling
- 1
Cook aromatics
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp oil. When hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up with a spoon and cook 6–8 minutes until no longer pink and liquid has mostly evaporated.
- 3
Season and simmer
Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices. Add tomato paste and stir to coat the meat. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and 1 cup broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 6–8 minutes until mixture thickens slightly. If using, stir in chopped cilantro off heat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Sauce
- 4
If your enchilada sauce is very thick, combine sauce and up to 1/4 cup water in a bowl and whisk until smooth and pourable. You want a consistency that will coat tortillas but not be soupy.
Assembling & topping
- 5
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil or spray a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish.
- 6
Layer 1
Spread about 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. Place 4 tortillas in a single layer (you may overlap slightly or tear to fit).
- 7
Add filling and cheese
Spoon half of the beef filling evenly over the tortillas (about half the skillet mixture). Drizzle or spread 3/4 cup enchilada sauce over the beef. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack.
- 8
Layer 2
Repeat: place remaining 4 tortillas in a layer, top with the remaining beef filling, another 3/4 cup enchilada sauce, and the remaining shredded cheeses (1 cup cheddar + 1/2 cup Monterey Jack).
- 9
- 10
Rest and garnish
Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with sliced green onions, pickled or fresh jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream or crema before serving.
Pan prep
- 11
Use the 1 tsp oil to grease the baking dish or spray it before assembling so the casserole doesn't stick and is easier to serve.