Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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### **How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole:**

#### **Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef**

Start by heating a **large skillet** over medium heat and adding a tablespoon of **olive oil**. Once hot, add the **chopped onion** and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the **ground beef** to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked.

Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease, and stir in the **enchilada seasoning packet** (or your homemade seasoning mix). Add the **diced green chilies** and **tomatoes**, and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors. Pour in about half of the **enchilada sauce** and stir to coat everything evenly.

#### **Step 2: Assemble the Casserole**

Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. While the oven heats up, start assembling the casserole in a **9×13-inch baking dish**. Begin by placing a layer of **corn tortilla strips** on the bottom of the dish.

Spoon about one-third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then spread out a generous layer of shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layering process—another layer of tortilla strips, followed by beef and cheese—until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.

#### **Step 3: Bake the Casserole**

Once your casserole is fully assembled, pour the remaining **enchilada sauce** over the top and spread it evenly. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for **20-25 minutes**.

After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **10 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

#### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

Once your Beef Enchilada Casserole is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes to set. Serve with a dollop of **sour cream** and a sprinkle of **fresh cilantro** for added freshness and flavor. You can also serve this dish with a side of **Mexican rice**, **refried beans**, or a simple **salad**.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole:**

1. **Make it Spicy or Mild**: Adjust the heat level by choosing a mild or spicy enchilada sauce. If you like things hot, add some extra **jalapeños** or a splash of **hot sauce** to the beef mixture.

2. **Use Leftover Meat**: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover **shredded chicken**, **beef**, or even **pulled pork**. Simply substitute it for the ground beef and follow the same steps.

3. **Add Veggies**: Want to sneak in more veggies? Add **corn**, **black beans**, or **chopped bell peppers** into the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. **Make it Ahead of Time**: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

5. **Vegan or Vegetarian Version**: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with **black beans**, **chopped mushrooms**, or a veggie-based meat substitute. You can also use **dairy-free cheese** to make it vegan-friendly.

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### **Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for More:**

Beef Enchilada Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility—one dish, lots of flavor, and endless possibilities for customization.

Plus, it’s the kind of meal that just gets better with time. Leftovers? Absolutely. The flavors meld together beautifully the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or a tasty lunch the next day.

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### **Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic**

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, cheesy, and filling meal that doesn’t take a lot of effort, look no further than Beef Enchilada Casserole. This dish has all the savory flavors of traditional enchiladas but in a much simpler and more convenient form. Layered with seasoned beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect recipe to add to your regular dinner rotation.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to dig into this crowd-pleasing casserole that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

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**What’s your favorite way to enjoy enchiladas?** Let us know in the comments! 🌮 #BeefEnchiladaCasserole #ComfortFood #EasyDinner #MexicanCuisine

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