Cheesy, Flavorful Enchilada Casserole: A Fiesta In Your Kitchen!

I have been making this delicious Enchilada Casserole for years and it always gets rave reviews from family and friends. Packed with all of your favorite Mexican flavors, this casserole is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. The layers of cheesy enchiladas, saucy enchilada sauce, and flavorful ground beef combine to create a comforting meal that you’ll want to make again and again. With minimal prep time and easy ingredient swaps, you can easily customize the recipe to make it your own. So let’s get cooking!

Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (10 ounce) cans red enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the chili powder and cumin.
• Add the cooked chicken and black beans to the onion mixture, and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour in half of the red enchilada sauce and spread it evenly over the bottom.
• Layer four of the corn tortillas over the sauce. Spread the chicken and bean mixture over the tortillas.
• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the chicken and bean mixture.
• Place the remaining four tortillas over the enchilada sauce. Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before sprinkling with the fresh cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 375 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Fiber: 5g

What makes an enchilada casserole so special?

An enchilada casserole is special because it combines all of the flavors and textures of traditional enchiladas into one convenient, delicious dish. This easy-to-make dish is packed with protein and fiber from the beans, cheese, and tortillas, making it an ideal meal for busy families. Plus, the combination of enchilada sauce, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips creates a unique flavor experience with every bite.

Enchilada casserole is also unique because it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later. This makes it a great meal for busy weeknights or when you want to save time in the kitchen. Simply pre-assemble the casserole and bake it when needed.

The versatility of enchilada casserole is another reason why it is so special. You can customize the dish to suit your own tastes by adding your favorite ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or even different types of cheese. You can also make the casserole mild or spicy depending on your preferences.

Finally, enchilada casserole is special because it is a crowd pleaser. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish and watch it disappear. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or potluck.

Overall, enchilada casserole is a tasty, convenient, and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone. With its combination of flavors and textures, it is no wonder why this dish has become a family favorite.

What are the health benefits of an enchilada casserole?

Enchilada casserole is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can provide several health benefits.

• The dish is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, providing essential nutrients for good health.
• Protein in the dish helps to build and maintain muscle mass and is important for cell growth and repair.
• The high fiber content of the dish helps to keep the digestive system functioning properly, while also helping to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
• The dish is also high in vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, and vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system.
• Additionally, the dish is low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier alternative to other Mexican dishes that are typically high in saturated fats.
• Finally, the dish is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from the effects of aging and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

What are some tips for creating the perfect enchilada casserole?

Use a combination of ingredients like Mexican-style cheese, black beans, salsa, enchilada sauce, onions, and your favorite meat.

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Spread a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish.
• Layer the ingredients in the dish, starting with the ground beef or turkey, followed by the black beans, onions, salsa, and cheese.
• Top with a layer of enchilada sauce.
• Bake for about 30 minutes.
• Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a delicious, flavorful finish.

What are the essential ingredients for an enchilada casserole?

The essential ingredients for an enchilada casserole include ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and tortillas.

Ground beef is the main protein in an enchilada casserole and should be cooked with diced onion and garlic to develop a flavorful base. Chili powder and cumin are then added to give the dish a southwestern flavor. To complete the sauce, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes are added to the ground beef mixture.

Enchilada sauce is then poured over the mixture, followed by shredded cheese and tortillas. The tortillas provide the structure of the casserole, while the cheese helps to give it a gooey, melted texture.

Once all of the ingredients are in the baking dish, the enchilada casserole is cooked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. After baking, the casserole is ready to be served and enjoyed.

This classic dish is a great meal for a crowd, as it can be made ahead of time and is packed with flavor. With its combination of beef, spices, and cheese, the enchilada casserole is sure to be a hit.

How can one create a flavorful enchilada casserole?

Creating a flavorful enchilada casserole begins with selecting the right ingredients. By selecting bold, flavorful ingredients such as fresh red or green peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, you can create a dish that is both colorful and flavorful. For the enchilada sauce, choose something that is rich in flavor, such as a tomato-based sauce with Mexican spices. Additionally, use a good quality cheese such as Monterey Jack, as this will add creaminess and depth of flavor to the dish.

To further enhance the flavor of the enchilada casserole, you can add additional spices such as chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Additionally, you can add other ingredients such as black beans, corn, and mushrooms. These will create a hearty and filling dish that is sure to please. Finally, before baking the casserole, top it with a generous layer of cheese, which will add a delicious, cheesy finish.

By following these steps, you can create a flavorful enchilada casserole that is sure to be a hit! With a combination of bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and creamy cheese, you can make a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.