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Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Easy Recipe with Red Sauce for Comforting Dinners

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A quick and easy ground beef enchilada casserole layered with tortillas, rich red sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) enchilada sauce
  • 8–10 medium flour tortillas
  • 2 cups (about 200g) shredded Mexican blend cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack or mozzarella)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen flavor.
  5. Pour 1 cup (240ml) of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about ½ cup of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom.
  7. Layer 3-4 tortillas to cover the base (tear slightly if needed). Spoon half the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup (100g) of shredded cheese.
  8. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, remaining beef, and cheese. Top with a final layer of tortillas and the last of the enchilada sauce, then a generous sprinkle of cheese.
  9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots.
  10. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

If sauce is too runny, simmer longer to thicken and avoid soggy layers. For crispier edges, broil for last 2 minutes watching closely. Corn tortillas can be used for gluten-free but toast lightly to prevent sogginess. Variations include using ground turkey, adding jalapeños for spice, or making a vegetarian version with beans or mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, enchilada casserole, red sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/ground-beef-enchilada-casserole-easy-recipe-with-red-sauce-for-comforting-dinners/