Try This Juicy Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering beef enchilada bake sparks excitement in kitchens everywhere.

Layers of savory ingredients come together with minimal effort.

Cheesy, spicy goodness awaits you in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Comfort food meets quick preparation for a delightful dinner solution.

Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Forget complicated recipes – this enchilada bake delivers maximum taste with minimal stress.

Let’s dive into a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Beef Enchilada Bake: Saucy, Cheesy Goodness

• Customize Your Meal: Easily swap ingredients to match family preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly adaptable.
• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Prepare this one-pan wonder quickly with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this beef enchilada bake delivers a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, corn tortillas, and canned beans, providing a delicious dinner without breaking the bank.

Beef Enchilada Bake Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the core of this enchilada bake.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that provides moisture and traditional Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Chili Beans: Adds protein, texture, and a spicy element to the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin: Essential spices that season and elevate the dish's taste.

• Corn Tortillas: The traditional base that holds the enchilada bake together.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, rich topping.

• Cilantro, Sour Cream: Fresh herbs and a cool, creamy addition to complement the baked dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking.

Enchilada Bake Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to prepare for the delicious adventure ahead.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables

Introduce diced bell pepper to the skillet and let it dance around for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Drop in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat.

Step 5: Spice Things Up

• Chili beans
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cumin

Step 6: Create Saucy Magic

Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture and stir until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 8: Build the First Layer

• 6 corn tortillas
• Half of the beef mixture
• Half of the shredded cheese

Step 9: Repeat the Delicious Layers

• Corn tortillas
• Beef mixture
• Cheese

Step 10: Final Sauce Shower

Drizzle the last of the enchilada sauce over the top layer.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes melted and bubbly.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and add a dollop of sour cream if you’d like.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Melty, Cheesy Enchiladas

• Select ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• After cooking ground beef, drain fat completely using a colander to prevent a greasy final texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Adjust ground cumin and add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for more intense flavor and personalized heat level.
• Ensure even distribution of ingredients by spreading tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese carefully to create a well-balanced enchilada bake.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting and serving easier.

Variations on Beef Enchilada Bake

• Vegetarian Bean Enchilada Bake: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat alternative for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the same spicy, hearty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Enchilada Casserole: Swap corn tortillas with thin zucchini slices to create a keto-friendly option that reduces carbohydrate content while keeping the classic enchilada taste.
• Chicken Enchilada Skillet: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that delivers similar textures and southwestern-inspired seasonings.

Enchilada Bake Serving Ideas

• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top chopped green onions for a crisp, zesty crunch that adds brightness to each bite.
• Cooling Companions: Serve alongside fresh guacamole or a light avocado salad to balance the dish's rich, spicy flavors.
• Side Dish Delight: Pair with Mexican-style rice or a simple black bean salad to create a complete, satisfying meal that complements the enchilada bake's hearty profile.
• Tex-Mex Table Setting: Offer warm tortilla chips and salsa on the side for extra texture and a classic southwestern dining experience.

Storing Your Enchilada Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add a splash of extra enchilada sauce to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Are corn tortillas necessary for this recipe?

Yes, corn tortillas provide the authentic Mexican texture and flavor essential to this enchilada bake. They help absorb the sauce and create delicious layered structure.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly to ground beef.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild spice from chili beans and cumin. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce. For less heat, choose a mild chili bean variety.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

While the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, always check your enchilada sauce and chili beans labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

Beef Enchilada Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired beef enchilada bake delivers a spicy symphony of flavors dancing across your plate. Melted cheese, tender beef, and zesty sauce create a comforting meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large bell pepper, any color, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can chili beans
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can red enchilada sauce
• 12 corn tortillas
• 12 ounces (340 grams) Mexican blend shredded cheese
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant over medium heat.
3. Add diced bell pepper and cook until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
5. Drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture.
6. Incorporate chili beans, salt, pepper, and ground cumin, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
7. Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture and mix completely.
8. Create a thin sauce base in a baking dish by spreading some enchilada sauce across the bottom.
9. Construct the first layer by arranging corn tortillas over the sauce, covering the entire surface.
10. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture across the tortillas, ensuring even coverage.
11. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef layer.
12. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
13. Drizzle the final portion of enchilada sauce over the top layer, ensuring complete coverage.
14. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
15. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
16. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving hot.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure crispy, delicious layers.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, leaner protein option.
• Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy enchilada sauce based on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 439 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg