Beef Enchilada Bake

Name: Beef Enchilada Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 can chili beans, drained; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can enchilada sauce (about 10 oz); 10 corn tortillas

Isabella

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Looking for a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s easy to make? Try our mouthwatering Beef Enchilada Bake recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, beans, cheese, and flavorful enchilada sauce, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Follow our simple steps below to create this delicious meal in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 can chili beans, drained

10 corn tortillas

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 can enchilada sauce (about 10 oz)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add Vegetables:
Add the chopped bell pepper and onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Add Beans:
Stir in the drained chili beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Layer Tortillas:
Place a layer of corn tortillas (about 5) in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.

Add Beef Mixture:
Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.

Add Cheese and Sauce:
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, then pour half of the enchilada sauce over the cheese.

Repeat Layers:
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and enchilada sauce.

Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cool and Serve:
Allow the Beef Enchilada Bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy:
Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy your delicious Beef Enchilada Bake!

Serving Tips:

Garnish Creatively: Serve your Beef Enchilada Bake with a variety of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

Side Dish Suggestions: Pair your enchilada bake with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.

Individual Portions: For serving at parties or gatherings, consider cutting the bake into squares or rectangles for easy handling and portion control.

Fresh Accompaniments: Serve alongside fresh salsa or pico de gallo to complement the richness of the dish with a burst of fresh flavors.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing: Beef Enchilada Bake freezes well. To freeze, wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and use within 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Meal Prep: Consider preparing a double batch and freezing half for a convenient future meal. This is ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Avoid Freezer Burn: Ensure all air is removed from packaging before freezing to maintain the integrity of the flavors and textures.

Related Recipes:

Easy Enchilada Pasta

FAQs:

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer. They will yield a slightly different texture and flavor but will work well in this dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, consider using spicy enchilada sauce or adding diced jalapeños or green chilies to the beef mixture. You can also top the bake with hot sauce before serving.

Can I make Beef Enchilada Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd or potluck?

Absolutely! Beef Enchilada Bake is perfect for feeding a crowd. You can easily double the recipe and bake in a larger dish. Cut into squares for easy serving at gatherings or potlucks.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this Beef Enchilada Bake is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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