Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, and diced green chiles layered between corn tortillas and topped with melted colby jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it delivers the bold flavors of classic enchiladas in an easy-to-make casserole form, baked to golden perfection in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small diced yellow onion (divided into two parts)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 pound ground beef (can be swapped with ground chicken)
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for onion sauté)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for beef mixture)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Other Ingredients
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté 1/2 of the diced yellow onion with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste, then slowly stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth. Simmer the sauce mixture for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Beans and Chiles: Stir in the drained black beans, diced green chiles, and the remaining diced yellow onion. Allow the mixture to warm through and flavors to combine for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture, then layer with corn tortillas and a generous sprinkle of shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Use corn tortillas for an authentic texture and flavor, and for gluten sensitivity.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Adding a topping of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños can enhance flavor when serving.
