Creamy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food with a Tex-Mex Twist

Imagine digging into a warm, bubbly casserole loaded with seasoned beef, black beans, layers of flour tortillas, and rich, melted cheddar cheese. This creamy beef enchilada casserole brings together all the flavors of a classic enchilada in a simple, layered bake that’s easy to make and sure to please.

Photo byRecipe Smooth

I remember the first time I tasted this dish; it was a cozy weekend with family, and it instantly became a favorite. The combination of savory beef, creamy sour cream, and tangy enchilada sauce hits all the right notes, creating a comfort food experience that feels indulgent yet balanced. I’m thrilled to share this recipe here and extend a warm thank you to the Recipe Smooth Facebook group for inspiring this wonderful dish!

Origins of the Enchilada Casserole

Enchiladas have their roots in Mexican cuisine, where they traditionally consist of tortillas filled with various ingredients and topped with sauce. This casserole is a Tex-Mex twist, combining those beloved flavors in an easy-to-assemble format, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It captures the essence of enchiladas but with a convenient layering technique that eliminates the need for rolling each tortilla.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (500g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings: Add the ground beef to the skillet, along with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned, approximately 7-8 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black beans and half of the enchilada sauce. Mix thoroughly, then remove from heat.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining enchilada sauce with the sour cream. This adds a delicious creamy layer to the casserole.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly. Begin with a layer of the beef mixture spread across the bottom, then place two tortillas over it. Add another layer of the beef mixture, followed by a layer of the sour cream and enchilada sauce mixture, and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers (tortillas, beef, sauce, cheese) until you reach the top.
7. Finish with Cheese: On the top layer, add a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for a bubbly, golden crust.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Tips and Pairings

This creamy beef enchilada casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side of Mexican rice or a crisp green salad. For extra toppings, consider adding diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for added heat.

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The layers of flavor, creamy texture, and melty cheese will have everyone asking for seconds!

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