The Art of Ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole Perfection

Perfect Beef Seasoning Mastery

Master the technique of properly seasoning and browning ground beef for maximum flavor development.

Enchilada Sauce Excellence

Learn the skill of creating smooth, flavorful homemade enchilada sauce from scratch.

Layering Technique Perfection

Perfect the method of creating even, stable layers for optimal texture and presentation.

Cheese Melting Strategy

Master the art of achieving perfectly melted, golden cheese throughout the casserole.

Assembly and Baking

Learn optimal timing and temperature techniques for perfectly cooked, set casserole.

Mexican Casserole Mastery Secrets for Perfect Beef Enchilada Layers

Beef Quality: Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture balance.

Tortilla Prep: Warm tortillas slightly before layering to prevent cracking and make them more pliable.

Sauce Consistency: Make sure enchilada sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon but not too thick.

Cheese Distribution: Save some cheese for the top layer to achieve that perfect golden, bubbly finish.

Resting Time: Allow casserole to rest after baking so layers set and cutting is easier.

Make Ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole with Melted Cheese and Homemade Sauce

Name: Ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole with Melted Cheese and Homemade Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Beef Filling:; 2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; For the Enchilada Sauce:; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; For the Casserole Layers:; 12 corn tortillas; 3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; For the Fresh Toppings:; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1 lime, cut into wedges

The ultimate beef enchilada casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, layers of corn tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese. This hearty Mexican-inspired comfort food masterpiece combines tender spiced beef with authentic flavors, creating a satisfying family dinner that brings together the convenience of a casserole with all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas, perfect for weeknight dinners, potluck gatherings, or any time you crave bold, comforting Mexican cuisine.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

60 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Beef Filling:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1 large yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Enchilada Sauce:

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups beef broth

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

For the Casserole Layers:

12 corn tortillas

3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Fresh Toppings:

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

1 avocado, diced

1 lime, cut into wedges

For the Seasoning Mix:

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Assembly:

Cooking spray

Aluminum foil

For Special Equipment:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large skillet

Medium saucepan

Whisk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and spray 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned completely.

Season beef with cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Drain excess fat from beef mixture and set aside to cool slightly.

For enchilada sauce, heat vegetable oil in medium saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a light roux.

Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne, whisking constantly.

Gradually whisk in beef broth and tomato paste until smooth.

Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Season enchilada sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in bottom of prepared baking dish.

Layer 6 corn tortillas over sauce, overlapping slightly to cover bottom.

Spread half of beef mixture over tortillas evenly.

Sprinkle half of diced green chiles and black beans over beef.

Pour 1 cup enchilada sauce over the beef layer.

Sprinkle 1 cup Mexican cheese blend over sauce layer.

Repeat layering with remaining tortillas, beef, chiles, beans, and sauce.

Top with remaining Mexican cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set properly.

Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, green onions, avocado, and lime wedges.

Ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole with Melted Cheese and Homemade Sauce

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole Perfection

Ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole with Melted Cheese and Homemade Sauce

Ingredients

Instructions