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Savory Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe with Crispy Edges Made Easy

cheesy beef enchilada casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-make beef enchilada casserole with melty cheese and crispy edges, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (240 ml)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (170 g)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (170 g)
  • 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inch / 20 cm)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (2 g)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder (7 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour in 1 cup enchilada sauce and add black beans if using. Simmer for 5 minutes until mixture thickens slightly.
  7. In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
  8. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 2 tortillas on the bottom, slightly overlapping.
  9. Spread one-third of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle a generous handful of cheese blend on top.
  10. Repeat layering two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
  11. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden with crispy edges.
  12. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

For best crispy edges, bake uncovered and optionally broil for a few minutes at the end. Slightly stale tortillas help the casserole hold together better. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasiness. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Let casserole rest before slicing to firm up layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, cheesy casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, crispy edges, ground beef recipe