Layered Beef Enchilada Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups of your favorite enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
- 12–14 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup diced fresh tomato
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
Directions:
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. When it’s halfway done, stir in the onion and cook until the meat is fully browned and the onion is tender. Lower the heat, add the minced garlic, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix in Sauces and Beans: Stir 1 ¼ cups of the enchilada sauce into the skillet along with the black beans and green chiles. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until everything is well combined.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of tortillas, cutting them as necessary to cover the space. Over the tortillas, evenly spread a third of the beef mixture followed by a layer of both cheeses, using a quarter of each cheese. Repeat these layers two more times.
- Final Layers: Finish with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and sprinkle the last of the cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole has heated through. For a golden top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the casserole bakes, toss the diced avocado with lemon juice.
- Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before topping with the avocado, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño. Serve warm.
Dive into this comforting and hearty Layered Beef Enchilada Bake, brimming with flavors from the savory beef and bean mixture, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s a perfect dish for any gathering or a family dinner that everyone will enjoy.