Cheesy Beef & Enchilada Layer Bake
Savor the flavors of this delicious Cheesy Beef & Enchilada Layer Bake, a comforting, one-dish meal that combines the bold tastes of enchiladas with the ease of a casserole. Juicy ground beef is sautéed with onions, then combined with zesty enchilada sauce, creamy soups, and aromatic chilies. Layered with crunchy tortilla chips and topped with melted cheese and olives, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream or fresh cilantro, for an extra touch of flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (sautéed with beef)
red enchilada sauce
1 (10 ounce) can (added to the beef mixture)
condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (added to the beef mixture)
condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (added to the beef mixture)
milk
1 cup (added to the beef mixture)
chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (added to the beef mixture)
small garlic clove, minced
1 (added to the beef mixture)
tortilla chips, coarsely crumbled
1 (7-8 ounce) bag (layered in the casserole)
grated cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
8 ounces (sprinkled on top)
sliced ripe olives
1 (4 ounce) can (sprinkled on top)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef & Enchilada Layer Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish casserole that layers seasoned ground beef with enchilada sauce, creamy soups, and crunchy tortilla chips, topped with melted cheese.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef, which should be browned before assembling the bake.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of chopped onion and sauté it along with the ground beef until softened.
What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?
The recipe specifies one 10-ounce can of red enchilada sauce for the classic flavor profile.
Why does the recipe use both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup?
The combination of both condensed soups creates a rich, savory, and creamy base that complements the spices in the enchilada sauce.
Can I make this dish without the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute it with an extra can of cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup.
What is the purpose of adding milk to the beef mixture?
One cup of milk is added to help thin the condensed soups and create a smooth, pourable sauce for the layers.
Are the chopped green chilies spicy?
Canned green chilies are generally mild and add flavor rather than intense heat, but you can choose 'hot' varieties if you want more spice.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires one small garlic clove, finely minced, to be added to the beef mixture.
What kind of tortilla chips are best for layering?
Any standard corn tortilla chips will work; you should coarsely crumble them so they form a textured layer in the casserole.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of grated cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend to sprinkle on top.
Are the olives mandatory?
No, the sliced ripe olives are a topping; you can omit them if you are not a fan of olives.
How do I layer the Cheesy Beef & Enchilada Bake?
Generally, you layer the crumbled chips in the bottom of a casserole dish, followed by the beef and sauce mixture, and finally the cheese and olives.
Can I add extra vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly! Corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers would make excellent additions to the beef mixture.
What are the best toppings to serve with this dish?
Common toppings include sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
Is this recipe considered a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it uses canned staples and pre-cooked beef, it is designed for ease and convenience.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture in advance, but it is best to layer the chips just before baking to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
You can freeze the beef mixture separately, but the fully assembled dish with chips may change texture significantly upon thawing and reheating.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains condensed soups which often have flour. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free certified soups and chips.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9x13 inch or 2-quart baking dish typically works best for this volume of ingredients.
Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?
Yes, you can swap for green enchilada sauce for a tangier, tomatillo-based flavor profile.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe generally serves 6 to 8 people depending on the portion size.
What side dishes go well with this bake?
A simple side salad, Spanish rice, or refried beans complement the flavors of the enchilada bake perfectly.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced?
The recipe calls for minced garlic; using fresh cloves that you mince yourself will provide the best flavor.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the mild flavors, melted cheese, and crunchy chips make it a favorite for children.
Can I make this spicier?
To increase the heat, add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
It is recommended to lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the cheese and chips from sticking.