Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake?
It is a casserole-style dish featuring ground beef, enchilada sauce, and cream of mushroom soup layered with tortillas and cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What temperature do I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use a meat other than beef?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or other protein alternatives.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories, 20g of fat, 42g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
What kind of tortillas are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 corn tortillas (8-inch), cut into bite-size pieces.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While corn tortillas are traditional for this bake, you can substitute flour tortillas if preferred.
What kind of beans are included?
You can use one can of refried, pinto, or black beans.
Is rice an ingredient in this dish?
One cup of precooked white rice is an optional ingredient you can add to the mixture.
What kind of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one can of cream of mushroom soup, either regular or fat-free.
How do I prepare the beef and onions?
Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is cooked and onions are soft.
How long should the sauce mixture simmer?
Simmer the mixture of beef, beans, olives, corn, and sauces for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pan?
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, then layer half the tortillas, half the sauce, and half the cheese, repeating once more.
How long do I bake the casserole?
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Why should I spread sauce on the bottom of the dish?
Spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom prevents the tortillas from sticking to the baking dish.
What are some recommended garnishes?
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions for extra freshness.
Is the corn used fresh or frozen?
You should use 1 cup of frozen corn or Mexican-style corn.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can choose hot or mild enchilada sauce and your preferred level of spiciness for the picante sauce.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy, one-dish recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
What kind of olives are used in the bake?
Use one 4-ounce can of sliced black olives.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to keep it moist.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is done when the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is golden brown.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground beef.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, the recipe is easy to customize based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences.
How much picante sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of picante sauce.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It features savory beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and a creamy texture from the mushroom soup and melted cheese.