Easy Mexican Enchilada Layer Bake
Enjoy all the rich and zesty flavors of traditional Mexican enchiladas without the hassle of rolling and filling. This Easy Mexican Enchilada Layer Bake layers seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, black beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese between soft corn tortillas, creating a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Topped with fresh tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of crunchy tortilla chips, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It's simple to make and can be customized to suit your taste—add more spices, extra vegetables, or your favorite toppings for a delicious twist!
8
Servings
350
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1.5 lbs (browned)
onion
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (seeded and diced)
fresh minced garlic
1-2 tablespoons (minced)
jalapeno pepper
1 large (seeded and finely chopped (optional))
cumin
2-4 teaspoons (to taste)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
red enchilada sauce
2 (10 ounce) cans
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and well drained)
frozen corn
2 cups
corn tortillas
9
Mexican blend cheese
2 cups (shredded, divided)
plum tomatoes
2 (finely chopped)
sour cream
to taste (for serving)
green onion
to taste (for garnish)
tortilla chips
to taste (coarsely crushed, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using). Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in one can of red enchilada sauce, rinsed black beans, frozen corn, and cumin to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5
Arrange 3 corn tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, cutting them as needed to cover the base.
6
Spread 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce over the tortillas, then layer with 1/3 of the meat mixture followed by 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
7
Repeat the layering process two more times, leaving off the final cheese layer.
8
Drizzle any remaining enchilada sauce from the second can over the top of the casserole.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle more cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Allow the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
12
Serve with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
25g
Carbs
21.88g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Easy Mexican Enchilada Layer Bake?
It is a casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and cheese between corn tortillas for a simple alternative to rolled enchiladas.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of meat is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
What size baking dish is needed?
An 11 x 7-inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
How many corn tortillas are required?
You will need 9 corn tortillas for the layering process.
What vegetables are included in the meat mixture?
The meat mixture includes onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and an optional jalapeno pepper.
Is the jalapeno pepper mandatory?
No, the jalapeno pepper is optional and can be seeded and finely chopped based on your heat preference.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
The meat mixture should simmer for 20-25 minutes after adding the sauce, beans, and corn.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this bake?
A Mexican blend cheese is recommended, specifically 2 cups shredded and divided.
How much enchilada sauce is needed?
The recipe requires two 10-ounce cans of red enchilada sauce.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil before assembling.
How do I prepare the black beans?
Use one 15-ounce can of black beans that has been rinsed and well-drained.
What type of corn should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of frozen corn.
How many layers of tortillas are in the casserole?
The casserole is built in three layers of tortillas and meat mixture.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes of baking.
When do I add the final layer of cheese?
Remove the foil after 25 minutes, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake for another 5 minutes.
How long should the casserole rest after coming out of the oven?
Allow the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing to let it set.
What are the nutritional details per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 18.75g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 21.88g of protein.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Suggested toppings include sour cream, chopped plum tomatoes, sliced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can customize the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute if preferred.
How much cumin is used for seasoning?
The recipe suggests 2-4 teaspoons of cumin, added to taste.
Are flour tortillas a good substitute for corn tortillas?
While the recipe specifies corn tortillas for texture, flour tortillas can be used but may result in a softer consistency.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because it avoids the rolling process of traditional enchiladas.
Can I add extra spices to the meat?
Absolutely, the description mentions you can add more spices or extra vegetables to suit your taste.
How do I prevent the beef from being too greasy?
Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
What color enchilada sauce is used?
The recipe specifically calls for red enchilada sauce.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a mouthwatering dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
How should I cut the tortillas for the dish?
Cut the corn tortillas as needed to ensure they cover the base of the 11 x 7-inch dish completely.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The provided data does not list a specific fiber count, but it includes black beans and corn which are natural sources of fiber.