Savory Beef Enchilada Bake
This Savory Beef Enchilada Bake is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, perfect for busy families looking for an easy yet satisfying meal. With mild flavors that appeal to everyone, this recipe makes three delicious casseroles, each serving 4-5 people, ideal for freezing and enjoying later. Filled with hearty ground beef, enriched with spices, and layered with tender tortillas, black olives, and melted cheddar, this dish promises to become a new family favorite. Whether served for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this enchilada bake is sure to please.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
3 lbs (Browning in skillet)
Onions
3 (Chopped)
Salt
3 teaspoons (None)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (None)
Chili Powder
3 tablespoons (None)
Tomato Sauce
24 ounces (None)
Corn Tortillas
18 (Spread with butter or sprayed with cooking spray)
Black Olives
12 ounces (Drained and chopped)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
3 cups (Shredded)
Water
1 1/2 cups (None)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
2
Stir in the salt, pepper, chili powder, and tomato sauce, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
3
Prepare three 2-quart casserole dishes (or square foil pans for easy freezing).
4
Cut the corn tortillas into one-inch pieces and layer them in the casserole dishes. Start with a layer of tortillas, followed by a generous portion of the beef mixture, a layer of chopped black olives, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
5
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese.
6
Pour 1/2 cup of water into each casserole to help steam the tortillas while baking.
7
Cover each casserole tightly with aluminum foil. If freezing, label the casseroles with the date for future reference. To bake, thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator overnight.
8
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once thawed, bake the casseroles in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef Enchilada Bake?
It is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas that uses layered ingredients in a casserole format, making it easy to prepare and serve.
How many casseroles does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes three separate 2-quart casseroles.
How many people does each casserole serve?
Each casserole is designed to serve between 4 and 5 people.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is ideal for freezing and enjoying later, making it perfect for busy families.
What are the primary ingredients for the beef mixture?
The mixture consists of 3 lbs of ground beef, 3 chopped onions, salt, pepper, chili powder, and tomato sauce.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 3 pounds of ground beef.
What size should the corn tortillas be cut into?
The corn tortillas should be cut into one-inch pieces.
Do I need to cook the onions before layering?
Yes, brown the onions along with the ground beef until they are translucent.
What kind of sauce is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of tomato sauce.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with 3 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 3 tablespoons of chili powder.
How many corn tortillas are required in total?
You will need 18 corn tortillas.
Should the corn tortillas be prepared in any specific way?
They can be spread with butter or sprayed with cooking spray before being cut and layered.
Are there any vegetables in this enchilada bake?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 onions and 12 ounces of drained and chopped black olives.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended, and you will need 3 cups in total.
Why is water added to the casserole dishes?
1/2 cup of water is added to each dish to help steam the tortillas while they bake.
How should the layers be organized?
Start with a layer of tortillas, followed by the beef mixture, chopped olives, and shredded cheese, repeating until finished.
What is the final layer of the casserole?
The final layer should be a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
What type of baking dishes should I use?
You can use three 2-quart casserole dishes or square foil pans if you plan on freezing them.
How do I prepare the casserole for freezing?
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and label it with the date.
What is the proper way to thaw the casserole?
Thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long does the enchilada bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the dish is bubbly and heated through.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
No, it features mild flavors that are designed to appeal to everyone.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
Let the beef, sauce, and spices simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes to blend the flavors.
Can I use different types of olives?
The recipe specifically calls for black olives, but you can adjust based on preference.
Is it necessary to cover the dish during baking?
Yes, keep the dish covered with aluminum foil while it bakes.
Can I make just one casserole instead of three?
You can scale the ingredients down by one-third to make a single 2-quart casserole.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm, perhaps with a side of sour cream or fresh salsa.
Is the beef mixture drained before adding sauce?
The instructions suggest browning the beef and onions then stirring in spices and sauce; draining excess fat is usually recommended after browning.
How much water is needed for the entire recipe?
The total amount of water needed across all three casseroles is 1 1/2 cups.