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Irresistible Cheesy Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner

Delicious Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up with melted cheese

★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up

By:
Julia Pacheco

Craving the bold, savory flavors of classic enchiladas but short on time? This easy Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up recipe is your new go-to weeknight dinner. It combines seasoned ground beef, zesty red enchilada sauce, and fluffy biscuits, all baked together under a blanket of melted Colby Jack cheese. The result is a bubbly, comforting, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings all the deliciousness of traditional enchiladas to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy night in, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with maximum convenience. It’s comfort food done right, promising a warm, hearty meal without the fuss of rolling individual tortillas.

Prep:

10

Cook:

35

Total:

45

Servings:

5 servings

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Welcome to the ultimate weeknight hero: the Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up! This ingenious recipe takes all the robust, authentic flavors you love from traditional enchiladas and transforms them into an incredibly easy-to-make casserole. Forget the laborious process of rolling individual tortillas; we’ve substituted them with fluffy, canned biscuit dough that bakes up “bubbly” and tender, perfectly soaking up all the rich, savory sauce. If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that the whole family will adore, your search ends here. This dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, zesty red enchilada sauce, mild green chilis, and a generous layer of melted Colby Jack cheese, delivering a hearty and satisfying experience with every spoonful.

Why This Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up Will Become Your Favorite

This casserole isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary triumph for anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Unbeatable Convenience: Traditional enchiladas can be a project, but this “bubble up” version slashes prep time significantly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in under an hour.
Incredible Flavor Profile: You won’t miss the tortillas! The tender biscuit pieces absorb the rich red enchilada sauce and savory ground beef, ensuring every bite is bursting with classic Mexican-inspired taste.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, gooey, cheesy, and hearty – this casserole embodies everything you crave in comfort food. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a satisfying pick-me-up.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Even picky eaters love this dish. Its familiar flavors and fun “bubbly” texture make it a guaranteed hit with kids, while adults appreciate its deep, savory notes.
Easy Customization: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily swap proteins, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
Simple Cleanup: Being a one-dish wonder, this casserole simplifies post-dinner cleanup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Enchilada Bubble Up

Our Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up relies on a carefully selected blend of accessible ingredients to create its signature bold and comforting flavor. Here’s a closer look at each component and how it contributes to the magic:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef: This forms the hearty, savory foundation of our casserole. Choose lean ground beef to minimize excess grease. For alternative protein options, ground turkey or even shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) can be used for a different twist.
2 tbs taco seasoning: A convenient powerhouse of flavor. This blend typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, instantly infusing your beef with classic taco taste. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought packet or a homemade seasoning blend.
3 tbs water: Added to the ground beef and taco seasoning, the water helps to activate the spices, create a light sauce, and ensure the meat is well-seasoned and moist.
4 oz green chilis: These provide a mild, tangy heat and a distinct authentic Mexican flavor without being overly spicy. Canned diced green chilis are incredibly convenient and add depth to the meat mixture.
1 package Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough: The ingenious secret to the “bubble up” effect! These flaky, large refrigerated biscuits, when cut into pieces, puff up and become wonderfully tender and bread-like, absorbing the delicious enchilada sauce and creating an irresistible texture throughout the casserole. Any brand of large, flaky biscuit dough will work.
10 oz red enchilada sauce: This vibrant sauce is the heart and soul of the enchilada flavor. Opt for a good quality canned red enchilada sauce for convenience, choosing mild, medium, or hot according to your family’s preference.
1 cup colby jack cheese: A fantastic blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, known for its superb melting qualities and mild, creamy flavor. It creates that irresistible, golden-brown, bubbly, and gooey topping that completes this casserole. Other great options include Mexican blend, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare a mouthwatering Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up that’s sure to impress!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking, crucial for perfectly cooked biscuits and a beautifully bubbly, cheesy casserole.
Prepare Biscuits: Take your Pillsbury Grands biscuit dough and, on a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into 8 smaller, approximately 1-inch pieces. These smaller pieces are key to the “bubble up” effect, allowing them to expand and create a fluffy texture throughout the casserole. Evenly spread these biscuit pieces into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Drizzle the entire 10 oz can of red enchilada sauce over the biscuit pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Set the dish aside while you prepare the savory meat mixture.
Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook it over medium-high heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet; this is important for preventing a greasy casserole. Return the skillet to the stove and add the taco seasoning, canned green chilis (undrained for extra moisture and flavor), and water. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together and the seasoning is fully incorporated into the beef.
Assemble Casserole Layers: Evenly pour the hot, flavorful ground beef mixture over the biscuit pieces and enchilada sauce in the prepared baking dish. Spread it gently to ensure the beef is distributed well over the biscuit layer. Finally, generously sprinkle the cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the entire top of the casserole. This cheese layer will melt into a golden, bubbly, and irresistible crust during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the biscuits are fully cooked through, golden brown on top, and the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it. A simple test for the biscuits is to insert a toothpick into one; if it comes out clean, they are done.

Tips for Enchilada Casserole Success

To ensure your Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Proper Pan Size: Using a 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal, allowing enough space for the biscuits to puff up and cook evenly without overcrowding.
Drain Grease Thoroughly: Don’t skip draining the grease from the ground beef. Too much grease can make the casserole oily and less appealing.
Even Biscuit Distribution: Make sure the biscuit pieces are spread relatively evenly in the dish so they all cook consistently and soak up the sauce.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes for cleaner, easier serving.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture, or choose a hot enchilada sauce. For a milder version, stick to a mild sauce and avoid extra chili.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

One of the many joys of this Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up is its incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to tailor it to your personal taste or dietary needs:

Protein Swaps:
- Shredded Chicken: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect!) instead of ground beef. Mix it with the taco seasoning, green chilis, and water.
- Ground Turkey: A leaner and equally delicious alternative to ground beef that maintains a hearty texture.
- Vegetarian Options: For a meatless version, swap the ground beef for canned black beans or pinto beans (rinsed and drained), corn, or a plant-based ground crumble. Sauté them with the taco seasoning for robust flavor.
Add More Veggies:
- Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely diced bell peppers, onions, or extra corn kernels to the ground beef mixture while it cooks.
- A can of drained black olives stirred in before baking adds a lovely brininess.
Cheese Choices:
- While Colby Jack is excellent, feel free to use other cheeses like a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or even pepper jack for an added kick.
Enchilada Sauce Alternatives:
- If red enchilada sauce isn’t your preference, try using a green enchilada sauce for a different, tangy flavor profile.
Boost the Heat:
- For those who love a fiery kick, finely chop some fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers and mix them into the ground beef. A dash of your favorite hot sauce can also intensify the spice.

Serving Suggestions for Your Enchilada Casserole

This Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up is a satisfying meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few fresh toppings and complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your dining experience:

Classic Toppings: A dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, and diced avocado or a scoop of homemade guacamole add essential freshness and creamy contrast.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A spoonful of your favorite chunky salsa or vibrant pico de gallo can brighten every bite with a burst of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette, or traditional Mexican rice and refried beans for a more complete and authentic feast.
Fresh Lime Wedges: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving adds a bright, zesty finish that enhances all the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Made Easy

Planning for leftovers or meal prepping? This enchilada casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy days:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out or burning.
- Microwave: Individual portions can be quickly reheated in the microwave until hot. Start with 1-2 minutes and add more time as needed, depending on your microwave’s power.

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide on preparing this delightful enchilada casserole and to discover other clever uses for canned biscuit dough, watch the video below. It offers helpful tips and a clear demonstration of each step, ensuring your casserole turns out perfect!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Values can vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient substitutions.

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We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredible Enchilada Casserole Bubble Up. It’s a game-changer for quick, delicious, and satisfying Mexican-inspired meals that are perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below to share your experience, any helpful tips you discovered, or even your favorite variations of this fantastic dish!