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Ingredients

This casserole relies on a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and ease. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef is recommended for less grease)
• 1 yellow onion, diced (adds a sweet and savory base to the beef mixture)
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning (use your favorite store-bought brand or a homemade blend)
• 14 oz can corn, drained (for a touch of sweetness and texture)
• 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (adds a creamy texture and protein)
• 10 oz can red enchilada sauce (the key to that classic enchilada flavor)
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (another great source of protein and fiber)
• 10 oz can Rotel, drained (diced tomatoes with green chilies, providing a mild kick and tomato flavor)
• 1 ½ cups Mexican style cheese, shredded (a blend of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and other cheeses works perfectly for melty goodness)
• 15-17 corn tortillas (the foundation of our layered casserole)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your incredible Enchilada Taco Casserole. It’s easier than you think to create this comforting meal!

1. Prepare the Beef and Onion: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet or pan on the stove over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Break up the ground beef with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and the onion is softened. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
2. Combine the Filling: Transfer the cooked ground beef and onion mixture to a large mixing bowl. To this bowl, add the taco seasoning, drained corn, drained and rinsed pinto beans, the entire can of red enchilada sauce, drained and rinsed black beans, and the drained Rotel. Finally, stir in 1 cup of the shredded Mexican-style cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the sauce.
3. Layer and Bake the Casserole: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread a few scoops (about one-third) of the ground beef enchilada filling mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange approximately five corn tortillas over the filling, slightly overlapping them if necessary to cover the layer. Repeat this layering process two more times, ensuring you use all of the enchilada mixture. For the very top layer, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Mexican-style cheese evenly over the tortillas.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly. Top with your favorite enchilada or taco toppings such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, salsa, or extra hot sauce. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Enchilada Taco Casserole

This Enchilada Taco Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Here’s why it’s destined to become a family favorite:

• Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, this casserole is perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. You’ll spend more time enjoying and less time slaving over the stove.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional enchiladas with the customizable fun of tacos, all baked into one comforting dish. The layers of seasoned beef, beans, corn, and gooey cheese are pure bliss.
• Feeds a Crowd: Designed to serve six, this casserole is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or entertaining guests. It’s also easily scalable if you need to feed more or less.
• Customization King: This recipe is incredibly versatile! Swap out the ground beef, add extra veggies, or experiment with different cheeses and sauces to make it uniquely yours.
• Great for Leftovers: Like many casseroles, this dish often tastes even better the next day. It reheats beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, fiber from corn and tortillas, and essential vitamins, it’s a wholesome meal that truly satisfies.

Tips for Success: Master Your Casserole

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

• Drain the Beef Thoroughly: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off as much excess fat as possible. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and ensures a better texture.
• Don’t Skip Draining Canned Goods: Ensure all canned ingredients like corn, pinto beans, black beans, and Rotel are properly drained before adding them to the mixture. Excess liquid can make the casserole watery.
• Soften Tortillas (Optional but Recommended): For softer tortillas that don’t dry out during baking, you can lightly warm them in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before layering. This makes them more pliable and less likely to break.
• Evenly Spread Layers: Distribute the beef mixture and tortillas as evenly as possible in each layer. This ensures every bite has a good balance of ingredients.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you like more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture. For less heat, choose a mild Rotel or use plain diced tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Casserole

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can elevate your dining experience:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Mexican Rice: A classic pairing, a side of fluffy Mexican rice complements the flavors beautifully.
• Refried Beans: For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of creamy refried beans.
• Guacamole and Chips: A side of homemade guacamole and a bowl of tortilla chips are always a hit.
• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread or cornbread muffins can be a comforting addition.

Don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, and your favorite salsa are all excellent choices.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This casserole is fantastic for meal prep or enjoying later. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the entire casserole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well.
  • To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as per instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
  • To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Cut into individual portions or leave whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Customizations & Variations: Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about casserole recipes is their flexibility. Feel free to adapt this Enchilada Taco Casserole to your taste and what you have on hand:

• Meat Alternatives:
  • Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) instead of ground beef.
  • Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works just as well.
  • Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra beans (like cannellini beans) and vegetables such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. You might want to boost the seasoning to ensure flavor.
• Cheese Choices: While Mexican-style cheese is traditional, feel free to use Colby Jack, sharp Cheddar, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses. A sprinkle of cotija cheese on top after baking can add a salty, authentic touch.
• Tortilla Options: If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn. You might need to adjust the quantity slightly depending on their size.
• Enchilada Sauce Varieties: Experiment with green enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile, or even a spicy red sauce if you love heat.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by mixing in diced bell peppers (any color), chopped spinach, or finely grated carrots to the beef mixture.
• Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a small amount of finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the ground beef mixture.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you’re out of store-bought taco seasoning, you can easily make your own. A common blend includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Ingredients: Which to Choose?

While this recipe prioritizes convenience with canned goods and store-bought items, there’s always room to elevate it with homemade components:

• Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning packets are incredibly convenient and consistent. However, making your own allows you to control the salt content and customize the spice blend. It’s a great way to use up spices in your pantry.
• Enchilada Sauce: Canned enchilada sauce is a fantastic time-saver. If you have extra time and want to make the casserole truly special, consider making your own red enchilada sauce from scratch. It often offers a deeper, richer flavor but requires more effort.
• Tortillas: Store-bought corn tortillas are perfect for this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh, homemade corn tortillas would be a remarkable addition, though certainly more time-consuming.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your schedule and culinary ambition. Both options will result in a delicious casserole!

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximation of the nutritional content per serving of this Enchilada Taco Casserole:

• Calories: 641 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 69g
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 1302mg
• Potassium: 955mg
• Fiber: 14g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 638 IU
• Vitamin C: 11mg
• Calcium: 329mg
• Iron: 6mg

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.