Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe: Ditch Takeout

Okay, listen, weeknights can be INSANE, right? Last Tuesday, I was staring into the fridge, totally blank, when I remembered this rockstar: my Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Seriously, from zero to dinner table in, like, no time. This isn’t just food; it’s a lifesaver disguised as something crazy delicious. And the best part? Even the kids devoured it! Ground beef enchilada casserole is SO simple, it’s become my go-to when I need comfort food, FAST.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Seriously, what’s NOT to love? This Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is about to become your new BFF, and here’s why:

• Super easy to throw together – even on those crazy weeknights.
• Cooks in, like, no time at all. Hello, quick dinner!
• The whole family will actually EAT it (yes, even the picky ones!).
• You can totally customize it with your favorite ingredients.
• Minimal cleanup? YES, please! One dish wonder, right here.

Ingredients for Your Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll want to have these superstars ready to go before you even think about preheating that oven for my Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Trust me on this, it makes life SO much easier:

• 1 pound ground beef (the star of our show!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (don’t skimp, adds great flavor)
• 1 packet (approx. 1 ounce) taco seasoning (that little kick!)
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce (use your fave brand!)
• 10 corn tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces (trust me, corn is better here)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (because…cheese!)

How to Make This Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, get ready because this is seriously SIMPLE. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbly, cheesy Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe before you know it. Promise!

1. First things first: **Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)**. Don’t skip this! A hot oven is a happy oven (and a happy casserole!).
2. Now, grab a skillet. We’re gonna **brown that ground beef and onion**. Keep stirring and breaking up the beef until it’s cooked through. Don’t forget to **drain off any extra grease**! Nobody wants a greasy casserole.
3. Here comes the flavor bomb! **Stir in that taco seasoning and enchilada sauce**. Mix it all up really well so the beef is coated in saucy goodness. Mmm!
4. Time to layer! In a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one), **spread a layer of those tortilla pieces**. Then, **top with some of the beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese**. Repeat those layers until you’ve used everything up, ending with a nice, cheesy top.
5. Pop that baby into the preheated oven and **bake for about 20 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. Oh, the smell!
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving (careful, it’s HOT!), and then… DIG IN! You deserve it!

Tips for the Best Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Want to take your Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe from good to GREAT? Check out these little tricks I’ve learned along the way!

• **Brown that beef RIGHT:** Don’t just toss the ground beef in the pan and hope for the best. Really break it up and let it brown nicely. That color equals flavor!
• **Say NO to soggy tortillas:** Nobody likes a soggy casserole. To help prevent this, you can lightly toast the tortilla pieces in a dry skillet before layering. Total game changer!
• **Melt that cheese like a pro:** For a perfectly melted, gooey cheese topping, try broiling the casserole for the last minute or two (watch it CLOSELY so you don’t burn it!). Oh MAN is that good .

Variations for Your Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This casserole is seriously begging for you to get creative. Here are a few ideas to get those culinary wheels turning:

• **Cheese Please!:** Cheddar’s classic, sure, but why not try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for a kick!), or even a little crumbled queso fresco on top after baking?
• **Veggie Power:** Sneak in some diced bell peppers (any color!), corn (canned, frozen, fresh!), black beans, or even some zucchini. This is YOUR casserole, own it!
• **Protein Swap:** Ground beef is great, but ground turkey or chicken work just as well! For a fun twist, check out my Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole for inspiration!
• **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat. Careful, though – a little goes a long way!

Serving Suggestions for This Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe, but what do you serve with it? Don’t stress, I’ve got you covered! Think of this as the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite Mexican-inspired goodies.

• A dollop of sour cream (duh!).
• Your favorite salsa (mild, medium, HOT – you do you!).
• Some creamy guacamole (because guac makes everything better!).
• A side of rice and beans (classic!).
• Or even just a simple side salad (a little green never hurt anyone!).

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Got leftovers of this amazing Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it tasting its best for round two:

• **Storing:** Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap (or, even better, transfer it to an airtight container). Stash it in the fridge and it’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
• **Reheating:** You can zap it in the microwave (which is FAST), but for the best texture, I prefer the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the tortillas from getting too soggy!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Got questions about my Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve probably asked myself the same things! Here are some of the most common questions I get (and my trusty answers!):

Can I make this ahead of time?

Heck yeah, you can! This Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Is actually a great make-ahead meal. Just assemble it (unbaked), cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Easy peasy!

Can I freeze it?

Yep, freezing works! Bake it first then let it cool completely. Wrap it really well (like, double wrap it!) in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. Note: the texture of the tortillas might be a little different after freezing, but it’ll still be yummy!

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

No taco seasoning? No problem! You can totally make your own! Mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. There are tons of recipes online–just find one you like and adjust to taste!

Can I use flour tortillas?

Okay, confession time? While I *strongly* prefer corn tortillas in this casserole, you CAN use flour tortillas in a pinch. But be warned: they tend to get a little soggier than corn tortillas, so you might want to lightly toast them before layering. Just sayin’!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, friends, here’s the lowdown on the eating part! Check out this *estimated* nutritional info for my Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe (per slice): Calories, Fat, Protein, Carbs, and all that good stuff!

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