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Lazy Beef Enchilada Casserole: The Easiest Recipe Ever!

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A super-easy Mexican-inspired casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, beans, and plenty of melted cheese. No rolling required—just layer, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (about 28 g) taco seasoning
  • 120 ml water
  • 200 g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 150 g corn kernels, drained
  • 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 500 ml red enchilada sauce
  • 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
  • 150 g shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • 120 g sour cream
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Stir in the black beans and corn. Remove from the heat.
  4. Lightly grease a 23 × 33 cm baking dish. Spread a little enchilada sauce over the bottom. Add a layer of tortilla pieces, followed by some beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
  5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese on top.
  6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  7. Let the casserole stand for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  8. Top with sour cream and fresh cilantro. Add diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
  • For a creamy version, mix the sour cream into the beef mixture before layering.
  • For an extra cheesy version, add a layer of queso or pepper Jack cheese.
  • For a chicken version, substitute shredded cooked chicken for the ground beef.
  • Don’t skip the resting time—it allows the layers to set slightly, making the casserole much easier to scoop and serve.

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