Introduction
Welcome to this mouthwatering article that will guide you step-by-step in creating a delicious enchilada casserole. If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine and crave a flavorful and satisfying dish, then you're in for a treat! This enchilada casserole recipe will surely impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From preparing the ingredients to layering and baking, we'll cover all the tips and tricks to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly. So, let's get started on this culinary adventure!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Enchilada Sauce
To make the delicious enchilada sauce for this casserole, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the ground beef. Stir well to coat the beef in the spices.
Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and diced green chilies. Stir until everything is well combined and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
For the Filling
While the enchilada sauce simmers, prepare the filling for the casserole. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well to evenly distribute the cilantro throughout the cheese.
For the Layering
Once the enchilada sauce and filling are ready, it's time to start layering the casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 corn tortillas on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, followed by half of the cheese and cilantro filling mixture.
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, sauce, and cheese and cilantro filling. Make sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired.
Enjoy your mouthwatering enchilada casserole!
Instructions
Preparing the Enchilada Sauce
To start making the delicious enchilada casserole, you will first need to prepare the flavorful enchilada sauce. Here's how:
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add some oil.
- Add minced garlic and onion to the pan and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly browned.
- Stir in some tomato paste and cook for a minute to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, followed by some chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside for later use.
Making the Filling
Next, it's time to prepare the filling for your enchilada casserole. Follow these steps:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef or chicken to the skillet and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
- Stir in diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
- Cook the mixture until the vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle some chili powder, cumin, and salt over the filling and stir well to combine.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Layering the Casserole
Now that you have the sauce and filling ready, it's time to assemble the enchilada casserole. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place a layer of tortilla shells on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
- Spread a generous amount of the filling over the tortilla layer.
- Drizzle some enchilada sauce over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
- Repeat the layers with tortilla shells, filling, sauce, and cheese until all the ingredients are used, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.
Baking and Serving
The final step is to bake the enchilada casserole to perfection and serve it. Here's what you need to do:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Cut the casserole into individual servings and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of your homemade enchilada casserole.
Now that you have mastered the art of making a delicious enchilada casserole, you can impress your family and friends with this flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Variations
There are several variations you can try with this delicious enchilada casserole recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Meat Options
If you're a meat lover, you can add different types of protein to your enchilada casserole. Ground beef, shredded chicken, or diced steak are all excellent choices. Simply cook the meat thoroughly before layering it in the casserole.
Vegetarian Twist
For a vegetarian twist, you can skip the meat altogether and opt for a veggie version. Sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well as filling alternatives. You can also add a can of black beans or corn kernels for additional texture and flavor.
Cheese Selection
Experiment with different types of cheese to add a unique flavor profile to your enchilada casserole. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese are popular choices. You can also try using a combination of cheeses for a more complex taste.
Spiciness Level
Adjust the spiciness level of your enchilada casserole by adding more or less chili powder and jalapenos. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of these ingredients. Conversely, if you enjoy a fiery kick, feel free to amp up the heat.
Sauce Variations
While the traditional red enchilada sauce is delicious, you can experiment with different sauces to change things up. Green enchilada sauce, mole sauce, or even a creamy cheese sauce can add a unique twist to your casserole.
Toppings
Don't forget to top your enchilada casserole with some flavorful garnishes. Freshly chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream are all excellent choices. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
By trying out these variations, you can create your own signature enchilada casserole that suits your taste preferences. Get creative and enjoy the process of making this mouthwatering dish!
