Cheesy Layered Beef Enchilada Pie

Easy Enchilada Pie

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and quick Mexican-inspired dish, this Easy Enchilada Pie is your perfect go-to recipe. Originally shared by Roy Clark in Midwest Living back in 1984, this recipe has become a personal favorite for many families. The flexibility in the ingredients makes it easy to customize—whether you prefer adding shredded chicken breast or kidney beans, the options are endless. Plus, you can lighten it up by using healthier alternatives like reduced-fat cheese, skim milk, or light cream of chicken soup without compromising on taste. Ready in under an hour, it’s a comforting dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.

2. Cook the ground beef and onion:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.

3. Drain the excess fat:
   Once the meat is cooked, drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This step ensures your dish doesn’t end up too greasy.

4. Add tomato sauce and taco seasoning:
   Stir in the tomato sauce and taco seasoning into the skillet with the beef and onions. For a slightly milder flavor, you can use about ¾ of the seasoning packet instead of the whole thing. This allows the flavor to be well-balanced without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer spicier, feel free to add the whole packet or even a bit more.

5. Simmer the mixture:
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Remove the skillet from the heat after the simmering time.

6. Prepare the soup mixture:
   In a separate bowl, combine the can of Campbell’s “Healthy” Cream of Chicken Soup with 1 cup of milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

7. Layer the ingredients in the baking dish:
   In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spoon half of the soup mixture, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will be the base layer of the enchilada pie.

8. Layer the tortillas:
   Cut your corn tortillas in half. Use 12 tortilla halves to cover the soup mixture in the dish, ensuring the bottom is fully covered with no gaps. If needed, tear the tortillas into smaller pieces to fit the edges.

9. Add the meat mixture:
   Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the layer of tortillas. Spread it out to ensure every bite is flavorful and well-seasoned.

10. Top with remaining tortillas:
    Place the remaining tortilla halves on top of the meat mixture, again making sure there are no gaps.

11. Add the remaining soup mixture:
    Spoon the rest of the soup and milk mixture over the top layer of tortillas, spreading it out evenly.

12. Sprinkle with cheese:
    Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish. This will create a delicious, cheesy topping as it bakes.

13. Bake:
    Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the enchilada pie is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

14. Serve and enjoy:
    Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice into servings. Enjoy this cheesy, hearty, and satisfying meal with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or salsa!

Serving Suggestions:

• This enchilada pie pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a serving of Mexican rice. You can also top it with your favorite garnishes like sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

• If you’re a fan of spicier dishes, feel free to add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the beef mixture.

• For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a mixture of vegetables like sautéed bell peppers and zucchini.

Customization Ideas:

1. Shredded Chicken Option:
   Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken breast for a lighter version. The chicken will soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce and seasoning, making it just as hearty and satisfying.

2. Add Beans for Extra Fiber:
   Kidney beans or black beans add a wonderful texture and a boost of fiber to this dish. You can mix in one can of drained and rinsed beans into the beef mixture before layering.

3. Lighter Version:
   For a healthier twist, use low-fat cheddar cheese, skim milk, and reduced-sodium taco seasoning. These small changes lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.

4. Cheese Variety:
   Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkling of pepper jack, can elevate the flavor with a bit more complexity and heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Easy Enchilada Pie is the epitome of comfort food, combining the best of Mexican flavors into a convenient, layered pie that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re serving it as a casual family meal or making it for a potluck, it’s sure to please everyone. The ability to customize it based on your family’s preferences makes it a versatile dish that can suit various tastes and dietary needs.

The creamy, cheesy texture mixed with the bold flavors of taco seasoning and tomato sauce creates a truly mouthwatering experience in every bite. Whether you’re sticking with the classic recipe or adding your own spin with beans or chicken, this dish is one that will become a staple in your household!