Mom’s Easy Enchilada Casserole 🍽️

Introduction:

This recipe for Mom’s Easy Enchilada Casserole is a cherished family favorite that’s been passed down through generations, and for good reason! It’s a delightful blend of hearty ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and tender corn tortillas, all smothered in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends, this dish is sure to earn you rave reviews every time you serve it!

Key Information:

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Difficulty: Easy
Meal Type: Main Course
Keywords: Mexican, < 30 Mins, Oven, Stove Top, Easy

Ingredients:

1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 package (about 15) corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1-2 cups water
1/2 cup enchilada sauce (or to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ground Beef:

Brown the Beef: In a 5-quart pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot.

2. Assemble the Casserole:

Add Remaining Ingredients: To the pot with the cooked ground beef, add the corn tortillas, shredded cheddar cheese, water, and enchilada sauce.
Season to Taste: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences.

3. Cook and Serve:

Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the tortillas are evenly coated in the sauce.
Heat Through: Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 5-10 minutes.
Serve Warm: Once heated through, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness!

Recipe Notes:

Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
Tortilla Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a slightly different texture.
Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 643.7
Total Fat: 34.3g
- Saturated Fat: 14.2g
Cholesterol: 112.7mg
Sodium: 1248.8mg
Total Carbohydrates: 49.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.2g
- Sugar: 2.1g
Protein: 35.2g

Final Thoughts:

Mom’s Easy Enchilada Casserole is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner party with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and delicious taste, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to keep in your rotation for years to come!