Easy Layered Enchilada Casserole Recipe – Quick & Delicious!

Layered Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Meat
Recipe Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: Varies (depending on portion size)

Description:
A hearty and flavorful Layered Enchilada Casserole, packed with seasoned ground beef, flour tortillas, and gooey cheddar cheese, all layered together with a rich tomato sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or any casual family gathering. The dish is microwave-friendly, making it quick and simple to prepare without sacrificing taste. Garnish it with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, or black olives for a delicious finishing touch. Make it once, and it will become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a microwave-safe dish, cook the ground beef on HIGH for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the beef.

2. Season the Meat:
   Stir in the refried beans (if using), the seasoning mix, and 1 cup of water. Mix well to combine, ensuring that the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, stirring once during the cooking process to ensure it heats evenly.

3. Prepare the Tortillas:
   In a separate bowl, pour the tomato sauce. Dip both sides of each tortilla into the sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated. You may need to cut the tortillas into halves or quarters to fit them into your casserole dish, depending on its size.

4. Assemble the Casserole:
   In a microwave-safe 13×9-inch casserole dish, begin layering the beef mixture and the sauce-soaked tortillas. Start with a layer of beef, followed by a layer of tortillas, repeating until you have used up all the ingredients, creating 2-3 layers.

5. Add the Cheese:
   Once the layers are complete, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole, ensuring the entire surface is covered with cheese.

6. Cover and Cook:
   Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent splattering and ensure even heating. Microwave on MEDIUM-HIGH for 10 minutes, turning the dish once halfway through to ensure even cooking.

7. Let it Stand:
   After the casserole is finished cooking, remove it from the microwave and let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set for easier serving.

8. Optional Garnishes:
   If desired, garnish the casserole with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and sliced black olives. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Layered Enchilada Casserole:

• Customizing the Heat: For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste.
• Cheese Varieties: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese for a more complex flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and substitute it with beans, grilled vegetables, or a meat substitute.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the microwave time if cooking from chilled.

This Layered Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious combination of seasoned beef, tortillas, and gooey melted cheese. Quick, easy, and absolutely mouth-watering, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a cozy meal without the fuss. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a weeknight dinner or bring a dish to share at a gathering, this casserole will surely be a hit.