Firecracker Enchilada Casserole is a zesty and hearty Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. With layers of flavorful ingredients like seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and spicy tomatoes and chilies, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. 🎇🌶️
Firecracker Enchilada Casserole
- Prep Time: 25 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 26 hours
- Servings: 10
- Yield: 1 9×13 pan
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Ground beef |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Chili powder |
| 2-3 | Ground cumin |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1 | Can kidney beans |
| 1 | Can corn tortillas |
| 6 | Slices Monterey Jack cheese |
| 1 1/2 | Cups cheddar cheese |
| 1 | Can tomatoes and green chilies |
Instructions:
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Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess fat.
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Season the Meat: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, and salt to the skillet with the cooked meat and onion. Stir well to combine, and let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
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Layer Ingredients: Next, layer the kidney beans, corn tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese slices, and cheddar cheese over the meat mixture in the baking pan.
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Add Tomatoes and Chilies: Pour the liquid from the can of tomatoes and green chilies over the cheese layer. Chop the tomatoes and spread them, along with the chilies, evenly over the cheese.
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Top with Soup: Spread the canned soup over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers all the ingredients evenly.
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Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate the casserole overnight. This step allows the flavors to develop and makes for easy prep on the day of serving.
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Bake: When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the covering from the baking pan and place it in the preheated oven.
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Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for about 1 hour, or until it’s hot and bubbly throughout, and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or chopped fresh cilantro.
Firecracker Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comforting flavors of enchiladas with the convenience of a casserole. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or simply craving a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the spicy kick from the chili powder and green chilies, balanced perfectly by the creamy cheeses and savory ground beef. Make it ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for a stress-free mealtime solution, or bake it immediately for a cozy dinner that’s ready in no time. However you choose to enjoy it, this Firecracker Enchilada Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire! 🌟🍽️
