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A bubbling enchilada casserole fresh from the oven, topped with melted cheese and herbs.

30-Minute Speedy Beef Enchilada Bake

This speedy beef enchilada bake is a delicious and easy weeknight meal, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Layers of seasoned beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese bake together in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained optional
  • 1 can (19 oz) red enchilada sauce
  • 8-10 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch), cut into strips or torn into pieces
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)

Optional Toppings

  • sour cream
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • diced red onion
  • sliced avocado

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook and brown ground beef or turkey, draining excess fat.

Assembly

  • Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, and black beans (if using) with the cooked meat, cooking for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
  • Spread 1/3 cup of enchilada sauce in the baking dish, then layer half of the tortilla pieces over the sauce.
  • Evenly spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
  • Drizzle half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the cheese; repeat layering with the remaining tortillas and meat mixture.

Baking

  • Pour the last of the enchilada sauce over the top layer, finishing with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or avocado if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.