Enchilada Casserole
Monthly

Enchilada Casserole

55 min
Serves 9
Mexicancasserolebeef

Layered corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef with olives and Monterey Jack, enchilada sauce, and cheese — assembled in a 9x13 and baked at 375°F until golden and bubbly.

The Story

Enchilada casserole is the same flavors as rolled enchiladas with none of the fussing. The cheese gets divided into thirds before anything else — one third goes into the meat mixture, one third goes between the layers, and one third goes on top. That distribution is what makes every bite consistent instead of having all the cheese pooled in one spot. The enchilada sauce packets get prepared with a little extra water so the sauce is thin enough to soak into the tortillas as it bakes rather than sitting on top of them. Sliced olives go into the meat mixture, not sprinkled on top, so they're distributed through the whole casserole. Cut some of the tortillas in half to fill in the edges of the pan — it makes the layers more even and the casserole holds together better when you cut it. Let it cool a full ten minutes before cutting or it falls apart on the plate. Serve with salad.

Equipment

  • 9x13 casserole dish
  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Oven @ 375°F

Ingredients

  • 1 lbMonterey Jack cheese, grated
  • 2 lbsground beef
  • 2 packetsenchilada sauce mix
  • 1 small cansliced olives
  • 16corn tortillas

Pudgy's Notes

Divide the cheese into thirds before you start — it's easier to keep track of and ensures even distribution through every layer. Add extra water to the enchilada sauce so it's thin enough to soak into the tortillas during baking. Cut tortillas in half to fill the edges of the pan; it makes the layers more uniform and the casserole holds together better when sliced. The full 10-minute rest after baking is not optional — cut it too soon and the layers slide apart.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grate the Monterey Jack cheese and divide into three equal portions: one for the meat mixture, one for the layers, and one for the top of the casserole.

  2. 2

    Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain the grease, about 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Prepare the enchilada sauce according to the packet directions, adding a little extra water for a thinner consistency, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir some of the enchilada sauce into the browned meat. Add the sliced olives and one third of the cheese. Stir to combine, about 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Divide the meat mixture into three even portions.

  6. 6

    Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the 9x13 casserole dish.

  7. 7

    Build the layers: tortillas (cut some in half to fit the edges), sauce, meat, and cheese. Repeat for three layers. Finish with a top layer of tortillas, the remaining sauce, and the final third of Monterey Jack cheese.

  8. 8

    Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

  9. 9

    Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Serve with salad.

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