Description
Hearty ground beef enchilada casserole delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight from your crockpot, blending layers of savory meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. Cheesy, spicy goodness awaits when you dive into this simple yet satisfying meal that promises delicious results with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Grains and Beans:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- Sour cream (optional garnish)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart during cooking. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Combine cooked ground beef with enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, salsa, cooked rice, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare crockpot by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create first layer by spreading half of the tortilla strips across the bottom of the crockpot. Top with half of the beef mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Repeat layering process with remaining tortilla strips, beef mixture, and finish with a final layer of cheese.
- Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Casserole is ready when thoroughly heated and cheese is completely melted.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Drain beef thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy texture in the final casserole.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
- Experiment with different types of salsa like roasted tomato or verde for unique flavor variations.
- Use low-sodium enchilada sauce and beans to control salt content for heart-conscious diets.
- Prepare rice in advance or use quick-cook rice to save time during meal preparation.
- Ensure tortilla strips are evenly distributed to create consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- For gluten-free version, use corn tortillas and verify all sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Add extra spice by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg