Beef Enchilada Casserole with Refried Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef preferred)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (approx 1 oz or 3 tbsp; use gluten-free if needed)
• 15 oz refried beans (1 can)
• 10 oz red enchilada sauce (1 can; use gluten-free if needed)
• 12 corn tortillas (cut into quarters or strips)
• 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• diced tomatoes (for garnish)
• green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• sour cream (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

3. 3

   Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water (according to packet instructions) to the beef. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

4. 4

   Stir the refried beans into the seasoned beef mixture until well combined and heated through.

5. 5

   Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

6. 6

   Place a layer of corn tortilla pieces over the sauce to cover the bottom of the dish.

7. 7

   Spread half of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas.

8. 8

   Drizzle half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the beef layer and sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

9. 9

   Repeat the layers: add another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, the rest of the enchilada sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

10. 10

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

11. 11

    Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free. You can add diced green chiles or jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• casserole
• gluten-free
• beef
• baked
• family-friendly