Description
A hearty, one-pan beef casserole layered with smoky ancho-based sauce, golden cheese, and warm corn tortillas. Bold Mexican-American flavors, pork-free, and designed for family meals.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
2 cups alcohol-free ancho or New Mexico enchilada sauce
12 small corn tortillas (pre-warmed)
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
1 cup diced onions (raw or caramelized)
1 cup canned tomatoes (no-salt-added preferred)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional sour cream substitute)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
Butter for greasing pan
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C)
Brown beef in a skillet, drain excess fat
Add enchilada sauce, canned tomatoes, cumin, and oregano to meat mixture; simmer 15 minutes until thickened
Butter a 9×13″ baking dish
Spread 1/3 of meat mixture as the base
Layer 4 tortillas, overlapping slightly
Repeat layers: 1/3 meat + 4 tortillas
Top with remaining meat mixture
Sprinkle cheese over the top layer
Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden
Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Top with scallions or green onions
Notes
Pre-warm tortillas in oven 3-5 minutes for easy folding
Use room-temperature cheese for even melting
Bake on lower oven rack to prevent burning
For a spicier version, add 1-2 dashes of chipotle sauce to the meat mixture
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 75
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American