Cheese Enchilada Casserole
A cheesy, flavorful enchilada casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, green chilies, and melted Velveeta, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, mix together the skim milk, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, enchilada sauce, and chopped green chilies to make the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken. You can also use low-fat cream soups to lighten the dish. If you prefer a bit more spice, add some jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. To up the crunch factor, you can use tortilla chips instead of Doritos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheese Enchilada Casserole with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a nice touch, top with sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. This casserole pairs beautifully with Chicken Tamales for a festive dinner or any of your favorite Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 463 calories, with 11g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1298mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it well with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.
What can I add to the casserole for more vegetables?
You can easily incorporate vegetables like black beans, corn, or bell peppers into the casserole mix. Sauté them with the onion and beef, or layer them within the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).