Enchilada Stack Up
A hearty and cheesy enchilada stack layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheddar, perfect for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal in a crock-pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c chopped onion ⓘ
- 8 oz tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper ⓘ
- drop of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 16 oz Great Northern kidney or pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 c shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 c tomato juice ⓘ
- 4 tortillas ⓘ
- 1/2 c sliced ripe olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet, then add tomato sauce, green chilies, chili powder, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Layer cooked meat mixture, tortillas, and shredded Cheddar cheese in a crock-pot.
- Pour tomato juice around the edges of the layered ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using a hotter variety of Tabasco sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or canned beans can be used instead of dried. Make sure to drain the beans to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Enchilada Stack Up with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro add a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Chili Con Queso for a delicious appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Enchilada Stack Up contains roughly 695 calories, with 21g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2972mg per serving (129% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils, mushrooms, or a store-bought meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the flavors.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for added flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well to create that delicious gooey texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the layers in the crock-pot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the tomato juice right before cooking. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
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).