Layered Enchilada Dinner
A hearty layered enchilada dish featuring seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortillas, baked to perfection—perfect for family dinners and Mexican cuisine lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Mix the cooked meat, chopped onion, salt, pepper, chili powder, chopped black olives, and tomato sauce together.
- Lightly butter 6 tortillas and layer them in a baking dish, alternating with the meat mixture and grated Cheddar cheese, saving 1/2 cup cheese for the top.
- Pour 2/3 cup water around the sides of the layered dish.
- Cover and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using taco seasoning instead of the individual spices. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, black beans or lentils can replace the meat. To enhance the dish, add some diced bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture. Serve with a side of Ms. Green'S Tex-Mex Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the layered enchilada dinner hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Sour Cream Tacos or a crisp green salad. For a complete Tex-Mex feast, consider offering some tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole as appetizers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Enchilada Dinner contains roughly 309 calories, with 17g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg per serving (66% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layered enchiladas a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the layered enchilada dinner?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different cheese option, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are excellent substitutes that melt beautifully and add a nice flavor. For a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cheese. You can also mix in some crumbled queso fresco for a unique twist.
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).