Layered Enchilada Pie
Layered Enchilada Pie offers a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, featuring seasoned ground beef, olives, and melted Cheddar cheese layered between tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines rich flavors with a comforting texture and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add salt, pepper, chili powder, and tomato sauce to the meat mixture and simmer.
- In a round casserole dish, alternate layers of buttered tortillas, meat sauce, chopped olives, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Pour water over the layered ingredients, cover the dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef. You can also add black beans for extra protein and fiber. If you're looking for a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. To prevent soggy tortillas, lightly crisp them in the oven before layering. For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with sautéed Mexican squash.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchilada pie with a side of fresh guacamole and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Cornbread Casserole for a delightful feast. For added flavor, garnish each serving with sour cream and chopped cilantro. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover layered enchilada pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, individual slices can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Enchilada Pie contains roughly 244 calories, with 9g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1437mg per serving (62% 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 use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used in place of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option. However, be sure to soften them slightly by warming them up to prevent cracking when layering.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add beans for extra protein and texture.
What can I serve with layered enchilada pie?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad, Mexican rice, or black beans. For drinks, try pairing it with a chilled margarita or a light beer to complement the flavors.
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).