Spinach Enchilada Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, and melted cheeses, layered with tortillas for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it's bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes with green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic; drain excess fat.
- Add canned tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chopped fresh tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, lime juice, and salt to the meat mixture.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Arrange 6 tortillas on the bottom and up the sides of a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, overlapping as necessary.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Arrange the remaining tortillas, overlapping as necessary, on top.
- Spread sour cream evenly over the tortillas.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
- Garnish with lettuce and olives if desired, and serve with picante sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy salsa. Make sure to thoroughly squeeze the spinach to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spinach Enchilada Casserole with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips make for great accompaniments. You can also garnish with shredded lettuce, olives, and a dollop of sour cream for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Fabulous Beef Fajitas for a fun meal spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 841 calories, with 31g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1761mg per serving (77% 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 the baking step a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas and will hold up better under the layers of filling. If using flour, consider lightly toasting them to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
What can I use as a topping instead of cheese?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Additionally, avocado slices or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips can add texture and flavor without cheese.
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).