Spinach Enchilada Casserole(8 Servings)
A hearty, cheesy casserole with seasoned ground beef, spinach, and green chiles, layered with tortillas and melted Monterey Jack cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chiles ⓘ
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter, melted ⓘ
- 3 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper until the beef is crumbled and no longer pink.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, lime juice, sugar, and spinach to the skillet.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, use cheddar or a Mexican blend. To enhance flavor, consider adding cumin or chili powder to the beef mixture. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to prevent a soggy casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach enchilada casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Homemade Chili Beans for a hearty experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. This helps maintain the texture without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Enchilada Casserole(8 Servings) contains roughly 627 calories, with 15g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1071mg per serving (47% 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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute. Just be aware that the texture and flavor will be slightly different. You can also try using gluten-free tortillas if needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, include jalapeños or diced serrano peppers to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or use spicier varieties of canned green chiles. Adjust to your heat preference for an extra kick!
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).