Description
This Lazy Enchilada Casserole features seasoned ground beef, tortilla chips, and layers of red enchilada sauce and salsa all bound together with melty Mexican cheese blend, baked until golden and bubbling. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent but comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and texture
- 1/2 onion, chopped into small pieces
- 1 (12 ounce) bag tortilla chips, original or lightly salted variety
- 1 (28 ounce) can red enchilada sauce, the large size for full coverage
- 1 cup salsa, mild or medium heat depending on your preference
- 1 (32 ounce) bag Mexican cheese blend, the large bag so you have plenty to layer
- Optional toppings: jalapeños, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or black olives
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened.
- Drain Excess Fat: Pour the cooked beef mixture into a colander to drain any excess fat, then return it to the skillet.
- Season and Set Aside: Taste the beef and add salt and pepper as needed, then set the mixture aside for assembly.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Create the Base Layer: Spread half of the tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the chips.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the enchilada sauce and half of the salsa over the beef layer, then sprinkle half of the Mexican cheese blend evenly across the top.
- Repeat and Bake: Layer the remaining tortilla chips, ground beef, enchilada sauce, salsa, and cheese on top, then bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes