Beef enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish, and this Pioneer Woman Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe takes it to the next level. This recipe is packed with flavorful ground beef, smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce, and loaded with melted cheese. It’s the perfect hearty meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave some serious comfort food.
Dish of Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas with red sauce and cheese
What makes this Pioneer Woman beef enchilada casserole stand out? It’s all about the technique and the flavor layering. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, knows how to create dishes that are both delicious and approachable, and this recipe is a perfect example. While some enchilada recipes can be fussy, this one streamlines the process without sacrificing any of the authentic Mexican taste.
One key element is the use of corn tortillas. While flour tortillas might be easier to handle, corn tortillas bring that authentic enchilada flavor that’s hard to beat. To prevent them from cracking and tearing, this recipe includes a simple step of lightly frying them before filling and rolling. This softens the tortillas and adds a subtle toasted corn flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Trust us, this extra step is well worth it!
The filling is wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying. Ground beef, seasoned and combined with diced green chilies and cheese, creates a hearty and flavorful base for the enchiladas. You could certainly experiment with other fillings like shredded chicken or pork, but the ground beef keeps this recipe weeknight-friendly and budget-conscious.
And let’s not forget the sauce! A homemade red enchilada sauce is simmered to perfection, creating a deep, rich flavor that coats every enchilada. The sauce is easy to make from scratch and is far superior to store-bought versions in terms of taste and freshness.
Finally, the cheesy topping. A generous blanket of sharp cheddar cheese melts over the enchiladas in the oven, creating that irresistible gooey, golden-brown crust that everyone loves. Garnished with fresh green onions, and served with sour cream, cilantro, or your favorite toppings, this Pioneer Woman beef enchilada casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Close up of Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas on a plate
What You’ll Need to Make Pioneer Woman Beef Enchilada Casserole
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing Pioneer Woman beef enchilada casserole, categorized for easy preparation:
For the Red Enchilada Sauce:
- Canola Oil: Used to create a roux, the base of the flavorful sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce, giving it a perfect consistency.
- Red Enchilada Sauce (canned): Provides the authentic enchilada flavor base.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and thins the sauce to the right consistency.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh Chopped Cilantro: Brings a fresh, vibrant note to the sauce.
For the Beef Enchilada Filling:
- Ground Beef: The star of the filling, providing a hearty and meaty base.
- Onion: Adds savory depth and aromatics to the beef filling.
- Diced Green Chilies: Introduce a mild heat and classic Southwestern flavor.
- Salt: Seasons the beef filling perfectly.
For the Tortillas:
- Corn Tortillas: Essential for authentic enchiladas and best flavor.
- Canola Oil: For lightly frying the tortillas to soften them and enhance flavor.
For Assembly and Topping:
- Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Divided for both filling and topping, adding cheesy goodness.
- Sour Cream & Chopped Green Onion: Optional toppings to serve with the enchiladas for added freshness and flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Beef Enchilada Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Pioneer Woman beef enchilada casserole:
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Prepare the Red Enchilada Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the canola oil. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a paste (roux). Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the red enchilada sauce and chicken broth, whisking to combine and prevent lumps. Add salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
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Cook the Beef Filling: While the sauce simmers, brown the ground beef with diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the diced green chilies and salt. Set the cooked beef filling aside.
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Soften the Corn Tortillas: Once the sauce is almost done simmering, heat canola oil in a small skillet over medium heat for frying the tortillas. Using tongs, carefully fry each corn tortilla in the hot oil for about 20 seconds per side, until softened but not crispy. Remove the softened tortillas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until all tortillas are lightly fried. This step is crucial for pliable tortillas that won’t crack when rolled.
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Assemble the Enchilada Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour about ½ cup of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Dip each softened corn tortilla into the simmering red sauce to coat both sides. Remove the sauced tortilla to your work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with a little grated cheddar cheese and some green onions. Roll up the enchilada tightly and place it seam-down in the prepared baking pan. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the pan.
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Bake the Enchilada Casserole: Pour the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the pan. Top generously with the remaining grated cheddar cheese and sprinkle with green onions. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the enchiladas are heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the Pioneer Woman beef enchilada casserole cool slightly before serving. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and additional chopped green onion, if desired. Other topping options include fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, or your favorite salsa.
Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas served on a plate with a fork
This Pioneer Woman beef enchilada casserole is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a festive weekend gathering. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Looking for More Mexican-Inspired Recipes?
Explore these other delicious recipes to round out your Mexican-inspired meal:
- Slow Cooker Verde Chicken Chili
- Fried Ice Cream Cake
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Tamale Casserole
- Simple Instant Pot Pork Verde Tacos
- Sheet Pan Chili Lime Chicken Fajitas
