Enchilada Casserole with Chili Stew and Beans

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Enchilada Casserole with Chili Stew and Beans, a delightful dish that combines rich, hearty flavors with a satisfying crunch. This recipe layers savory chili stew, infused with taco seasoning and spicy jalapeños, over a bed of crispy Doritos, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese.

Baked to perfection, this casserole is both indulgent and comforting, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Paired with a creamy avocado dip and served over rice, this enchilada casserole offers a deliciously unique twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Enchilada Casserole is bound to become a favorite for its delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why people will love it:

Flavorful Fusion: The marriage of chili stew with the unmistakable taste of Doritos creates a unique and exciting flavor profile. The addition of taco seasoning and jalapeños adds a spicy kick that elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness.

Cheesy Comfort: Topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, this casserole offers a comforting, gooey texture that cheese lovers will adore. The cheese not only enhances the flavor but also brings all the ingredients together in a satisfying, cohesive dish.

Crunchy and Satisfying: The crunchy Doritos base provides a delightful contrast to the soft, hearty chili stew, creating a dynamic eating experience that keeps each bite interesting and enjoyable.

Easy and Convenient: With simple assembly and minimal prep work, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s an easy way to transform leftover chili or use store-bought options into a new and exciting meal.

Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing for the inclusion of additional ingredients like green chilies, different cheeses, or a milder spice level to suit individual tastes. The ability to customize makes it appealing to a wide range of palates.

Perfect for Gatherings: Its crowd-pleasing nature makes this casserole ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures ensures it will be a hit at the table.

Key Ingredients:

Chili Stew with Beans: The heart of the casserole, this rich and savory chili stew is packed with protein and flavor. It provides the main body of the dish, infusing each bite with hearty, comforting goodness.

Taco Seasoning: Adding a burst of flavor, the taco seasoning enriches the chili stew with its blend of spices, enhancing the overall taste and providing a touch of Mexican-inspired flair.

Jalapeños: These spicy peppers introduce a lively heat to the casserole, offering a delightful kick that complements the rich flavors of the stew. They add a spicy, zesty note that can be adjusted to taste.

Doritos: Serving as the crunchy base of the casserole, Doritos add an unexpected twist with their distinct flavor and texture. They provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, hearty chili.

Grated Cheese: A generous topping of cheese melts into a deliciously gooey layer, bringing all the elements together and adding creamy richness. It enhances the flavor profile while creating a comforting, cheesy finish.

Creamy Avocado Dip: Although not part of the casserole itself, this dip offers a refreshing, creamy side that balances the spice and richness of the dish, providing a cool contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

Enchilada Casserole with Chili Stew and Beans

This Enchilada Casserole combines the warmth of chili stew with the satisfying crunch of Doritos, creating a delightful fusion dish that’s perfect for dinner.

Enhanced with taco seasoning and jalapeños, this casserole is topped with cheese and baked to perfection. Serve it over rice with a side of creamy avocado dip for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

1 batch of chili stew with beans (homemade or store-bought)

1 package taco seasoning

1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup chopped green chili (optional)

1 bag of Doritos (your choice of flavor)

2 cups grated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Cooked rice, for serving

For the Creamy Avocado Dip:

2 ripe avocados

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Chili Mixture:

If using homemade chili stew with beans, prepare it according to your recipe. If using store-bought, heat it in a saucepan.

Stir in the taco seasoning to thicken the mixture and add flavor.

Add the sliced jalapeños and chopped green chili (if using) to the chili mixture for added heat and flavor.

Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Layer the Doritos evenly at the bottom of a casserole dish.

Pour the chili mixture over the Doritos, spreading it evenly.

Top with grated cheese, ensuring a generous, even layer.

Bake the Casserole:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prepare the Creamy Avocado Dip:

In a bowl, mash the avocados until smooth.

Stir in the sour cream and lime juice, mixing well.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Roasted Pork Chops with Multi Colored Potatoes

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Authentic Macaroni Salad

Serve the enchilada casserole over a bed of cooked rice.

Enjoy with a side of creamy avocado dip for a refreshing contrast.

This Enchilada Casserole with Chili Stew and Beans is a delicious, comforting meal that combines spicy, cheesy, and crunchy elements for a delightful dining experience.

Notes:

Spice Level Adjustment: You can easily adjust the spice level of this casserole by varying the amount of jalapeños used or opting for mild taco seasoning. If you prefer more heat, consider adding additional spicy elements like hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Chili Stew Options: This recipe is versatile and works well with both homemade and store-bought chili stew. If you’re using store-bought, feel free to enhance it with additional spices or ingredients to match your taste preferences.

Doritos Flavor Choice: The choice of Doritos flavor can alter the overall taste of the dish. Try using different flavors like Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or Spicy Sweet Chili to experiment with unique flavor combinations.

Cheese Variations: While cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese is recommended, you can use any melting cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to add different flavors and textures to the casserole.

Make-Ahead and Storage: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. It also stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient option for meal planning. Reheat in the oven to maintain its texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Serving the casserole over rice helps balance the flavors and makes the meal more filling. Additionally, the creamy avocado dip provides a cool, refreshing contrast that complements the richness of the casserole.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it as instructed, but do not bake it.

Cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply replace the chili stew with a vegetarian chili that includes beans and vegetables.

You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of Doritos if I want a healthier option?

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to Doritos, consider using baked tortilla chips or whole-grain tortilla chips.

These options can provide a similar crunch without the additional flavors and calories of Doritos.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven until heated through.

How can I add more flavor to the creamy avocado dip?

To enhance the flavor of the creamy avocado dip, consider adding ingredients like minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.

You can also adjust the lime juice and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

A pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce can add additional depth and spice.

What type of cheese works best for this casserole?

A variety of cheeses can work well, but a Mexican blend or cheddar cheese are popular choices for their meltability and flavor.

If you prefer a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese.

Feel free to mix different cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking.

How can I prevent the Doritos from becoming too soggy?

To maintain some of the crunch in the Doritos, add them to the casserole just before baking.

You can also serve additional chips on the side for those who prefer extra crunch.

Avoid layering the chips too thickly to allow for even baking and better texture.

Is it possible to reduce the sodium content in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of chili stew, taco seasoning, and chips.

Additionally, you can control the amount of cheese used and opt for a lower-sodium cheese variety.

Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of canned ones?

Absolutely! Fresh jalapeños can be a great addition if you prefer a fresher taste and customizable heat level.

Simply slice them and adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes if you want to reduce the heat.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, Mexican rice, or a black bean and corn salad.

The creamy avocado dip included in the recipe is also a perfect accompaniment, providing a cool, refreshing contrast.