Stacked Enchiladas

“Take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of Mexico with these delicious Stacked Enchiladas. Layers of seasoned ground beef and creamy refried beans are sandwiched between soft flour tortillas, then smothered in zesty enchilada sauce and gooey melted cheese. Baked to perfection, these enchiladas are a satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving some south-of-the-border flavors, these Stacked Enchiladas are sure to satisfy your appetite and transport you to a culinary paradise.”

Stacked Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 16 oz can refried beans

1 10 oz can mild enchilada sauce

6 8-inch flour tortillas

2 c shredded cheddar cheese (1 – 8 oz bag)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a saucepan, brown the ground beef. Remove from the heat and drain any excess fat.

Add the refried beans to the beef and stir well; set aside.

Grease a pie plate or a 8 or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.

Open the can of enchilada sauce and add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to the bottom of the pan.

Next, layer with a tortilla, ½ c beef/bean mixture and ¼ c cheese. Repeat until you’ve used all the tortillas. (I find it easiest to spread the beef/bean mixture on before laying the tortilla down). Finish the stack with the last tortilla.

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce into the beef/bean mixture and stir until combined.

Pour the sauce over the enchilada stack, making sure to cover the edges of the tortillas.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serve with salsa, avocados, sour cream, cilantro and jalapenos, if desired.

Notes:

Ground Beef Seasoning: Consider adding taco seasoning or your favorite blend of spices to the ground beef for extra flavor.

Tortilla Options: You can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a more traditional enchilada taste.

Refried Beans: Look for low-fat or vegetarian refried beans for a healthier option.

Enchilada Sauce: Choose your preferred level of spiciness for the enchilada sauce, whether mild, medium, or hot.

Layering Technique: To prevent the enchiladas from becoming too soggy, ensure each tortilla is evenly coated with sauce and layered with the beef/bean mixture and cheese.

Customization: Feel free to add additional toppings such as sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Accompaniments: Offer a variety of toppings such as salsa, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapenos to customize each serving according to personal preference.

Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake when needed.

Leftover Storage: Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing: These enchiladas can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option.

Simply brown the ground poultry as you would with the beef.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, you can omit the ground meat altogether and increase the amount of refried beans or use a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu seasoned with your favorite spices.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like your enchiladas with more heat, you can choose a spicier enchilada sauce or add chopped jalapenos or other hot peppers to the beef/bean mixture for an extra kick of spice.

What are some good toppings or garnishes for these stacked enchiladas?

You can customize your stacked enchiladas with various toppings, including salsa, sliced avocados, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or even a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To reheat, you can use an oven, microwave, or stovetop.

In the oven, cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.

In the microwave, use short intervals to avoid overheating, and on the stovetop, reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer them or if you have dietary restrictions.

Corn tortillas are a common choice for traditional enchiladas.

Just be aware that corn tortillas may have a slightly different texture than flour tortillas when baked.

Is there a substitute for refried beans if I don’t have them on hand?

If you don’t have refried beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans as a substitute.

Simply mash them or heat them and spread them over the tortillas as a base layer.

What can I do if I want a spicier enchilada sauce?

If you prefer your enchiladas with more heat, you can opt for a medium or hot enchilada sauce instead of mild.

Additionally, you can customize the spice level by adding ingredients like red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapenos to the beef/bean mixture.

Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stacked enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions.

What’s the best way to slice and serve stacked enchiladas?

To serve, use a sharp knife to slice the stacked enchiladas into wedges, similar to slicing a pie.

This makes it easier to serve individual portions.

You can garnish each serving with salsa, sliced avocados, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapenos according to your preferences.