Name: One Pan Enchilada Casserole: A Flavorful Dinner Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 pound ground turkey (OR lean ground beef); 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced, about 1 cup); salt & pepper (to taste); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lime (juice only); 1 tablespoon enchilada or taco seasoning; 1 (4-oz) can mild diced green chiles; 1 (15-oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 cup diced sweet potato (about 1 small, cut into 1/3-inch cubes, optional); 1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes (not drained); 1 cup red enchilada sauce; 4 (8-inch) flour tortillas (each halved lengthwise and then cut into 5-6 strips across); 1 heaping cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack or a Mexican cheese blend); chopped cilantro, diced red onion, avocado, sour cream, lime wedges (optional to serve)

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One Pan Enchilada Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of traditional enchiladas into a quick and easy casserole form. Packed with lean ground turkey or beef, sweet potatoes, black beans, and enchilada sauce, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it can be made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Enchilada Casserole

This Easy Enchilada Casserole is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a complete meal with protein, veggies, and carbs.
Perfect for meal prep: make it ahead for the week!
Customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Great for families; kids love the cheesy goodness.
Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free to fit dietary needs.
Ready in just 60 minutes, making it a Quick Enchilada Casserole.

This dish fits well into a Mexican cuisine category, showcasing the rich flavors of traditional enchiladas in a new, convenient format.

Ingredients for One Pan Enchilada Casserole

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon oil
1 pound ground turkey (OR lean ground beef)
1 medium yellow onion (finely diced, about 1 cup)
salt & pepper (to taste)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 lime (juice only)
1 tablespoon enchilada or taco seasoning
1 (4-oz) can mild diced green chiles
1 (15-oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup diced sweet potato (about 1 small, cut into 1/3-inch cubes, optional)
1 (15-oz) can petite diced tomatoes (not drained)
1 cup red enchilada sauce
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas (each halved lengthwise and then cut into 5-6 strips across)
1 heaping cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack or a Mexican cheese blend)
chopped cilantro, diced red onion, avocado, sour cream, lime wedges (optional to serve)

How to Make One Pan Enchilada Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the ground meat and diced onion. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess liquid with paper towels, then continue browning.
Step 3: If there are browned bits stuck on the bottom of your skillet, deglaze the pan with 1/4 to 1/3 cup water and stir well.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, lime juice, and seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the green chiles, black beans, sweet potato (if using), diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Add the tortilla strips to the skillet, stirring gently to place them evenly in the sauce. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Top the casserole with shredded cheese, then bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for the Perfect One Pan Enchilada Casserole

Keep these in mind:

Use a ~3.5 to 4 quart oven-safe skillet for best results.
Shred cheese yourself for better melting.
Let the casserole rest before serving for better slicing.
Experiment with spices to customize the flavor.

Best Ways to Serve One Pan Enchilada Casserole

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further:

Top with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and avocado for fresh flavor.
Serve with a side of sour cream and lime wedges to add creamy and zesty notes.
Pair with corn chips or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat One Pan Enchilada Casserole

For leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Enchilada Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect One Pan Enchilada Casserole?

The secret lies in browning the meat well and ensuring the casserole has a good balance of ingredients, including enough sauce to keep it moist.

Can I make One Pan Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before, cover it, and bake it when you’re ready for dinner. This is a great One Pot Enchilada Meal for busy nights!

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pan Enchilada Casserole?

To avoid sogginess, make sure not to overload the casserole with too many beans or sauce. Also, letting it rest before serving helps with slicing.

Variations of One Pan Enchilada Casserole You Can Try

Feel free to customize this casserole:

One Pan Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Swap ground turkey for shredded chicken.
Vegetarian One Pan Enchilada Casserole: Replace meat with additional beans or veggies.
Gluten-Free One Pan Enchilada Casserole: Use corn tortillas instead of flour.

With these variations, you can cater to different dietary preferences while keeping the essence of this comforting dish intact.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making sweet potato biscuits as a side dish!

Additionally, learn more about creamy potato soup that pairs well with this casserole.

For a deeper dive into Mexican cuisine, visit One Pan Spanish Chicken for another flavorful dish!

One Pan Enchilada Casserole: A Flavorful Dinner Delight

Author: basmer
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Enchilada casserole recipe packed with lean ground turkey or beef, sweet potato, black beans, enchilada sauce and strips of tortilla baked into the saucy filling.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the ground meat and diced onion. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess liquid with paper towels, then continue browning.
If there are browned bits stuck on the bottom of your skillet, deglaze the pan with 1/4 to 1/3 cup water and stir well.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, lime juice, and seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the green chiles, black beans, sweet potato (if using), diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Add the tortilla strips to the skillet, stirring gently to place them evenly in the sauce. Remove from heat.
Top the casserole with shredded cheese, then bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings.