Best Beef Enchilada Pie Recipe

This enchilada pie recipe beef offers a convenient and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Combining the ease of a pie with the rich taste of enchiladas, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The hearty beef filling, layered with corn tortillas and smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, creates a comforting and satisfying culinary experience. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. The adaptable nature of the recipe allows for customization to individual preferences, adding further appeal.

The enchilada pie recipe beef stands out for its versatility. One can easily adjust the spice level to suit individual tastes, incorporating mild or hot chili peppers depending on preference. The choice of beef ground, shredded, or steak also impacts the final texture and flavor profile. The recipe can also be adapted to incorporate different vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms, for added nutritional value and complexity. The hearty filling, layered with soft corn tortillas, ensures a dish that is both substantial and comforting.

This recipe’s adaptability extends beyond the core ingredients. Experimenting with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack, leads to exciting flavor variations. The use of various spices and herbs can further customize the recipe to personal preferences. Furthermore, this method of preparation offers a convenient way to use leftover cooked beef, minimizing food waste and maximizing efficiency.

Ingredients for Enchilada Pie Recipe Beef

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions for Enchilada Pie Recipe Beef

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain off any excess grease.
3. Add onion, enchilada sauce, Rotel, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Layer half of the corn tortillas over the beef mixture.
7. Spread half of the remaining beef mixture over the tortillas.
8. Sprinkle half of each cheese over the beef.
9. Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enchilada Pie Recipe Beef

This recipe provides a comprehensive guide to preparing a delicious enchilada pie with beef. The preparation time, including browning the beef and assembling the layers, is approximately 30 minutes. The baking time is typically between 20 and 25 minutes, depending on oven temperature and desired level of cheese melting. This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for a family meal or a small gathering. The table below summarizes this information.

Nutritional Information for Enchilada Pie Recipe Beef

This enchilada pie recipe provides a balanced nutritional profile, drawing upon the protein content of beef, the carbohydrates from tortillas, and the calcium from cheese. A detailed nutritional breakdown would require precise ingredient measurements and application of specific nutritional databases. However, it’s safe to assume the dish is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The vegetables add nutritional value and fiber. For more precise nutritional information, it’s advisable to use a nutritional calculator with exact ingredient quantities.

Note: The following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and weights of your ingredients.

Tips for Cooking Enchilada Pie Recipe Beef

Achieving optimal results when preparing this dish hinges on careful attention to detail. From ensuring proper browning of the beef to achieving the perfect cheese melt, these tips will elevate the final product. The careful layering of ingredients ensures both even cooking and visual appeal.

1. Proper Beef Browning:

   Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned before adding other ingredients. This step enhances flavor and reduces the risk of a watery filling. Proper browning develops a rich depth of flavor essential to a successful enchilada pie.

2. Simmer for Flavor:

   Allowing the beef mixture to simmer for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld, creating a more harmonious and complex taste. This step is crucial in developing the characteristic rich flavor of the enchilada pie filling.

3. Even Tortilla Layering:

   Arrange the tortillas evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent some areas from being overly dry or soggy. Proper layering also enhances the visual appeal of the final dish.

4. Cheese Selection:

   Experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavor profile. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is a classic choice, but feel free to add other varieties to create unique flavor combinations. Remember to use cheeses that melt well for best results.

5. Oven Temperature Monitoring:
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   Monitor the oven temperature to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can be helpful in ensuring accuracy and preventing over- or under-baking. Maintaining consistent temperature is vital for optimal cheese melting and tortilla texture.

6. Resting Time:

   Allowing the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking allows the filling to set slightly and makes slicing and serving easier. This brief resting period helps to prevent a messy presentation and easier serving.

The success of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The combination of tender beef, flavorful enchilada sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that is both satisfying and comforting. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

Furthermore, the recipe’s adaptability allows for creative exploration. Adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses provides a platform for personal culinary expression and experimentation. This recipe provides a foundation upon which to build exciting flavor profiles tailored to individual tastes and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Enchilada Pie Recipe Beef

This section addresses common queries regarding the preparation and customization of this recipe, offering clarity and enhancing the user experience.

1. Can I use different types of beef?

   Yes, you can substitute ground beef with shredded beef, or even cubed steak that has been cooked and shredded. The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type and size of the beef. Keep in mind that different cuts will yield different textures and flavor profiles.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the enchilada pie a few hours before baking. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Adding a few extra minutes to the baking time may be necessary to ensure the cheese is thoroughly melted and the filling is heated through.

3. What if my tortillas are breaking?

   Slightly warming the tortillas before layering can help prevent them from breaking. You can achieve this by briefly microwaving them or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving until softened. If you are still experiencing issues, try using larger tortillas.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

   Absolutely! Onions, bell peppers, and even corn would be tasty additions to the filling. Add these vegetables along with the onions, ensuring they are cooked until tender before adding the enchilada sauce.

5. How can I make it spicier?

   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to increase the spiciness. Use caution and adjust according to your preference, as some hot sauces vary considerably in heat level.

This enchilada pie recipe offers a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional enchiladas. Its versatility and relative simplicity make it an excellent option for home cooks of all skill levels. The adaptability of the recipe allows for personalization, ensuring a delicious outcome each time.

In conclusion, the enchilada pie recipe beef is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. The simple instructions and adaptable nature of the recipe make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy!