Stacked Beef Enchiladas (Mexican Lasagna)

Try this Stacked Beef Enchiladas (Mexican Lasagna) recipe, or contribute your own.

Stacked Beef Enchiladas (Mexican Lasagna)
Stacked Beef Enchiladas (Mexican Lasagna)
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Try this Stacked Beef Enchiladas (Mexican Lasagna) recipe, or contribute your own.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Served Person: 8
main dish

Step-by-step

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and baking soda. Mix with your hands until evenly combined. Let sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • While the beef sits, prepare the sauce. Set an oven rack about 5 inches beneath the heating element and preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Toss the tomatoes, onions, and garlic with the vegetable oil directly on the prepared baking sheet. Broil until softened and charred, 12 to 15 minutes (if the vegetables are browning too quickly, give them a quick stir with a rubber spatula).
  • Transfer the vegetables and juices to a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Add the salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper and pulse until just slightly chunky. Add the cilantro and pulse until the cilantro is chopped. Set the sauce aside.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and cook, stirring frequently and breaking into pieces, until just slightly pink, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes more, or until cooked through.
  • To assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F and move the oven rack to the center position. Lightly oil a 9x13-in glass or ceramic baking dish. Set aside 1 cup of the sauce for the top of the casserole.
  • Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of tortillas, overlapping them slightly. Spoon half of the beef (and any juices) over the tortillas. Top with half of the sauce and 1/3 of the cheese.
  • Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining beef, remaining sauce, and 1/3 of the cheese. Top with the remaining tortillas.
  • Spread the reserved sauce over the tortillas and cover completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over top.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is completely melted.
  • Note: Chipotle chili powder is smoky and hot and makes this dish a little spicy. For a milder dish, replace the chipotle chili powder with ancho chili powder, which isn't as hot.
  • MAKE AHEAD: The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, tightly covered with foil, and refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to 3 months before baking (if frozen, defrost in the refrigerator before cooking).
  • It can also be fully baked, tightly covered with foil, and refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat: defrost if necessary and heat the covered casserole in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, or until hot. If you'd rather reheat individual servings, small portions can be zapped in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

My Go-To Comfort Food: Stacked Beef Enchiladas

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal on a busy weeknight, and for me, that often means a big batch of my stacked beef enchiladas. I've dubbed it "Mexican Lasagna" because of its layered construction and rich, savory flavors. It’s a dish that's surprisingly easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether I’m feeding my family or having friends over. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, add different vegetables, or even swap out the beef for chicken or vegetarian crumbles. But the core components—the tender beef, the vibrant tomato sauce, the melty cheese, and the soft corn tortillas—remain constant and utterly delicious.

The process of making these enchiladas is a journey in itself. Starting with the simple act of browning the ground beef, adding the perfect blend of spices, and then creating that amazing, smoky tomato sauce, is incredibly therapeutic for me. I love the smell of the spices filling my kitchen, the satisfying sizzle of the beef in the pan, and the vibrant colors of the vegetables roasting in the oven. It’s a sensory experience that I truly cherish. The layering process is almost meditative—carefully arranging the tortillas, spreading the flavorful beef and sauce, and topping it all off with a generous layer of melted cheese. It's like creating a culinary masterpiece, layer by layer, until it’s ready to go into the oven. And the anticipation of that first bite, the explosion of flavors, the comforting warmth that spreads through you with each mouthful… it's truly an unparalleled culinary delight.

Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Comfort Food

For me, this dish transcends simple sustenance; it's a connection to my family, to my heritage, and to the simple joys of home cooking. The act of preparing a meal from scratch, of taking raw ingredients and transforming them into something delicious and nourishing, is a deeply satisfying experience. It's a way to connect with my roots, to honor the traditions passed down through generations, and to express my love and care for my loved ones. There’s something deeply comforting about gathering around the table, sharing a meal together, and creating lasting memories. And this dish, with its rich flavors and warm embrace, helps to create the perfect backdrop for those special moments.

The recipe itself is a testament to the power of simplicity. It doesn't require any fancy techniques or obscure ingredients. It's a recipe that can be easily mastered by even the most novice cook, making it accessible to everyone. And yet, despite its simplicity, it delivers a level of flavor and satisfaction that's truly remarkable. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and it always leaves me feeling full, happy, and deeply content. Whether I’m enjoying it as a weeknight dinner after a long day, or sharing it with friends and family on a special occasion, this stacked beef enchilada recipe always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

Adapting the Recipe: Your Culinary Adventure

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add your favorite vegetables, or even try different types of meat. I often add some chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients. You can also experiment with different types of chili powder to adjust the spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for ancho chili powder instead of chipotle. The possibilities are truly endless, making this a recipe that can be tailored to your own unique tastes and preferences.

The beauty of home cooking lies in its ability to adapt and evolve. Every time I make this dish, it's slightly different, reflecting my current mood, the ingredients I have on hand, and the people I'm sharing it with. It’s a testament to the creativity and spontaneity of home cooking, the joy of experimentation, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious and unique. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try and make it your own. Let your culinary creativity run wild, and discover the joy of creating a comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion.

More Than Just a Meal: A Celebration of Flavor and Connection

In the end, this isn't just about a recipe; it's about the experience of creating and sharing a delicious meal. It's about the warmth of the kitchen, the laughter shared around the table, and the feeling of connection that comes from nourishing your loved ones with something you've made with your own hands. This dish, with its simple elegance and rich flavors, embodies the spirit of home cooking, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life and the importance of sharing food and laughter with the people we care about most. It’s a testament to the power of food to bring us together, to comfort us, and to nourish not just our bodies, but also our souls.

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