The Great British BakeOff Meets TexMex Ultimate Cheesy Enchilada Chili Casserole

Cheesy Enchilada Chili Bake

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Preparation time:35 Mins

Cooking time:50 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 5 lbs Lean Ground Beef or Turkey
• 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Beef or Chicken Broth
• 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk or Half-and-Half
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 (4 oz) can Green Chiles, drained
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• 12 Small Corn or Flour Tortillas (6-inch diameter)

Instructions:

• Brown the ground meat in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. Drain off excess fat.
• Add onion and pepper to the meat; sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and dried spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook gently for 15 minutes to deepen the flavour. Stir in rinsed black beans and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
• Make the Creamy Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Remove sauce from heat. Stir in green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, and the 1 cup each of Jack and Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season well.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Assemble the Casserole: Briefly dip each tortilla (about 5 seconds per side) into the creamy sauce to soften it slightly.
• Layer the dish: Spread a thin layer of the remaining creamy sauce on the bottom. Arrange one-third of the softened tortillas. Top with half of the chili mixture, spreading evenly. Drizzle with a light layer of the remaining creamy sauce. Repeat with another tortilla layer, the remaining chili, and the final tortilla layer.
• Pour any remaining creamy sauce evenly over the top layer of tortillas. Sprinkle generously with reserved shredded Cheddar cheese.
• Bake, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly throughout.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1556 kcal

Protein:25.6 g

Fat:41.7 g

Carbs:76.5 g

Fiber:35.7 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:946 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Casserole, Tex-Mex, Comfort Food

Cuisine:Tex-Mex

The Culinary Fusion: Why This Cheesy Enchilada Chili Dominates Comfort Food

There are certain dishes that immediately transport you to a place of warmth, safety, and deep satisfaction. They are the cornerstones of weekend cooking and rainy-day indulgence. If chili and enchiladas are on that esteemed list, then the Cheesy Enchilada Chili —specifically in its baked casserole form—is the undisputed champion. It’s a culinary masterstroke, taking the smoky, complex spice profile of a slow-simmered chili and marrying it flawlessly with the creamy, molten, layered structure of an enchilada bake. This isn't just a meal; it's an event. Forget the traditional decision paralysis; this Comfort Food Chili resolves the debate entirely, delivering robust meatiness, a hint of tangy tomato, and an intoxicating blanket of melted cheese, all in one glorious 9x13 dish.

Unlocking the Magic of Tex-Mex Comfort in One Pan

What we are creating here is far more than simply throwing ingredients into a pot. This Enchilada Chili elevates the humble bowl of chili by giving it structural integrity and a magnificent finish. The process involves building two distinct, yet complementary, flavour bases: a hearty, spiced ground beef chili and a luscious, cheesy, homemade enchilada sauce that binds the entire creation together. The resulting dish is substantial enough for a hungry crowd yet intimate enough for a family dinner, solidifying its place as a top-tier Chili Recipe with Cheese .

What Makes This Chili-Enchilada Hybrid Irresistible?

The magic lies in the moisture exchange during baking. As the casserole heats, the soft tortillas soak up the intense flavours from the Ground Beef Chili Recipe base, while the creamy sauce prevents any part of the dish from drying out. This layering technique creates distinct strata of texture: the soft, sauce-soaked interior contrasting beautifully with the crispy, golden-brown cheese crust on top. It’s a textural symphony that simple, spooned chili can rarely achieve. On top of that,, by using quality spices and fresh components, we transform this concept into a truly elevated Cheesy Beef Chili .

Perfect Pairings for Your Ultimate Casserole Night

While this Cheesy Enchilada Chili Casserole is certainly rich enough to stand alone, certain sidekicks can enhance the experience. Because the casserole provides the heat, richness, and spice, balance is key. Think bright, acidic accompaniments. A simple side salad dressed with a sharp lime vinaigrette offers a perfect counterpoint. Alternatively, serving it with a fresh avocado and corn salsa cuts through the fat from the cheese beautifully. For beverages, a crisp, dry cider or a light Mexican lager works wonderfully to cleanse the palate between rich, cheesy bites.

The Essential Kitchen Toolkit for Success

To execute this layered masterpiece smoothly, ensure you have the right gear. You will need a large Dutch oven or deep skillet for developing the initial depth of flavour in the chili base. Equally important is a medium saucepan with a whisk for crafting the roux-based creamy sauce—a whisk is non-negotiable here to ensure a silky smooth texture without lumps. Finally, a standard 9x13 inch baking dish is essential for assembly and achieving that perfect, evenly baked crust. Having these tools ready streamlines the process, making this recipe feel more like an Easy Cheesy Chili than a complicated undertaking.

Sourcing Superior Components for Deep Flavor

In any layered recipe, the quality of individual components dictates the final outcome. We are aiming for deep, resonant Tex-Mex flavour, which means paying attention to the core ingredients that form the backbone of this Cheesy Enchilada Chili .

Choosing the Right Ground Meat (Beef, Turkey, or Vegetarian Swap)

For the most traditional and robust flavour profile, lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) is the preferred choice for this Ground Beef Chili Recipe . Browning the meat properly and draining the excess fat ensures the chili base remains rich without becoming greasy. If you are opting for poultry, ground turkey works well, though you may need to boost the smoked paprika slightly to compensate for the milder inherent flavour. For a vegetarian route, finely chopped mushrooms mixed with lentils provide excellent texture, though they will absorb more seasoning, so be generous with your spice blend during the initial sauté.

The Dairy Lineup: Achieving Maximum Melt Factor

The cheese selection is pivotal in this dish, directly influencing the ‘cheesy’ aspect of our Cheesy Enchilada Chili . We utilize a dual-cheese approach for both flavour and texture. Sharp Cheddar provides the necessary tangy punch and colour, while Monterey Jack is included specifically for its superior melting qualities, ensuring that smooth, elastic pull when you lift a slice. Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded bags is a non-negotiable tip here; pre-shredded products contain anti-caking agents that inhibit a truly smooth, molten finish in the sauce.

Prepping Your Tortillas: Tortilla Prep for Optimal Structure

The tortillas serve as the structural element separating the layers of chili and sauce. Whether you opt for corn or flour tortillas (corn provides a more authentic, rustic flavour), they must be softened before layering. Simply dipping them quickly—no more than five seconds per side—into the warm, creamy enchilada sauce allows them to become pliable. This brief bath prevents them from turning dry or brittle during the oven time, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the final Enchilada Chili Casserole .

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Step-by-Step Assembly: Building the Layers of Flavor

The assembly stage is where the vision of the Cheesy Enchilada Chili comes together. Success here relies on even distribution and maintaining the integrity of the sauce consistency. After preparing both the hearty chili base and the creamy enchilada sauce, it’s time to transition to the baking dish.

First, establish a thin layer of the prepared creamy sauce on the bottom of your greased 9x13 dish. This base layer acts as a buffer, preventing the bottom tortillas from sticking or becoming overly dry. Next, arrange your first third of the briefly softened tortillas to cover this foundation. Spoon half of the rich chili mixture evenly over this tortilla layer, ensuring coverage extends close to the edges. Lightly drizzle some of the remaining creamy sauce over the chili before placing down the second layer of tortillas. Add the rest of the chili, followed by the final tortilla layer. The key to a cohesive bake is ensuring the tortillas are slightly overlapped or touching to create a unified barrier between the filling and the final topping.

Baking Dynamics: Achieving That Golden, Bubbly Crust

The final transformation from assembled casserole to magnificent Chili Recipe with Cheese happens in the oven. This stage is about heating everything through uniformly and developing that irresistible, golden-brown top.

Simmering the Hearty Cheesy Enchilada Chili Base

Before assembly, ensure the chili base has had a solid 15-minute simmer after adding the beans. This short simmer time is essential for marrying the spices, acidity from the tomatoes, and richness from the meat. While we aren't slow-cooking for hours, this brief melding allows the initial Ground Beef Chili Recipe flavours to deepen considerably before they meet the oven environment.

Layering Technique: Creating Distinct Casserole Strata

As detailed in the assembly phase, the layering technique is crucial. Remember the sequence: sauce buffer, tortillas, chili, light sauce drizzle, tortillas, remaining chili, final tortillas. This disciplined approach ensures that every serving will contain a balanced ratio of spiced meat, soft tortilla, and creamy binding sauce, making for a truly superior Cheesy Beef Chili experience.

The Final Bake Time: Monitoring for Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C). The casserole first bakes covered with foil for about 25 minutes. This period steams the interior, ensuring the tortillas fully absorb the moisture and the internal temperature reaches a safe, piping hot level. Crucially, remove the foil for the final 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the top layer of shredded Cheddar to melt fully, bubble aggressively, and achieve that perfect, lightly browned crust that signals a true Comfort Food Chili .

Mastering Make-Ahead and Storage Strategies

One of the greatest attributes of a dish like this Enchilada Chili Casserole is its flexibility for planning. Preparing ahead of time allows you to focus purely on enjoyment when guests arrive.

Freezing Guidelines: How Long Can This Comfort Keep?

This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the entire dish, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with two layers of aluminum foil, ensuring no air can penetrate. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight if possible, or add an extra 30 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from frozen at 375° F ( 190° C).

Troubleshooting Common Texture Issues in Baked Chili

If your finished Cheesy Enchilada Chili appears too soupy upon removal from the oven, the issue usually lies in one of two places: insufficient simmering of the chili base or adding too much liquid (milk/broth) to the creamy sauce. The solution is simple: let it rest. Allowing the casserole to sit for a crucial 10 minutes post-bake permits the starches in the sauce and the absorbed moisture in the tortillas to redistribute and firm up, resulting in cleaner, more satisfying slices.

Elevating the Experience: Suggested Garnishes Beyond the Basics

While the casserole is hearty on its own, the garnish layer provides necessary freshness and textural contrast. Beyond the standard sour cream, consider a finely chopped mixture of cilantro, white onion, and fresh lime juice. A sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips right before serving adds an unexpected, delightful crunch that contrasts the softness below. For those who prefer heat, a quick sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favourite smoky hot sauce transforms this Easy Cheesy Chili into a bold statement.

Customizing Your Casserole: Next-Level Variations and Toppings

While the base recipe is solid gold, experimentation is the heart of great cooking. Think of this Cheesy Enchilada Chili Recipe as a fantastic template ready for your signature spin.

One spectacular variation is the switch to an all-green theme. Swap the red enchilada sauce components for a rich, creamy base made from puréed tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro, creating a vibrant Green Chile Chili Casserole hybrid. You could also introduce sweetness by stirring caramelized onions into the chili base or adding a half-cup of frozen corn kernels during the final 10 minutes of the chili's simmer time. These minor adjustments allow you to personalize the depth and profile of your ultimate Enchilada Chili creation.