Beef Enchilada Cass. (29 Min Cb) Question

[kam]

I would like to make the Beef Enchilada Casserole for a get together we are having tomorrow night. I like to have all my food "prepped" and ready to go so I am not cooking when guests arrive.

Has anyone made this dish ahead of time? Cook the beef mixture and combine with the enchilada sauce,salsa etc and then just assemble quickly before going into the microwave? It would be so much easier if I could cook the entire beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to assemble....

Just wondering if anyone has done this?

Thanks!

 

[chefann]

It would take longer to bring back to temp if it were refrigerated, and would probably need more liquid because of that.

 

[KellyTheChef]

I'm with Ann. If you are going to pre-prep the "sauce" part of it, I would reheat it on the stove before you assemble it. That way, the micro part should still take the same time that the recipe calls for.

BTW- I think that the cilantro really sets off this dish, so don't skip it! Serve with sour cream and olives on the side, and boy is it good!

 

[kam]

It would take longer to bring back to temp if it were refrigerated, and would probably need more liquid because of that.

I'm with Ann. If you are going to pre-prep the "sauce" part of it, I would reheat it on the stove before you assemble it. That way, the micro part should still take the same time that the recipe calls for.

Yes, now that I think about it, if I were to make the sauce part ahead of time, yes I should add more liquid and reheat.

I think what I might do is pre-cook just the beef (which for me is really the time consuming part). Then right before, add the salsa, sauce water and heat (that shouldn't take me too long), assemble and heat. This way I don't have to worry about the consistency changing.

BTW- I think that the cilantro really sets off this dish, so don't skip it! Serve with sour cream and olives on the side, and boy is it good!

Thanks for reminding me about the cilantro. When I made it for DH and myself I left off the cilantro (I really hate it), but since I am doing this for others, I will have to make sure to put it in!

Thanks!

 

[Staci]

Dear fellow chef,

I have made the Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time for gatherings and it has always been a hit! I recommend cooking the beef mixture and combining it with the enchilada sauce and salsa ahead of time. You can then refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble the casserole and pop it in the microwave. This will save you time and stress on the day of your get together. I hope your guests enjoy the dish and have a great time! Happy cooking!

Sincerely,