Sizzling Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe for Taco Night Magic

Creamy, cheesy layers of beef enchilada casserole bring comfort straight to your dinner table.

Melted cheese and savory ground beef create a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that everyone craves.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a flavor explosion.

Tender tortillas soak up rich sauce and blend perfectly with seasoned meat.

This hearty meal comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to satisfy those dinner cravings with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

FAQs

• Are corn tortillas better than flour tortillas for this recipe?

Corn tortillas hold up better in casseroles, providing a more authentic Mexican texture and preventing the dish from becoming soggy compared to flour tortillas.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños, use hot enchilada sauce, or increase the chili powder and cumin amounts to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas and ensure all other ingredients like enchilada sauce are gluten-free certified. Always check labels to confirm.

Beef Enchilada Casserole: Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

• Whip up this mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Streamline your cooking process by creating a complete meal in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and saving precious time in the kitchen.
• Pack a punch of zesty Mexican-inspired tastes that will satisfy everyone from kids to adults, making it an ideal family dinner or potluck contribution.
• Easily customize the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extra toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole to suit different preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole.

• Corn Tortillas, Shredded Cheese: Corn tortillas provide a traditional base, while the cheese adds creamy richness and helps bind the casserole.

• Red Enchilada Sauce: Adds a classic Mexican flavor profile to the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste and depth of the beef mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a flavor foundation for the casserole.
• Green Chilies, Black Beans, Corn: Add texture, flavor, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, final touch to the casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering and controlling the cooking process.

Casserole Tools for Cheesy Enchilada Layers

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering and baking the casserole.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise chopping of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing and stirring beef mixture.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices like chili powder and cumin.
• Cheese Grater: Optional if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Making Beef Enchilada Casserole at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat.

Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it turn a rich golden brown.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

• Red enchilada sauce
• Diced green chilies
• Black beans
• Corn
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture bubble and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Build First Layer of Tortillas

Arrange a neat layer of corn tortillas across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Add First Meat Layer

Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, creating a hearty first layer.

Step 6: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

Generously scatter shredded cheese across the meat mixture, ensuring good coverage.

Step 7: Create Second Layer

• Remaining tortillas
• Remaining beef mixture
• Remaining cheese

Step 8: Initial Baking

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 9: Final Baking

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top.

Slice and serve hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Tips for Saucy, Cheesy Enchilada Casserole

• Use a blend of Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso fresco for authentic flavor and better melting texture.
• Lightly toast corn tortillas in a dry skillet before layering to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Adjust chili powder and green chilies to match your heat tolerance, using mild or hot varieties based on personal preference.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations for Enchilada Casserole Fans

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Enchilada Casserole: Use corn tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Enchilada Casserole: Substitute tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or bell pepper strips for a carbohydrate-reduced alternative.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Flavor Fiesta Topping: Sprinkle fresh diced avocados, chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream on each serving for a creamy, tangy burst of freshness.
• Zesty Side Companion: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty casserole.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who crave extra heat and want to kick the flavor up a notch.
• Family-Style Presentation: Bring the entire casserole to the table and let everyone scoop their own portion, creating a fun, interactive meal experience.

Storing Leftover Enchilada Casserole for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired beef enchilada casserole promises hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas. Comfort cuisine delivers rich flavors that satisfy hungry families with minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 15 ounces (425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces (113 grams) diced green chilies
• 15 ounces (425 grams) corn, drained
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (284 grams) red enchilada sauce
• 10 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles.
3. Incorporate chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Pour red enchilada sauce into the skillet, then add green chilies, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 6-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
5. Create the first layer of the casserole by arranging corn tortillas across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, creating a uniform layer.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the beef layer, covering the entire surface.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, creating a second complete layer.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving immediately.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Enhance protein content by adding a layer of refried beans between tortilla layers, creating extra richness and nutrition.
• Use corn tortillas strategically by briefly warming them in a skillet first, which prevents soggy texture and helps them hold structure during baking.
• Control spice levels by choosing mild enchilada sauce for sensitive palates or adding jalapeños for those craving extra heat and zesty kick.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg