Here’s a hearty, cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole that layers flavorful seasoned beef, corn tortillas, and gooey melted cheese in a rich enchilada sauce—all baked to bubbly perfection. Easier than rolling individual enchiladas but just as delicious!
Contents
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 tsp each chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained/rinsed (optional)
For Assembly:
- 10-12 corn tortillas (cut into quarters)
- 1 (28 oz) can red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
Toppings (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado or tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Filling:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook onion for 3 mins, then add garlic and ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it apart.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and black beans (if using). Cook 2 more mins. Remove from heat.
2. Layer the Casserole:
- Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce in a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Layer in this order:
- 1/3 tortillas (overlapping slightly)
- ½ beef mixture
- ½ green chiles
- 1 cup cheese
- ½ cup sauce
- Repeat layers, ending with tortillas, sauce, and remaining cheese.
3. Bake & Serve:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins.
- Uncover and bake 5-10 mins until cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool 5 mins, then top with avocado, cilantro, etc.
Tips:
- Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover taco meat.
- Spice level: Swap enchilada sauce for green (verde) sauce or add cayenne.
- Gluten-free: Ensure tortillas/sauce are GF-certified.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble (unbaked), freeze, then bake (+10 mins).
This layered fiesta is a crowd-pleaser—perfect with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans! 🌶️🧀 Let me know if you’d like a vegetarian version.