The rich, bold flavors of this Beef Enchilada Casserole come together in a warm, comforting dish layered with savory ground beef, melty cheese, and soft corn tortillas. It’s a hearty Tex-Mex classic that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a casual dinner.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, customize it with spicy enchilada sauce for more heat, or mix in black beans and corn for added texture. The casserole-style preparation makes it a no-fuss, easy-to-serve dish that’s ideal for meal prepping or next-day leftovers. Topped with fresh herbs and sour cream, it’s the kind of meal everyone will ask for again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
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1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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10 small corn tortillas, halved
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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2 green onions, sliced
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Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
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Sour cream (for serving)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Spread a thin layer of beef mixture in the prepared dish. Layer with 5 halved tortillas, then ⅓ of the beef mixture, and ⅓ of the cheese.
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Repeat the layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and serve with sour cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
When it comes to weeknight dinners that bring comfort, flavor, and ease together in one dish, few recipes can rival a hearty Beef Enchilada Casserole. This dish takes all the bold, savory goodness of classic enchiladas; spiced ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, gooey melted cheese and turns it into a layered casserole that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat. Built with corn tortillas for a more traditional base and enhanced with the rich essence of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion, this meal tastes like a slow-cooked masterpiece but comes together with minimal effort.
The Origins and Popularity of Enchilada Casseroles
Enchiladas are a staple of Mexican cuisine with roots dating back to the Aztecs, who used corn tortillas to wrap around fish or other meats. As the dish evolved through centuries and cultures, especially in the southwestern United States, the casserole version gained popularity. This format trades individual tortilla rolls for layers, making the dish quicker to assemble, easier to portion, and even more adaptable to home cooking.
Casseroles are particularly beloved in North America for their convenience. You can prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, then pop it in the oven when ready to eat. It’s also a fantastic choice for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping for a busy week.
Why Use Corn Tortillas?
The choice of corn tortillas in this recipe is more than just a nod to authenticity, it also enhances the flavor and texture. Corn tortillas bring a slightly earthy, nutty profile that complements the seasoned beef and tangy tomato-based enchilada sauce. They also hold up well in the oven, softening slightly but retaining enough structure to create satisfying layers. Compared to flour tortillas, they are naturally gluten-free and lower in fat, making them a healthier and more traditional option.
When layering the tortillas, halving them allows you to create an even foundation across the casserole dish. As they absorb the sauce and meat juices during baking, they become wonderfully tender without becoming mushy.
The Role of Cheese and Enchilada Sauce
Let’s talk cheese because what’s a casserole without it? This recipe combines shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a creamy, rich topping that bubbles up golden and irresistible in the oven. Cheddar adds a sharper tang, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a milder flavor that balances out the boldness of the meat and spices.
The enchilada sauce is the heart of the casserole. Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade, make sure to choose a version that complements your spice tolerance. Mild versions offer more tomato sweetness, while medium or hot sauces can give your dish a real kick. Either way, the sauce infuses every bite with the warm spices that define Tex-Mex comfort food.
Customization and Substitutions
What’s truly wonderful about a casserole like this is its flexibility. The base recipe is delicious as is, but it welcomes customization based on your preferences, pantry, or dietary needs:
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Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, black beans, or corn for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
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Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for more heat.
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Use Different Meats: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
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Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free shredded cheese and ensure your enchilada sauce is vegan to make this recipe entirely plant-based.
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Low-Carb Twist: Replace corn tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or low-carb tortillas for a lighter variation.
Serving Suggestions
While this Beef Enchilada Casserole is easily a meal on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
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Mexican Rice or Cilantro-Lime Rice: A classic companion that adds more body to the meal.
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Refried Beans or Black Beans: Provide creaminess and extra protein.
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Fresh Garden Salad: Lighten up the plate with something crisp and refreshing.
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Guacamole or Sliced Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness.
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Toppings: Fresh cilantro chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice really brighten up each serving.
For beverages, think margaritas, chilled beers, or a sweet agua fresca to balance the spice.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Another bonus to this recipe is how well it stores and reheats. If you’re planning meals in advance or cooking for one or two, here are a few helpful tips:
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Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
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Leftovers: Store any cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick lunch or dinner.
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Freezer Portions: Cut the baked casserole into squares, wrap individually, and freeze for easy grab-and-go meals.
Healthier Tweaks Without Losing Flavor
Even though it’s comfort food, this recipe can be made more nutritious with a few tweaks:
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Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
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Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the meat mixture for added fiber and nutrients.
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Swap some of the cheese for reduced-fat versions or reduce the amount slightly if you’re watching calories.
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Try homemade enchilada sauce to control sodium and preservatives.
These small adjustments can help turn this indulgent dish into something that aligns better with your dietary goals while keeping it delicious and satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
There’s a reason this Beef Enchilada Casserole is such a hit:
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Flavor-packed: The spice blend in the beef mixture and the layers of tangy sauce and cheese create a rich, satisfying experience.
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Family-friendly: Even picky eaters are likely to enjoy the familiar textures and flavors.
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Effortless: The layering method makes it quicker than rolling individual enchiladas.
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Great for leftovers: It reheats well and even tastes better the next day.
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Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck, casual dinner party, or meal train delivery, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Beef Enchilada Casserole with corn tortillas is more than just an easy dinner option, it’s a celebration of flavor, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting guests, this dish delivers satisfaction every time. It’s comforting layers of cheesy goodness, savory beef, and tender corn tortillas offer everything you love about enchiladas in a format that’s quicker, simpler, and just as tasty.
Plus, with endless ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, this recipe is a dependable favorite you’ll return to again and again. Once you taste it, it’s easy to see why it’s a staple in so many home kitchens.