If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve found it with this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender corn tortillas, zesty enchilada sauce, and melted cheese come together in a bake that’s bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering big taste with surprisingly simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from the savory richness of the ground beef to the melty cheese and vibrant enchilada sauce. These straightforward ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures that make this casserole truly memorable.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, meaty flavor to the dish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 1 packet enchilada seasoning mix: Infuses vibrant spices and smoky notes that define the casserole’s character.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Brings the saucy tang and moisture needed to tie all the layers together perfectly.
- 10-12 corn tortillas, cut into strips: Provides the tender but sturdy layers that soak up all the delicious juices.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Melts to golden perfection, adding creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional): Offers a mild kick and bursts of flavor for those who like a bit more zest.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping): Adds a cool, creamy contrast when dolloped on top just before serving.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish: Brightens up the dish with a refreshing herbal note.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to go in, helping the cheese melt evenly and everything bake through perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and fragrant, then add the ground beef. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. This step builds the foundational flavor, rendering fat and caramelizing the onions to deepen the taste.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the enchilada seasoning mix and the enchilada sauce. If you’re using diced green chilies, toss them in now too. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the spices and sauce to meld together into a rich, savory filling.
Step 4: Build Your Layers
Grab your favorite baking dish and start layering. First, lay down half of the tortilla strips to create a base. Add half of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over everything. Repeat these layers one more time to maximize the flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden. The heat will bring all those layers together into one irresistible dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe cool just a bit before serving. Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to add a refreshing, creamy finish that perfectly complements the bold flavors.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way when it comes to garnishes. Besides the classic sour cream and fresh cilantro, you can add sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the casserole even more. These toppings add layers of texture and flavor that make every forkful a joy.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines beautifully alongside simple sides like a fresh green salad, Mexican street corn, or black beans and rice. The lightness or heartiness of these sides balance out the rich, cheesy layers in the casserole for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins or layered in clear glass cups to show off the colorful layers. Another fun twist is to add a crunchy topping of crushed tortilla chips mixed with cheese before baking, giving a delightful texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day as a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe freezes remarkably well. Prepare and bake it fully, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy a homemade meal whenever you need one in a hurry.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Alternatively, you can microwave single servings, but the oven will preserve the original textures better.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work, but because they are softer and less sturdy than corn tortillas, they may create a slightly different texture—more like a soft bake than a traditional enchilada feel. Both are delicious, so choose your favorite.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
You can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Just season everything well with the enchilada spices and sauce for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
How spicy is this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe?
The heat level mostly depends on the enchilada seasoning and whether you include the diced green chilies. If you like it milder, choose a mild seasoning mix and skip the chilies. For more spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your liking.
Can I assemble this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the layers up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, just bake it as directed. This makes it a great dish to prepare for busy nights or guests.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
A sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend that includes Monterey Jack and Asadero cheeses melts beautifully and complements the flavors perfectly. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing, this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It has all the heartiness and spice you want from Mexican cuisine, wrapped up in a convenient casserole form that everyone will love. Don’t wait to make this your go-to comfort meal—once you do, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, and melted cheese, baked to perfection and topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines rich flavors and easy preparation in one delicious casserole.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet enchilada seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
Casserole Layers
- 10–12 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
- Season the beef: Stir in the enchilada seasoning mix, enchilada sauce, and diced green chilies if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together nicely.
- Layer the casserole: Using a baking dish, create the casserole layers by spreading half of the tortilla strips as the base, then add half of the beef mixture on top, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake the casserole: Place the layered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and starts to bubble and brown slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for easy serving. Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For spicier taste, add jalapeños or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are unavailable, but corn is traditional.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.
