The Best Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Whipping up a hearty beef enchilada casserole brings comfort and zest to your dinner table.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and soft tortillas create a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a flavor explosion that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this casserole delivers pure deliciousness without complicated preparation.

Cheese bubbles and melds with savory beef, creating a crowd-pleasing experience everyone will love.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

Warm, inviting aromas will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to dig into this irresistible feast.

Prepare to become the dinner hero with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

What’s Inside Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of the casserole and provides rich flavor.

• Corn Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas create a traditional Mexican-style base for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legumes that contribute texture and nutritional value.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy vegetables that provide moisture and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a creamy, golden topping with classic southwestern flavor.

• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that infuses the casserole with traditional Mexican taste.
• Cumin: A warm spice that adds earthy undertones to the beef mixture.
• Chili Powder: A spice blend that brings heat and complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Cilantro, Parsley: Herbs that add a fresh, bright finish to the casserole.

How To Make Beef Enchilada Casserole At Home

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush with a light layer of oil.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet over medium heat. Throw in diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the beef turns a beautiful brown and loses all its pink color. Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create A Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to create a mouthwatering blend of flavors.

Step 4: Build The First Layer

Lay 4 corn tortillas across the bottom of your baking dish. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly.

Step 5: Add First Beef Layer

Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.

Step 6: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

Scatter half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef mixture.

Step 7: Create Second Tortilla Layer

Place another 4 corn tortillas on top of the cheese.

Step 8: Add Remaining Beef

Spread the rest of the beef mixture over the new tortilla layer.

Step 9: Top With Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the final half of the cheeses across the top.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, lightly browned cheese on top.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if you’d like.

Helpful Tips For Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin to match your preferred flavor intensity.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier without losing melty texture.
• Layer Evenly: Spread ingredients uniformly across tortillas to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every single bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning.

Fun Ways To Change Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Enchilada Remix: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Layer: Replace corn tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini rounds to reduce carbohydrate content and add more vegetables.

What Goes Well With Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec for a tangy cocktail that complements the spicy, rich flavors of the casserole.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Salad: Toss mixed greens, diced tomatoes, avocado, and corn with a light cilantro-lime vinaigrette to balance the hearty dish.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Horchata: Blend rice, cinnamon, and milk for a sweet, creamy drink that calms the spice and adds a traditional Mexican touch.

How To Keep Beef Enchilada Casserole Fresh

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through. Stir or rotate for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs About Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas. They will work just as well and provide a slightly different texture to the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe is not naturally gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas and ensure the enchilada sauce does not contain gluten ingredients.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Beef Enchilada Casserole Hits The Spot

• Create Quick Comfort: This hearty beef enchilada casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for shredded chicken, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
• Pack Family-Friendly Punch: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, Mexican-inspired layers that combine familiar ingredients into one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that disappears fast from the dinner table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-dish recipe that combines protein, beans, and cheese into a complete meal without requiring multiple pots and pans.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole delivers a spicy Mexican-inspired feast that combines layered tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into one comforting dish. Generous portions and bold flavors invite you to savor each satisfying bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Cheeses:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro or parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Sauté ground beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet until meat is completely browned, then drain excess fat.
3. Incorporate enchilada sauce, tomatoes, black beans, and spices into the meat mixture, allowing flavors to meld for 5 minutes over medium heat.
4. Create the first tortilla base layer in the baking dish, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom completely.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the tortilla foundation.
6. Generously sprinkle a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the meat layer.
7. Arrange a second tortilla layer to cover the cheese and meat mixture.
8. Pour the remaining beef mixture uniformly across the new tortilla layer.
9. Top the casserole with the final layer of cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve with optional fresh herb garnish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter protein option that keeps the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
• Pre-shred cheese at home for better melting and more even distribution across the casserole layers, ensuring each bite has perfect cheesy goodness.
• Toast corn tortillas briefly in a dry skillet before layering to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent soggy texture in the final dish.
• Add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle of fresh jalapeños before serving to brighten the overall taste and introduce a zesty kick that elevates the entire casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 447 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg