When it comes to comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist, Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole is hard to beat. This dish is a perfect blend of bold enchilada flavors, gooey cheese, and tender corn tortillas, layered to create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and brimming with warmth. If you love enchiladas but dread the tedious task of rolling them individually, this casserole is your best friend.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine, this casserole simplifies the process without compromising on taste. It’s layered like a lasagna but tastes like your favorite enchiladas, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping. Each bite delivers a savory combination of seasoned ground beef, black beans, melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, all tied together by tender layers of corn tortillas.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility and adaptability. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers. With a handful of pantry staples and some simple prep, you’ll have a dish that your family will be requesting again and again.
Key Takeaways
- Delicious layered casserole with beef, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce
- Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- Serves 8 people and contains approximately 780 calories per serving
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients
What is a Beef Enchilada Casserole?
A beef enchilada casserole is a tasty Mexican dish. It has layers of ground beef, soft tortillas, melted cheese, and enchilada sauce. It’s like traditional beef enchiladas but easier to make.
This casserole is different from individual enchiladas. You don’t have to roll and fill each tortilla. Just layer everything and bake it. It’s great for big groups or family dinners.
Finally, homemade recipes can be more environmentally friendly than store-bought or restaurant-prepared food. When you make your own food, you can reduce the amount of packaging and transportation involved, as well as the energy used to produce and transport the ingredients.
Corn vs. Flour Tortillas
Choosing between corn and flour tortillas for enchilada casserole is a big decision. Corn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cooking. They keep their shape well and don’t get soggy when baked.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Flour tortillas, on the other hand, give a softer, burrito-like feel. They might not hold up as well, but some like their softness in enchilada casserole. It all comes down to what you like and the taste you want.
| Corn Tortillas | Flour Tortillas |
|---|---|
| Maintain shape better in casserole | Softer, more pliable texture |
| Authentic Mexican flavor | Reminiscent of burrito-style enchiladas |
| Less likely to become soggy | May become more soggy when baked |
Deciding what type of tortillas to use in enchilada casserole is a personal choice. Try both corn and flour tortillas to see which you like best. The secret to a great enchilada casserole is using the best ingredients and layering them carefully.
Tasty Side Dishes
Pair your beef enchilada casserole with tasty side dishes. These dishes will boost the flavors of the main course. They offer a complete and fulfilling meal. Choose from vibrant salads, comforting rice, and beans, and more.
Refreshing Salads
- A simple side salad with crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lime dressing
- A crunchy cabbage slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing
- A refreshing corn salad with grilled corn, black beans, and a zesty vinaigrette
Flavorful Rice and Beans
- Fragrant Mexican-style rice infused with garlic, onions, and diced tomatoes
- Creamy refried beans seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and a touch of lard
- Hearty green chile rice featuring roasted green chiles and a blend of spices
Crowd-Pleasing Extras
To round out the meal, consider serving:
- Crispy tortilla chips with homemade guacamole
- Savory cornbread or Mexican-style cornbread muffins
- Sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions
These side dishes complement the bold flavors of the beef enchilada casserole. They make a balanced and satisfying Mexican-inspired feast. Try different combinations to find your favorite.
Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole brings the flavors of enchiladas into a fuss-free format that’s perfect for busy nights. With its bold, zesty layers and creamy cheese topping, this casserole is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a winner.
Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Tasty Mexican Dish
Description
Layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese, and corn tortillas baked to perfection with rich enchilada sauce. This easy casserole is a flavorful Tex-Mex dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the casserole base:
For the cheese layers:
Optional toppings:
Instructions
Prepare the oven and pan:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray for easier cleanup.
Cook the meat mixture:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Add the black beans and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, ensuring all flavors are combined.
Start assembling:
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Spread ¼ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Layer one-third of the halved corn tortillas over the sauce to cover the base of the dish.
Layer the filling:
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Spread half of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas.
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Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat layer.
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Drizzle ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the cheese.
Repeat the layers:
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Add another third of the tortillas, followed by the remaining meat mixture, another cup of cheese, and ½ cup of sauce.
Top it off:
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Use the final third of the tortillas to cover the top layer.
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Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, ensuring they’re well coated.
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Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly on top.
Bake the casserole:
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil (sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest:
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Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set for easier serving.
Serve and enjoy:
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Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or diced tomatoes for a fresh finish. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 784.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40.96g64%
- Saturated Fat 18.44g93%
- Trans Fat 1.45g
- Cholesterol 129.53mg44%
- Sodium 1212.59mg51%
- Potassium 1405.11mg41%
- Total Carbohydrate 59.54g20%
- Dietary Fiber 13.26g54%
- Sugars 8.92g
- Protein 44.95g90%
- Vitamin A 332.14 IU
- Vitamin C 11.81 mg
- Calcium 459.42 mg
- Iron 6.48 mg
- Vitamin D 0.36 IU
- Vitamin E 1.15 IU
- Vitamin K 24.31 mcg
- Thiamin 0.92 mg
- Riboflavin 0.53 mg
- Niacin 6.83 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.71 mg
- Folate 268.75 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2.88 mcg
- Phosphorus 681.27 mg
- Magnesium 154.22 mmol
- Zinc 8.7 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips and Tricks
- Customizing heat levels: Swap pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack or add diced green chilies to the meat mixture for extra spice.
- Stretching the meal: Add an extra can of black beans or a cup of frozen corn to make the casserole go further.
- Substitute options: If you’re out of enchilada sauce, use salsa, taco sauce, or a mix of Rotel tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Storage instructions: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
