Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef enchilada casserole is the ultimate comfort-food dinner that delivers all the bold, savory flavors of traditional enchiladas—without the time-consuming rolling and filling. This hearty, layered casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, tender tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese into one bubbling, oven-baked dish that satisfies every craving.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this beef enchilada casserole recipe is both approachable and deeply flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and draws everyone to the table before it even comes out of the oven.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can customize the spice level, swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, and even prepare it ahead of time. It’s forgiving, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for feeding hungry families or groups.

Why Enchilada Casserole Is a Weeknight Favorite

Traditional enchiladas are delicious, but they can take time to assemble. A casserole version simplifies the process while preserving everything people love about enchiladas. By layering the ingredients instead of rolling them, you get the same flavor in a fraction of the time.

This beef enchilada casserole is also incredibly filling. The combination of protein, sauce, cheese, and tortillas creates a balanced, satisfying meal that doesn’t require much on the side. It’s warm, hearty, and comforting—exactly what many home cooks look for after a long day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce (plus extra for layering)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into quarters
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
3. Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles and 1 cup enchilada sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Layer tortilla quarters evenly over the sauce.
7. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one-third of the cheese.
8. Repeat layers: tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and another layer of cheese.
9. Top with a final layer of tortillas, remaining enchilada sauce, and the rest of the cheese.
10. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
12. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Beef Enchilada Casserole

A hearty layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup enchilada sauce red
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles drained
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 8 tortillas cut into quarters

Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook ground beef and onion until browned; drain.
3. Add garlic, seasoning, tomatoes, and enchilada sauce; simmer briefly.
4. Layer sauce, tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese in baking dish.
5. Repeat layers and finish with cheese.
6. Cover and bake 25 minutes; uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Let rest before slicing for cleaner layers.

Tips for the Best Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Use good enchilada sauce: The sauce provides most of the flavor, so choose one you enjoy.
• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit before cutting helps layers hold together.
• Don’t oversoak tortillas: Light layering keeps them tender without becoming mushy.
• Drain beef well: Removing excess grease keeps the casserole from becoming oily.

Corn vs Flour Tortillas

Both options work well in enchilada casserole, but they offer slightly different textures. Corn tortillas give a more traditional flavor and hold up well to sauce, while flour tortillas create a softer, more lasagna-like texture. Choose based on preference or what you have available.

Cheese Choices That Melt Well

Mexican blend cheese is convenient and balanced, but you can also use:

• Cheddar for bold flavor
• Monterey Jack for smooth melting
• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick

Combining two cheeses often yields the best texture and taste.

Variations to Try

Spicy Beef Enchilada Casserole
Add jalapeños, extra chili powder, or hot enchilada sauce.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bake
Increase cheese by an extra cup and add a cheese layer directly under the top tortillas.

Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole
Mix in a can of black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and texture.

Low-Carb Version
Replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or low-carb wraps.

Serving Suggestions

Beef enchilada casserole pairs well with:

• Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Simple green salad
• Corn on the cob
• Tortilla chips and salsa

These sides complement the richness of the casserole without overpowering it.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in an airtight container and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

It also freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked or baked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Why This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Works

This recipe works because it layers flavors thoughtfully. The seasoned beef provides depth, the enchilada sauce adds richness and spice, the tortillas soak up flavor without losing structure, and the cheese binds everything together into a cohesive, satisfying dish.

It’s familiar enough to feel comforting yet customizable enough to fit different tastes and dietary needs.

A Family-Friendly, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or serving guests at a casual gathering, beef enchilada casserole is always a win. It’s hearty, reliable, and full of bold flavor—all without complicated steps or special equipment.

Once you make it, it’s likely to become a regular request