Few dishes bring bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and hearty satisfaction together quite like a Beef Enchilada Casserole. This dish takes everything you love about traditional enchiladas—savory ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, soft tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese—and simplifies the process into an easy-to-assemble, layered casserole.
If you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors but don’t want to go through the hassle of rolling individual enchiladas, this dish is the perfect alternative. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and delivers that irresistible cheesy, saucy, and beefy taste in every bite.
In this guide, we’ll dive into why Beef Enchilada Casserole is a must-try, how to elevate the dish, creative serving ideas, and frequently asked questions to ensure you make it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love Beef Enchilada Casserole
1. All the Flavor, None of the Fuss
Traditional enchiladas require individually rolling tortillas, filling them with meat, and carefully arranging them in a baking dish. This casserole eliminates that extra work by layering the ingredients like a Mexican-style lasagna, giving you the same great taste without the tedious prep.
2. A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Dish
There’s something about cheesy, saucy layers that make any meal feel special. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
3. Easy to Customize
This recipe is a fantastic base that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you want to:
- Make it spicy with extra jalapeños or chipotle peppers
- Add more vegetables for extra nutrition
- Swap the protein for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative
The customization possibilities are endless.
4. Great for Leftovers and Meal Prep
Beef Enchilada Casserole stores well, reheats beautifully, and even freezes for later, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when ready, or enjoy it as leftovers for days.
5. Naturally Gluten-Free Option
Since this dish is made with corn tortillas, it’s naturally gluten-free (just be sure to check your enchilada sauce and seasoning mix).
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- ½ medium white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- ½ jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional)
- 2 (1-ounce) packets taco seasoning (or ½ cup homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup beef stock or water
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
For the Casserole:
- 3 ½ cups red enchilada sauce (canned or homemade)
- 18 to 24 (4.5-inch) corn tortillas
- 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 5 cups)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Special Equipment:
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Cook the Beef Mixture – Brown ground chuck in a skillet, then add onions, garlic, and jalapeño. Stir in taco seasoning, salt, beef stock, and black beans. Cook until well combined.
- Prepare the Tortillas – Dip each corn tortilla in enchilada sauce to coat both sides.
- Assemble the Casserole – In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer sauced tortillas, shredded cheese, and beef mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of tortillas and the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake the Casserole – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fiber: 6 g
How to Elevate Your Beef Enchilada Casserole
While this dish is already delicious as is, a few small tweaks can take it to the next level:
1. Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce
If you have the time, making your own enchilada sauce adds a richer, more authentic flavor than canned versions. A simple homemade sauce made with tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and broth can make a huge difference.
2. Toast the Tortillas for Extra Texture
Instead of using soft tortillas straight from the package, lightly toast them on a dry skillet before layering them into the casserole. This helps prevent sogginess and adds a lightly crispy texture to the dish.
3. Layer with Extra Ingredients for More Depth
Want to add more flavor and texture? Try these additions:
- Roasted corn for a smoky sweetness
- Diced green chiles for extra heat
- Black olives for a salty bite
- Sautéed bell peppers and onions for more depth
4. Switch Up the Cheese
While Monterey Jack cheese is melty and mild, adding cheddar, queso fresco, or even a touch of pepper jack can enhance the creaminess and flavor of the dish.
5. Make It a One-Dish Meal with Extra Protein and Veggies
To make this casserole even heartier, try mixing in:
- Cooked rice to absorb the enchilada sauce and add texture
- More beans (black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans) for extra fiber
- Shredded chicken or chorizo for a flavor twist
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
This dish is delicious on its own, but serving it with the right side dishes, toppings, and drinks can enhance the experience.
1. Classic Mexican Side Dishes
- Mexican Rice – A flavorful, spiced rice side that complements the bold flavors.
- Refried Beans or Black Beans – Adds protein and a creamy contrast.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – A tangy, creamy corn dish with chili and lime.
2. Fresh and Light Accompaniments
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole – Adds a creamy, cooling element.
- Crisp Green Salad with Lime Dressing – Balances the richness of the dish.
- Pico de Gallo – A fresh salsa that adds brightness and acidity.
3. Fun Toppings for Extra Flavor
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A cool, creamy contrast to the spice.
- Chopped Cilantro – A fresh, herbal touch.
- Pickled Jalapeños – For a little extra heat.
4. Drinks That Pair Well
- Margaritas or Palomas – A citrusy cocktail to cut through the richness.
- Agua Fresca – A refreshing, fruity drink.
- Mexican Beer – Light, crisp beers pair perfectly with enchiladas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes, but corn tortillas are recommended for their authentic texture. Flour tortillas may become soggy during baking.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
3. Can I Freeze Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Yes! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
4. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
5. Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Crumbled tofu
- Extra beans and vegetables
6. What Can I Do If My Casserole is Too Soggy?
- Toast the tortillas before layering.
- Reduce the amount of enchilada sauce slightly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion: A Cheesy, Bold, and Satisfying Mexican Favorite
Beef Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food meets Mexican flavors dish. It’s easy to make, packed with bold, cheesy, and saucy goodness, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
With its layered tortillas, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce, every bite is a burst of flavor and warmth. Plus, with so many ways to customize, serve, and store this dish, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
So, next time you’re craving Mexican comfort food, skip the rolling and make this easy Beef Enchilada Casserole—a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big taste with minimal effort.
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Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole – Best Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Bring the bold flavors of enchiladas to your table with this easy Beef Enchilada Casserole. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, layered with saucy tortillas, melted cheese, and hearty black beans, makes this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional)
- 2 (1-ounce) packets taco seasoning (or 1/2 cup homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup beef stock or water
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
For the Casserole:
- 3 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce (canned or homemade)
- 18 to 24 (4.5-inch) corn tortillas
- 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 5 cups)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and place the oven rack in the center position. - Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chuck and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain the grease and discard it. - Sauté the Vegetables and Season the Meat:
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 6 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning and kosher salt over the mixture and stir to coat the meat evenly.
- Add the beef stock or water to the skillet and stir until the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the black beans and remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare the Tortillas:
- Pour 2 1/2 cups of the enchilada sauce into a shallow bowl or pie dish.
- Dip each tortilla into the sauce, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Arrange a layer of dipped tortillas at the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish, overlapping slightly to cover the base.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded cheese over the tortillas.
- Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Repeat the process with another layer of dipped tortillas, 1 cup of shredded cheese, the remaining beef mixture, and another 1 cup of cheese.
- Finish with a final layer of dipped tortillas. Pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños, if desired.
Notes
- Customize the Heat: Add extra jalapeños or use spicy enchilada sauce for a kick.
- Tortilla Options: For a gluten-free version, ensure your corn tortillas and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
