Name: Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles; 8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; olive oil or cooking spray for greasing; optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, diced tomatoes

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If you love a hearty meal that’s as comforting as it is easy to throw together, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Beef Enchilada Casserole. Flavor-packed layers of tender tortillas, seasoned ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and zesty green chiles create a dinner that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe works double-duty, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Even if your pantry is looking a little bare, you’ll find that each item plays a starring role in taste, color, or the cozy texture that makes this casserole irresistible.

Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor and an unbeatable, satisfying texture at the center of every bite.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it caramelizes with the beef.
Garlic: Turns up the savory richness for a punch of aroma in every forkful.
Taco seasoning: The easy way to infuse Mexican-style spices without measuring a dozen jars.
Water: Helps the seasoning blend into a saucy, flavorful beef mixture.
Red enchilada sauce: Pours on bold, tangy flavor and keeps every layer deliciously moist.
Diced green chiles: Delivers a gentle kick of heat and bright pops of flavor.
Corn tortillas: The backbone of this casserole, they soften into tender layers that soak up all the sauce.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness with every layer.
Olive oil or cooking spray: Makes sure nothing sticks and those flavorful layers lift out beautifully.
Optional toppings (sour cream, cilantro, olives, tomatoes): Each garnish brings color, freshness, and another burst of flavor to the finished casserole.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray—this step keeps those tempting layers from sticking and ensures your Beef Enchilada Casserole slices up beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet set over medium heat, crumble in the ground beef along with your diced onion. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Sauce

Once your beef mixture is browned, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute—just enough to become fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing everything to simmer and thicken for 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the diced green chiles and half of the enchilada sauce, mixing well to combine all that savory goodness.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Arrange half of your tortilla quarters in the bottom of the baking dish, letting the edges overlap a bit. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle on one cup of shredded cheese for a melty middle layer. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas, beef, and cheese, creating classic Beef Enchilada Casserole layers that bake up perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches and Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top layer, making sure every inch gets coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into your oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes to help everything set, then get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

Garnishes

When it comes time to serve, don’t skip the finishing flourish! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkling of chopped cilantro, sliced olives, or diced tomatoes will add coolness, freshness, and bursts of flavor that really make your Beef Enchilada Casserole sing.

Side Dishes

This casserole is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with simple sides really turns it into a feast. Try classic Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or seasoned black beans for a well-rounded meal that’s both colorful and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Beef Enchilada Casserole doesn’t just belong in a big dish at the family table—slice it into squares for easy party servings, wrap it burrito-style for a handheld lunch, or load it into individual ramekins for a charming dinner party twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a true gift with this dish. Store any extra Beef Enchilada Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after a day or two, making lunch (or a quick dinner) downright exciting.

Freezing

If you’re aiming for longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Simply cool it completely, slice into portions, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice or two in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Add a sprinkling of fresh cheese on top before heating for an extra melty touch!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substituting ground turkey or shredded chicken is a great way to lighten up your Beef Enchilada Casserole and still enjoy all the delicious layers and spices. Just be sure to cook the poultry thoroughly and season well for best results.

What if I only have flour tortillas?

While corn tortillas are classic for texture and flavor, flour tortillas will also work in a pinch. Just keep in mind they may become a bit softer as they bake, but your casserole will still taste fantastic.

Is Beef Enchilada Casserole gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce labels to ensure they’re wheat-free. Then, everyone can dig in with confidence.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming soggy?

The key is not to oversaturate the tortillas with sauce at the bottom and to bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes, which helps everything set and the top get bubbly and golden rather than mushy.

Can I assemble Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, making dinner a breeze on busy days. Just add five extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchilada Casserole has all the best things about classic enchiladas, made even quicker and easier in a crowd-pleasing layered bake. Whether you need a cozy weeknight meal or want to impress guests with bold flavors, I hope you give this recipe a try—it really is a dinnertime game-changer!

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce baked to perfection, this casserole is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

Assembly:

8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
olive oil or cooking spray for greasing
optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, diced tomatoes

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, taco seasoning, water, green chiles, and half of the enchilada sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Layer: Arrange half of the tortillas in the baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture and cheese. Repeat layers.
Bake: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.