Enchilada Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and rich textures, this Enchilada Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture tender layers of seasoned beef or chicken mingling with zesty enchilada sauce, melty Mexican cheese, and soft corn tortillas all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s like the ultimate enchilada experience—without the fuss of rolling individual tortillas—making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where everyone’s asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to crowd-pleaser for Mexican-inspired meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right balance of ingredients is key to nailing this Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a special role—whether it’s infusing the dish with smoky spices, adding creaminess, or creating those irresistible layers of flavor and texture.

• 1 lb ground beef or shredded cooked chicken: Your protein base, seasoned and juicy for that meaty goodness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using beef): Helps brown the beef and develop rich flavors.
• 1 small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that classic aromatic punch.
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce: The soul of the casserole, delivering saucy tang with a hint of spice.
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies: Adds a mild heat and fresh green flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Amplifies the smoky warmth of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Introduces an earthy, slightly nutty undertone.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
• 8 corn tortillas (cut into halves or quarters): The canvas for each delicious layer that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts luxuriously, binding everything together with creamy, cheesy goodness.
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional): Adds cool creaminess when served on top.
• Chopped cilantro, green onions, and sliced olives for topping (optional): Fresh, zesty finishes that brighten every bite.

How to Make Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your baking dish—9×9-inch for a thicker casserole or 9×13-inch if you prefer thinner layers. In a skillet on medium heat, cook your ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is well browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy, then stir in garlic, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of your enchilada sauce. Let this savory mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all those beautiful flavors meld together.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchilada Casserole

Now, the fun part! Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish—this prevents sticking and infuses the first tortilla layer. Layer your tortillas to fully cover the base, then add a generous portion of the meat mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and drizzle a little enchilada sauce on top. Continue building layers in this order—tortillas, meat, cheese, sauce—until you’ve used all your ingredients, making sure to finish with a thick, cheesy layer on top.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover your beautiful casserole with foil and bake it for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes so the top gets bubbly and golden brown. This last step brings everything together beautifully. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this little pause helps it set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is like putting a cherry on top of a culinary masterpiece. Dollop some cool, creamy sour cream right before serving; sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions over the top for a vibrant burst of color and flavor. Olives add a salty, briny punch that complements the richness perfectly. These simple toppings elevate the dish from delicious to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with bright, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette can cut through the richness, while a bowl of refried beans or Mexican-style rice makes for a classic and hearty accompaniment. Even a zesty corn and black bean salad brings freshness and texture contrast that your guests will appreciate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve the Enchilada Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or make mini portions for a party-style buffet. Adding avocado slices or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving adds a delicious twist. For a festive touch, wrap tortilla chips in a cone shape and serve alongside for dipping into all the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Enchilada Casserole Recipe keep really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as tasty the next day—perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner.

Freezing

If you want to save this delicious meal for later, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave leftovers—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute increments to avoid drying out the casserole.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef in this Enchilada Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken works wonderfully here and is a great way to switch up the flavors. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time while keeping the dish flavorful.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. You can easily replace the meat with beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, and maybe add some corn or sautéed veggies to keep it hearty and satisfying while maintaining that enchilada flair.

What type of tortillas should I use for this casserole?

Corn tortillas are traditional and work best because they hold up well when layered and soaked in sauce. Just make sure to cut them into halves or quarters to easily layer the casserole.

Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?

Definitely! Swapping red sauce for green enchilada sauce will give the casserole a fresh, tangy flavor with a little twist, and it’s just as delicious.

How spicy is this casserole? Can I adjust the heat?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level from the chili powder and green chilies, but you can easily control the spice by adding more or less chili powder or switching to mild enchilada sauce if you prefer. It’s totally customizable to your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

This Enchilada Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes when you want something comforting, flavorful, and effortless to make. It’s flexibility, ease, and downright deliciousness all rolled into one dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and get ready to enjoy layers of cozy Mexican-inspired goodness that everyone will love. You’re going to wonder how you ever lived without this recipe!

Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 54 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Enchilada Casserole is a delicious, layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, corn tortillas, and a gooey Mexican cheese blend, all baked to perfection with rich red enchilada sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s customizable, satisfying, and perfect for family meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or shredded cooked chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using beef)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional Toppings

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Green onions
• Sliced olives

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish depending on your preferred casserole thickness.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil if using ground beef. Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of the enchilada sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a layer of tortillas to cover the base. Add a layer of the meat mixture, sprinkle some shredded cheese, and drizzle additional enchilada sauce over the top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is topped generously with cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, and olives to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for quicker preparation.
• Swap red enchilada sauce for green enchilada sauce to vary the flavor profile.
• Add beans or corn to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
• Leftovers store well and reheat easily for convenient meals.
• Use certified gluten-free tortillas and sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired