Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Packed with bold flavors, hearty textures, and melty cheese in every forkful, Beef Enchilada Casserole is a weeknight wonder that brings everyone to the table. This satisfying, family-friendly meal layers seasoned beef, beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese between tender tortillas, all smothered in classic red enchilada sauce. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for an easy dinner with a little kick, this is the casserole you’ll want in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Enchilada Casserole comes together with a handful of pantry staples plus a few fresh accents. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to make this dish crave-worthy, with the right balance of savory, spicy, and creamy notes.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty base that gives the casserole its satisfying flavor and richness.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweet, savory depth as it cooks with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a boost of aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Chili powder: Provides that signature mild heat and classic enchilada taste.
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, it’s essential for giving the casserole that unmistakable Tex-Mex flair.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but crucial for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Red enchilada sauce: The saucy star that keeps everything luscious and ties the layers together.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): For protein, fiber, and creamy texture throughout each bite.
- Frozen corn (thawed): Adds pops of juicy sweetness and a touch of color.
- Corn tortillas (cut into quarters): These form the layers and soak up the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melty, gooey, and golden on top—your casserole’s crowning glory.
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Brightens up the finished dish with fresh, herbal notes.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you are. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir often and let the beef brown while the onion becomes tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the meat and softening the veggies builds a deep, savory foundation—if there’s excess fat, just drain it off before seasoning.
Step 2: Spice and Simmer
Now, sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir everything together, letting those spices bloom for a moment so their flavors really come alive. Then pour in the red enchilada sauce, followed by the drained black beans and the thawed corn. Simmer the mixture for 2 or 3 minutes to meld the flavors and let everything get nice and hot.
Step 3: Layer It Up
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking. Lay half of the quartered corn tortillas in a single layer to cover the bottom. Spoon on half of the beef and bean mixture, smoothing it out to cover the tortillas, and sprinkle this with one cup of the shredded cheese. Repeat those layers one more time: tortillas, beef mixture, and the rest of the cheese. This double layering ensures every bite has the perfect combo of fillings and gooey cheese!
Step 4: Bake Your Beef Enchilada Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps everything meld and ensures the cheese melts evenly. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes longer. You’re looking for bubbly cheese that’s just starting to turn golden brown on top—it’s the hallmark of a good casserole! Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing so everything holds together nicely.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to dig in—just don’t forget to add those garnishes and sides for the full experience!
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
Garnishes
Top your Beef Enchilada Casserole with freshly chopped cilantro to add a bright, herbal note. If you’re in the mood for something extra, dollop on sour cream, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of diced green onions just before serving. Each garnish adds layers of flavor and a little visual pop for a seriously inviting dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves company! Serve it alongside a zesty side salad tossed with lime and crunchy toppings, steamy Spanish rice, or even crisp tortilla chips for scooping. A scoop of refried beans or a simple guacamole rounds out the meal for a true Tex-Mex feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation by serving Beef Enchilada Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions or let everyone help themselves straight from the baking dish family-style. For parties, cut into small squares and offer them as bite-sized “enchilada bites” with toothpicks and a tray of toppings—perfect for a festive crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld, so don’t be surprised if you look forward to lunch the next day!
Freezing
Beef Enchilada Casserole is an excellent make-ahead freezer meal. Wrap the baked (or unbaked) fully cooled casserole tightly in plastic and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on portion size. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal; a splash of extra enchilada sauce keeps things moist and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or even ground chicken if you prefer. The spices, beans, and sauce will still provide loads of flavor, making it a lighter but equally delicious version of this classic casserole.
How spicy is this casserole?
Beef Enchilada Casserole is mildly spiced with chili powder and a touch of cumin, but it’s very kid-friendly. For extra heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or green chiles, or use a hot enchilada sauce. You’re in control of the spice factor!
Can I make Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to cook, add an extra ten minutes to the covered baking time to ensure everything heats through nicely.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
A shredded Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and adds just the right flavor. If you’re out, a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar will work well. For a little more zing, sprinkle in some pepper jack!
Is Beef Enchilada Casserole gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free, this dish is a naturally gluten-free crowd-pleaser. Always double-check packaging if allergies are a concern.
Final Thoughts
Beef Enchilada Casserole has a special way of making any meal feel celebratory, even on the busiest nights. With big flavor, hearty layers, and super simple assembly, this recipe just might become your new go-to comfort food. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
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Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Chopped fresh cilantro, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook beef mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn. Simmer until heated through.
- Layer casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can use flour or low-carb tortillas as substitutes.
- For extra heat, add diced green chiles or jalapeños.
- Enhance with sour cream, avocado, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
