Enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make Beef Enchilada Casserole that brings all the rich, comforting flavors of Mexican enchiladas in a simple layered form. This casserole replaces the fuss of rolling enchiladas with hearty layers of seasoned beef, tortillas, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
With its cheesy, saucy layers and versatile toppings, this dish is sure to become a favorite weeknight meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
- Quick and simple: No rolling required, just layering for easy assembly.
- Family-friendly flavors: Classic Mexican seasonings combined with gooey cheese.
- Customizable: Add veggies or toppings to suit your taste and nutrition needs.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (500 g / 1 lb): Lean beef cooked and seasoned provides hearty protein and rich flavor to the casserole.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic Cloves (2–3, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the beef mixture with aromatic, savory notes.
- Taco or Enchilada Seasoning (1 packet or homemade blend): Essential spice mix that delivers authentic Mexican flavor to the dish.
- Enchilada Sauce (1 can, 400g / 14 oz): Rich red or green sauce that moistens and flavors each casserole layer.
- Small Flour or Corn Tortillas (6–8, cut into pieces): Layered to create structure and soak up delicious sauce.
- Shredded Cheese (2–3 cups): Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend melts perfectly, adding gooey richness.
- Optional Toppings: Sliced olives, green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado add freshness and texture.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
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Set your oven to 180°C (approximately 350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Preheating ensures an even cooking temperature for perfectly melted cheese and heated layers.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its flavor. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Season the Beef Mixture
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Mix in the taco or enchilada seasoning along with about half of the enchilada sauce to the beef. Stir well until the flavors meld and the mixture is heated through, creating a savory base for your casserole layers.
- Layer the Casserole
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Start by spreading a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Then add a layer of tortilla pieces, followed by half of the beef mixture and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat with another tortilla layer, remaining beef, and more cheese to build flavor and texture.
- Add the Final Sauce and Cheese Layers
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Pour the last of the enchilada sauce over the top layer. Finish by covering with the remaining shredded cheese, which will melt beautifully and create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Melted
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Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. This step ensures all ingredients heat through and meld flavors perfectly.
- Cool and Serve with Toppings
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Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with optional sliced olives, green onions, cilantro, sour cream, or avocado to add fresh, bright flavors and a creamy contrast.
- Warming tortillas before layering makes them more flexible and prevents cracking.
- Choosing a cheese blend with melting qualities enhances creaminess and flavor.
- Optional veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans will boost nutrition and texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness and round out your meal.
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce grease and achieve ideal texture.
- Use fresh tortillas warmed briefly in a pan or microwave for better layering.
- Customize with your favorite salsa or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken instead of beef?
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Yes! Ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken can be used with the same seasoning and layering method for a lighter variation.
- What type of enchilada sauce works best?
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Either red or green enchilada sauce works great depending on your flavor preference; both add delicious moisture and spice.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
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Absolutely, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on busy days.
- How do I make it vegetarian?
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Replace beef with beans, sautéed vegetables, or plant-based meat alternatives and adjust spices accordingly.
- Is it possible to prepare this gluten-free?
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Using corn tortillas labeled gluten-free and ensuring seasoning blends are free from gluten will make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole
Equipment
- 1 skillet for cooking beef
- 1 baking dish lightly greased
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 packet taco or enchilada seasoning
- 14 oz enchilada sauce red or green, divided
- 6-8 small flour or corn tortillas cut into pieces
- 2-3 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
- Optional toppings: sliced olives green onions, cilantro, sour cream, avocado
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco or enchilada seasoning and half of the enchilada sauce, heating through.
- Spread a thin layer of remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer tortilla pieces, half the beef mixture, and a generous sprinkle of cheese.
- Repeat layering with remaining tortillas, beef, and cheese.
- Top the casserole with the remaining enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving; add optional toppings as desired.
Notes
- Warm tortillas before layering to improve pliability.
- Cheese blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack enhances flavor and meltiness.
- Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
