Name: Beef Enchilada Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 8 corn tortillas, cut into halves; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Why You’ll Love Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

This recipe transforms classic enchiladas into a simple casserole format—no rolling required. Instead of filling and wrapping each tortilla individually, everything is layered in one baking dish for a faster, stress-free preparation.

It’s family-friendly, customizable, and ideal for meal prep. The rich beef filling combined with beans, sauce, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying dish that reheats beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers for the week, this casserole delivers dependable flavor every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

small corn or flour tortillas
lean ground beef
yellow onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
diced green chiles
enchilada sauce
tomato sauce
tomato paste
chicken broth
all-purpose flour
olive oil or avocado oil
ground cumin
chili powder
smoked paprika
Mexican oregano
salt
black pepper
shredded Mexican blend cheese
optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix in the beans and diced green chiles. Allow the mixture to heat through for several minutes, then remove from heat.
If preparing homemade enchilada sauce, heat oil in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook briefly to form a paste. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened.
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of tortillas over the sauce, trimming as needed to fit.
Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas. Drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers: tortillas, remaining beef mixture, more sauce, and cheese. Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. Add desired toppings just before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 portions
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Swap the protein by using ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to increase nutrition and texture.

For extra heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Stir cooked rice into the beef mixture for a heartier casserole.

Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat individual portions, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

To reheat the full casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes.

This casserole can also be frozen. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What type of tortillas work best?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor, while flour tortillas provide a softer texture.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes. Store-bought sauce is convenient and works perfectly in this recipe.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Avoid using too much sauce and allow the casserole to rest before slicing so it can set properly.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild warmth, but you can control the heat level by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce and adjusting the spices.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked. Bake directly from frozen or thaw first for shorter cooking time.

What cheese melts best for this dish?

A Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these cheeses melts beautifully.

Can I add rice to the casserole?

Yes. Adding cooked rice between layers makes the dish even more filling.

How long should I let it rest after baking?

Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes to help it firm up and make slicing easier.

What can I serve with beef enchilada casserole?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, refried beans, or fresh guacamole.

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that simplifies a classic favorite into an easy baked meal. With layers of seasoned beef, tortillas, rich sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a dependable recipe that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will look forward to again and again.