Name: Beef Enchilada Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small diced yellow onion (divided); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 minced garlic cloves; 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4.5 ounces diced green chiles; 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed; 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size); 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese

Why You’ll Love Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

This casserole is easy to assemble, full of bold Tex-Mex flavor, and ready in about 35 minutes. The layers of tortillas, beef, beans, sauce, and melted colby jack cheese make every bite satisfying. It is also flexible, so you can swap the beef for ground chicken or adjust the spice level to your taste.

Ingredients

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

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small diced yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth
2 minced garlic cloves
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 small diced yellow onion
4.5 ounces diced green chiles
15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
12 corn tortillas, 6-inch size
3 cups shredded colby jack cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add one diced onion and kosher salt, then cook until softened.

Stir in cumin, chili powder, and flour. Cook for about 1 minute, then add tomato sauce and chicken broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.

In another skillet, cook the ground beef with garlic, salt, pepper, and the second diced onion until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

Stir the green chiles and black beans into the beef mixture.

Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer corn tortillas, beef mixture, sauce, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version.

Add corn, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Use pepper jack cheese for more spice.

Swap black beans with pinto beans if preferred.

Top with sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or diced tomatoes before serving.

Storage/Reheating

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

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

This casserole can also be frozen. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, but corn tortillas give the casserole a more traditional enchilada flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or spicy cheese.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes. You can replace the homemade sauce with your favorite enchilada sauce.

Can I use ground chicken?

Yes. Ground chicken works well as a substitute for ground beef.

Do I need to fry the tortillas first?

No. The tortillas soften as they bake with the sauce.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added to the beef mixture.

What cheese works best?

Colby jack melts well, but cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack also work.

How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?

Use enough sauce to coat the layers, but avoid over-soaking the tortillas.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve it with rice, salad, refried beans, guacamole, or sour cream.

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a simple, flavorful dinner that brings together seasoned meat, beans, tortillas, sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It is quick enough for a weeknight meal and comforting enough to serve anytime you want a warm, satisfying casserole.

Best Beef Enchilada Casserole