Beef Enchilada Casserole

I made this beef enchilada casserole for the first time on a Friday night when we had a house full of hungry teens after a football game and I needed something filling fast so I layered everything I loved about enchiladas into one dish and popped it in the oven. What came out was cheesy spicy and gone within minutes so it quickly became a family favorite.

Now I keep the ingredients on hand because it’s perfect when you want bold flavors without the fuss of rolling individual enchiladas and every time I make it I’m reminded how a simple meal can bring everyone to the table laughing and reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – The main filling, hearty and savory.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef.
• Garlic – For bold and aromatic flavor.
• Enchilada sauce – Brings that classic Tex-Mex flavor to each layer.
• Black beans – Adds texture and a boost of protein.
• Corn tortillas – The base layers that hold everything together.
• Cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Olive oil – Used for sautéing the onions and beef.
• Green onions – A fresh garnish that adds color and crunch.
• Fresh cilantro – For a zesty, bright finish on top.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Large skillet – To brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic.
• Wooden spoon – Helps mix everything evenly while cooking.
• Cutting board and knife – For chopping onions, garlic, and garnish.
• 9×13 baking dish – The perfect size to layer your casserole.
• Oven mitts – To safely handle the hot dish when it’s done.
• Measuring cups – For sauce and cheese portions.
• Cheese grater – If using block cheese for freshness.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F so it’s ready once everything is layered.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, I heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until soft, then I add the garlic and ground beef and cook until the meat is browned.

Step 3:

Once the beef is cooked, I stir in the black beans and half of the enchilada sauce. I let it simmer for a few minutes to bring all the flavors together.

Step 4:

I grease my baking dish lightly and then layer four corn tortillas at the bottom, overlapping slightly.

Step 5:

I spoon a layer of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese.

Step 6:

I repeat the layers – tortillas, beef mixture, cheese – until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 7:

I pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and cover the dish with foil.

Step 8:

I bake the casserole for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to get that golden, bubbly cheese top.

Step 9:

Once it’s out of the oven, I let it rest for 5–10 minutes so it sets up nicely. Then I sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh cilantro right before serving.

Tips

I like using corn tortillas because they hold up well, but flour tortillas work if you prefer a softer bite.

You can spice it up by adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.

If I’m out of black beans, pinto beans are a great substitute.

I sometimes prep the filling the night before so assembling the next day is super quick.

Ways to Serve

I love serving it with a side of Mexican rice or a scoop of guacamole.

A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the warm and cheesy casserole.

Add sour cream or hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their plate.

Leftovers make an amazing lunch the next day, just reheat and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make beef enchilada casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze beef enchilada casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze before baking, then bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cook time.

What tortillas work best for beef enchilada casserole?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas for a softer texture.

Is beef enchilada casserole spicy?

Not overly. You can control the heat by using mild or spicy enchilada sauce and adding chili as desired.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this beef enchilada casserole a try! It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone happy and it’s so easy to throw together for a weeknight win. Don’t forget to share your version with me or pin it to your comfort food board!

Happy Cooking!

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