If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that bursts with layers of rich flavor and cheesy delight, the Beef Enchilada Casserole is exactly what you need. This vibrant casserole takes the classic enchilada to a whole new level by layering tender seasoned ground beef, spicy enchilada sauce, and melty cheeses between crispy corn tortilla strips, creating a harmony of textures and tastes in every bite. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or impressing guests, this Beef Enchilada Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a truly memorable Beef Enchilada Casserole, you just need a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one adds something essential to the final dish — from spices that bring warmth to the beef mixture, to the cheeses that create luscious, gooey layers, everything plays an important role.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, savory flavor and protein to your casserole.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens while cooking with the beef.
- Minced garlic: Infuses just the right amount of aromatic punch to elevate the meat.
- Red enchilada sauce: The saucy magic that ties all layers together with its smoky, tangy goodness.
- Diced green chilies: Introduce subtle heat and a fresh, zesty note to the filling.
- Ground cumin: Imparts earthy warmth that complements Mexican-inspired dishes perfectly.
- Chili powder: Adds a mild spicy kick and robust flavor to the beef mixture.
- Corn tortillas: Cut into strips, these create crispy layers that soak up sauce without becoming soggy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and that classic, colorful melt.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Provides creamy, smooth texture that balances the sharper cheddar.
- Chopped black olives (optional): Introduce a briny, slightly salty burst that contrasts nicely with the cheeses.
- Fresh cilantro: Offers a bright, herbaceous finish when sprinkled on top.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to perfect the flavor of the beef filling.
- Sour cream (optional): Adds cool creaminess when serving, toning down the spice.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. This step ensures the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and sweet, building a rich flavor foundation for your casserole. Once browned, drain off excess fat for a leaner dish, then season the beef with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing in the diced green chilies and half of the enchilada sauce now infuses the filling with heat and tangy moisture.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom — this keeps the tortillas from sticking and adds extra flavor. Next, layer half of your tortilla strips evenly over the sauce. Then, spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, sprinkle with black olives if you like, and top with a generous mix of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat this layering process to build up the casserole and finish by pouring the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Cover the dish loosely with foil to keep the moisture in during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake covered for 25 minutes so the flavors meld and the cheeses start to melt. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden. This final bake caramelizes the top layer, giving the casserole an irresistible crust that contrasts delightfully with its moist interior.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, your Beef Enchilada Casserole truly shines with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. This herb adds a pop of color and a refreshing, citrusy note to balance the richness. For an extra creamy touch, a dollop of sour cream on each serving cools the palate and complements the spicy, cheesy layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
While the casserole is a full meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans adds lovely variety in texture and rounds out the meal. Lightly dressed salads provide brightness, while the creamy beans echo the casserole’s comforting vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, serve the Beef Enchilada Casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for personal, Instagram-worthy servings. You can also sprinkle extra toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices right before serving to customize each dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you’re in luck because this casserole stores beautifully. Simply cover it airtight and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
Planning ahead? This Beef Enchilada Casserole freezes well. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, ensuring even reheating and maintaining that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To bring your casserole back to life, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. If in a hurry, the microwave also works, but watch out for uneven heating and adjust accordingly.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will give a softer, less crispy texture, which some people prefer. Just be mindful that they may absorb more sauce and become a bit more delicate.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein or soy crumbles. Just season similarly and assemble as usual for a hearty meat-free option.
How spicy is the casserole?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and green chilies used. Feel free to increase heat by adding jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! The casserole can be fully assembled a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Just add a little extra baking time when cooking from chilled to ensure it’s heated through.
What cheese combination works best in this recipe?
The blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack strikes a perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. You could experiment with pepper jack for a little extra kick or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier texture.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food means a warm kitchen filled with the aromas of spicy beef, melted cheese, and toasty tortillas, then the Beef Enchilada Casserole is your next favorite dinner. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Dive in and let this casserole become your go-to for cozy, delicious meals that bring everyone to the table with smiles.
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Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, comforting Mexican-American dish made with seasoned ground beef, layers of corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Components
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole after assembly.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess fat. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the diced green chilies and half of the enchilada sauce, mixing them well into the meat.
- Assemble the Casserole Layers: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the tortilla strips evenly over the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle with chopped black olives if using, and a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer starting with the remaining tortilla strips, top with the rest of the beef mixture, olives if desired, and cheeses, creating a second hearty layer.
- Add Final Sauce Layer: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top layer of the casserole to lock in flavor and moisture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the casserole to heat through and flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream if desired for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hotter enchilada sauce.
- Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.
