The BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and layers of soft tortillas all smothered in rich enchilada sauce. It’s the kind of meal that brings all those classic Tex-Mex flavors together in an easy, baked casserole form that everyone will love.
I’ve always loved making this casserole when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. The great thing about it is you can tweak the ingredients—add extra cheese, a little salsa, or some beans—to make it your own. I like to sprinkle a bit of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top before serving to brighten all those savory flavors up.
My favorite way to enjoy this casserole is with a side of simple Mexican rice and a big dollop of sour cream. It’s great for family dinners or even a casual get-together because it’s easy to serve and always disappears fast. Whenever I make it, leftovers don’t stand a chance because it just tastes as good the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the casserole, giving it rich flavor and hearty texture. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a veggie version, try cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
Enchilada Sauce: Ready-made sauce keeps things quick, but homemade sauce will boost flavor. Use mild or hot depending on your heat preference. If you don’t find green chilies, diced jalapeños or poblano peppers work well too.
Tortillas: Both corn and flour tortillas are great here. Corn adds authentic flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to layer. If you want a gluten-free version, look for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds bold taste. I like mixing it with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for creaminess. If dairy isn’t an option, there are tasty vegan mozzarella shreds available.
How Do You Layer the Casserole Without It Falling Apart?
The secret is warming the tortillas first to make them flexible and preventing dry edges. Here’s what works for me:
- Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds until warm and soft.
- Spread a thin layer of beef sauce on the bottom of your dish before adding the first tortilla layer—it acts like glue.
- Add beef mixture evenly, then top with cheese before stacking the next tortilla layer.
- Press layers gently after adding each to keep the casserole compact.
This technique keeps each slice neat and holds all the delicious layers together, making serving easy and mess-free!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning your ground beef and cooking onions in one pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – a great size for layering the casserole and baking it evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – handy for stirring the beef mixture without scratching your pan.
- Microwave-safe plate and damp paper towel – to warm tortillas quickly and keep them soft for layering.
- Cheese grater – if you buy block cheese, grating it fresh melts better and tastes fresher.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish that’s just as tasty.
- Add black beans or corn layers for extra texture and fiber, making it heartier.
- Mix in diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a spicy kick if you like heat.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco or sprinkle some shredded pepper jack cheese to vary the flavor.
The BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- ½ cup chopped fresh tomatoes (for topping)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (for topping)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing your ingredients and assembling the layers. Bake the casserole for about 30-35 minutes. Including resting time, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes from start to ready-to-serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Filling:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the enchilada sauce, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors combine nicely.
2. Prepare the Tortillas and Assemble:
While the beef simmers, warm your tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds until soft and flexible. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom. Layer 3-4 tortillas over that, then spread more beef on top, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until you’ve used all the beef mixture and tortillas, finishing with cheese on top.
3. Bake and Serve:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set. Cut into squares and serve topped with fresh tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro if you like. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, comforting beef enchilada casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and prevents excess moisture in the skillet.
Can I Make The Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake covered, then uncovered, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Can I Substitute the Tortillas?
Yes! Corn or flour tortillas both work well. If you want a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free corn tortillas. Just warm them briefly to make layering easier.
