The rich, bold flavors of this beef enchilada casserole make it a standout dish for any occasion. Corn tortillas are layered with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a deliciously spiced enchilada sauce. Baked until bubbling and golden, every bite is packed with Mexican-inspired goodness.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve with sour cream and avocado for a creamy contrast to the zesty, cheesy filling. Whether you’re a fan of enchiladas or looking for a new comforting meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add black beans, half the enchilada sauce, and diced green chilies. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place two corn tortillas over the sauce.
- Add a layer of the beef mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
If you love Mexican-inspired flavors but want something quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is the perfect dish for you. With layers of tender corn tortillas, seasoned beef, flavorful enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish brings all the deliciousness of traditional enchiladas without the extra effort of rolling each tortilla.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins of enchiladas, the benefits of this casserole, why it’s a must-have meal for busy weeknights, and how to customize it to fit your preferences. Plus, we’ll provide storage tips and side dish ideas to complete your meal.
A Brief History of Enchiladas
Enchiladas have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Their origins date back to pre-Columbian times, when indigenous people in Mesoamerica would wrap food in corn tortillas and eat them with chili sauces. The word enchilada itself comes from the Spanish verb enchilar, meaning “to season with chili.”
Traditional enchiladas typically consist of rolled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, beans, or vegetables, covered in a flavorful chili sauce, and baked to perfection. Over time, variations of enchiladas emerged, including casseroles like this one, which make the process simpler while still delivering that authentic flavor.
Why This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is the Best
This casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and a hearty texture that satisfies everyone at the dinner table. Here’s why it’s one of the best casserole recipes you’ll ever make:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
Unlike traditional enchiladas that require rolling each tortilla individually, this layered casserole simplifies the process. Just stack the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the work!
2. Packed with Flavor
The combination of ground beef, spices, enchilada sauce, and cheese ensures every bite is bursting with bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
3. A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, this casserole is a dish that everyone will love. Its cheesy, meaty layers are perfect for both adults and kids alike.
4. Easy to Customize
You can modify this casserole to suit different dietary preferences or make it even more nutritious. Add black beans, corn, bell peppers, or swap the beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
5. Great for Meal Prep
This dish stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. You can bake a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Each ingredient in this enchilada casserole brings something special to the table. Let’s take a closer look:
- Corn Tortillas: Unlike flour tortillas, corn tortillas are gluten-free and have a deliciously rustic flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold spices in this dish.
- Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory taste and a great source of protein and iron. You can also substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Enchilada Sauce: The heart of this dish! Made from tomatoes, chilies, and spices, enchilada sauce gives the casserole its signature bold flavor.
- Cheese: A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese adds creaminess and enhances the overall texture.
- Black Beans: Not only do they add extra fiber and protein, but they also complement the other ingredients with a hearty, slightly nutty taste.
- Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and garlic give this casserole its authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
How to Customize Your Enchilada Casserole
While this recipe is already delicious, you can tweak it based on your preferences:
1. Make it Spicier
Love heat? Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
2. Add More Veggies
Mix in bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition and texture.
3. Swap the Protein
Instead of ground beef, try shredded chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative for a different spin on this dish.
4. Use Different Cheeses
If you love cheese, experiment with pepper jack, queso fresco, or cotija for unique flavors.
5. Make it Gluten-Free
This recipe is already gluten-free thanks to corn tortillas, but always check the labels on enchilada sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Enchilada Casserole
This casserole is a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience. Here are some great accompaniments:
Fresh Side Dishes
- Guacamole – Creamy avocado balances the spice.
- Pico de Gallo – A fresh tomato and onion salsa adds brightness.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – A zesty side that complements the dish.
Hearty Additions
- Refried Beans – A protein-packed side for extra heartiness.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – A flavorful, cheesy corn dish.
- Tortilla Chips & Salsa – Perfect for some crunch on the side.
Refreshing Drinks
- Agua Fresca – A naturally sweet fruit drink.
- Horchata – A creamy, cinnamon-spiced rice milk.
- Margaritas – Because why not?
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is that it stores and reheats beautifully! Here’s how to make sure you get the best flavor the next day:
Refrigerating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- You can freeze the entire casserole or individual portions for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests, or a dish to make ahead, this casserole checks all the boxes.
With simple ingredients, customizable options, and a guaranteed crowd-pleasing taste, this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, give it a try, and let your taste buds experience the ultimate Mexican-inspired comfort food!
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is the perfect blend of bold flavors, hearty textures, and comforting warmth, making it an instant favorite for any meal. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. The layered approach eliminates the hassle of rolling tortillas while still delivering all the rich, cheesy goodness of classic enchiladas.
Whether you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired cuisine or just looking for a delicious and satisfying casserole, this recipe is a must-try. Serve it with fresh toppings and tasty side dishes to complete the experience, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Plus, with easy storage and reheating, you can enjoy leftovers without losing flavor or texture.
So why wait? Give this casserole a try today and experience the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful, cheesy twist!