Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting, layered twist on traditional enchiladas—without all the rolling. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese come together in a bubbly, golden bake that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. This one-dish wonder is easy to assemble, satisfying, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or potluck favorites.

What Makes This Dish Special?

Unlike classic enchiladas that require stuffing and rolling each tortilla, this casserole simplifies the process by layering all the ingredients like a lasagna. The result is the same saucy, cheesy goodness, with much less effort. It’s endlessly adaptable, freezer-friendly, and reheats beautifully—ideal for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
½ onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (optional)
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut in halves or quarters
½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Drain excess grease.

3. Season and Sauce

Stir in taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and green chiles. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.

4. Layer the Casserole

In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of beef sauce. Top with a layer of tortillas, more beef mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

6. Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or green onions if desired.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or use hot enchilada sauce for extra heat.
Beans & Corn: Stir in black beans or corn kernels for added texture and flavor.
Creamy Twist: Add a layer of cream cheese or a sour cream and salsa mix between layers.
Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey.

Equipment You’ll Need

Skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Knife and cutting board
Mixing spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 370
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as needed.

My Cooking Experience

This casserole is always a favorite in my kitchen. I love how easy it is to assemble, and it satisfies everyone—kids and adults alike. It’s one of those meals I make when I want something hearty but don’t have time to do much prep. Add a simple side salad, and dinner is done.

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dinner that brings all the best parts of enchiladas into one no-fuss bake. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for busy nights or make-ahead meals. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is a Tex-Mex classic.

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