Do Share Recipe

When I first made this beef enchilada casserole recipe, it was a total game-changer for our dinner routine. It’s flavorful, comforting, and loaded with gooey cheese and seasoned beef. I love how it brings together simple ingredients to create something that tastes like you spent hours cooking.

If you’re also a fan of easy meals like my BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, this one’s going to be your next favorite. Let me show you how to bring this crowd-pleasing dish to life!

Ingredients That Make This Casserole Special

This dish uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to layer in flavor and texture. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef — use lean ground beef for less grease.
1 medium onion, diced — gives sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced — adds aromatic flavor.
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce — choose mild or spicy based on your taste.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained — adds tang and moisture.
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles — brings a mild kick.
1 teaspoon chili powder — classic Tex-Mex flavor.
1/2 teaspoon cumin — earthy and smoky undertone.
1/2 teaspoon salt — to season everything evenly.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper — just a touch of spice.
8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters — better texture than flour tortillas.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese — sharp, melty, and flavorful.
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese — creamy and smooth.
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed — adds heartiness and fiber.
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional) — salty bite and visual appeal.
Fresh cilantro, chopped — for garnish and freshness.

Note: This recipe serves around 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers the next day.

Tasty Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? This casserole is flexible! Here are a few tasty tweaks.

Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use low-fat cheese if you’re watching calories.
Go dairy-free by using plant-based cheese options.
Add corn or bell peppers for more color and texture.
Top with avocado slices, sour cream, or jalapeños before serving.

If you liked the comfort food style of the Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe, this dish gives you that same warm, cheesy feeling — but with a zesty twist!

Cooking Time Breakdown

Here’s how long this dish takes from start to delicious finish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Gather these tools to keep things easy in the kitchen:

Large skillet – for browning the meat and building flavor.
Mixing spoon – to stir ingredients evenly.
9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering.
Aluminum foil – helps the cheese melt evenly.
Knife and cutting board – for prepping veggies.
Cheese grater – fresh-grated cheese melts better.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Creating this layered masterpiece is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

Start by Prepping the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick later. It also makes cleanup a breeze.

Brown the Beef and Add Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. As it browns, break it up with your spoon for even texture. Once done, drain off the excess fat to keep things from getting too greasy.

Mix in Flavors and Simmer

Add your diced onion and garlic into the skillet. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step really brings out the flavor. Now, pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and your spices — chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

Begin Layering the Casserole

Spoon a small layer of your beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla quarters over it. Scatter some black beans on top, followed by a generous handful of each cheese.

Repeat Until the Dish Is Full

Keep layering — meat, tortillas, beans, and cheese — until everything is used up. Make sure the top layer ends with a heavy sprinkle of cheese for that golden finish. If you like olives, now’s the time to scatter them across the top.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over time, I’ve discovered a few tricks to make this casserole even better. Here’s what works for me:

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and taste.
Toast the tortilla quarters for 2–3 minutes in a dry skillet before layering to keep them from getting soggy.
Mix a handful of corn kernels or sautéed bell peppers into the meat mixture for added flavor.
Want a crispier top? Broil for 1–2 minutes after baking, but watch closely!
Add a dash of hot sauce into the meat if you like a little heat.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

This dish is already packed with flavor, but how you serve it makes a big difference. I like to top mine with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado for a creamy touch. A wedge of lime on the side adds brightness. For a full meal, serve it alongside Spanish rice or a simple green salad.

Nutritional Information

This casserole is hearty, satisfying, and loaded with protein. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 480
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 26g

How to Store Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here’s how you can keep your leftovers fresh and tasty:

Storing in the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
Freezing: Wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake thawed casserole at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat slices in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this cheesy, satisfying dish. Here’s why it’ll become a regular in your meal plan:

Quick to prepare: It’s easy enough for weeknights.
Flexible ingredients: You can tweak it based on what’s in your pantry.
Feeds a crowd: Perfect for big families or gatherings.
Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day.
Customizable flavors: From mild to spicy, make it your way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

To get the best flavor and texture, watch out for these common issues:

Using soggy tortillas: Toast or dry them slightly before layering.
Skipping the simmer step: Let the meat mixture simmer to blend flavors.
Overloading cheese layers: It can get greasy if too much is used.
Not draining beans or tomatoes: Extra moisture makes the dish runny.
Baking uncovered the whole time: Cover first to melt cheese evenly.

More Info for Better Experience

Want to make this dish extra special? Here are a few extra touches:

Serve with a side of homemade guacamole for freshness.
Add a crunchy topping like crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
Pair it with a glass of chilled margarita or a citrusy iced tea for the perfect meal.
If you’re serving kids, reduce the chili powder and skip the green chiles for a milder version.

Ben Carraoli