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Beef Enchilada Casserole – all the taste of beef enchiladas without all the time and mess of rolling. Cheesy, hearty, comforting and such an easy dinner!
We all know that I am a big fan of anything with Mexican flavors. So this dinner should come as no surprise. I have been making this Beef Enchilada Casserole for years. It is my go-to dinner to make when I am bringing a dinner to a friend, am heading out of town and want something in the freezer for my family, or just because we are busy and I need an easy dinner.
Ground Beef Enchiladas are easy enough to make, they are just labor intensive with the rolling and heating the tortillas so they don’t break. With this after you cook the meat, you just layer in everything, and it is done. Super fast, easy, and still just as delicious as enchiladas.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Ground Beef
- Onion
- Taco Seasoning
- Tortillas
- Cheese
- Corn/Black Beans
- Enchilada Sauce
- Favorite Taco Toppings
This is a pretty basic casserole that you can mix in or layer with your favorite ingredients. I like to use corn in mine, but black beans are great if you are looking for more nutrition or don’t like corn. I sometimes put in a layer of refried beans as well. So whatever you like!
Got lots of ground beef? Check out this Taco Rice for a quick and easy dinner.
Enchilada Sauce – you can use store bought, but Homemade Enchilada Sauce is what really makes this extra delicious. While you are at it, skip buying the packets of taco seasoning from the store and make your own Homemade Taco Seasoning with spices I am pretty sure you have already.
How To Make Beef Enchilada Casserole
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef and onions together until the beef is cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any of the grease away. Then add taco seasoning and any water called for and simmer until the liquid is absorbed
- Spread about a 1/2 cup of sauce into the bottom of a 13×9 or 2 qt casserole dish. Then arrange tortillas along the bottom.
- Spread 1/3 of the ground beef with 1/3 of the corn and/or beans and 1/4 of the cheese. Pour about 3/4 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the casserole.
- Arrange more tortillas and repeat with the rest of the ingredients. You want to end with a layer of tortillas on top that you pour over the remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes covered, and then 15-20 minutes uncovered until it is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- You really can use flour or corn tortillas for this recipe, they both work. I prefer corn because they don’t absorb as much sauce and don’t get as soggy. But you can use what you like.
- Get creative with your layers. If you don’t like corn use black beans. Spread a layer of refried beans over the tortillas. Mix in green chilies. Whatever you like with Mexican flavors you can use here.
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce is worth the effort. It is very easy to make and is so much better than store bought cans.
- Go crazy with your toppings! You really can use anything; Sliced Jalapenos, Black Olives, Diced Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Cilantro….anything you want goes!
Storage
Leftovers: You will just want to cover and place in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual serving in the microwave or in the oven at 350º for about 20-25 minutes until it is warm.
Make Ahead: This is great to make ahead and let sit in the fridge for 24 hours before serving. You will just bake as the recipe states, you may need to add 5 minutes if it goes in the oven very cold.
Freezing: Enchilada Casserole freezes really well. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil and it will last in the freezer for up to 4 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, remove the plastic wrap and follow the baking instructions in the recipe.
What Goes With Beef Enchilada Casserole
Corn Vs Flour Tortillas
This is the ultimate debate when it comes to enchiladas. If you follow me on Facebook and have seen the Sour Cream Enchiladas video, then you know. People come out of the woodwork to attack that flour tortillas were used in that video. Here is the thing…. Traditionally enchiladas are made with corn tortillas in Mexico. That is just what it is.
Technically speaking if you make “enchiladas” with flour tortillas you are making a Wet Burrito. That being said, it is your kitchen. I personally like corn and think they work better and hold up better in a recipe like this. But if you don’t like corn, don’t have corn, have an allergy…whatever the reason. If you want to use flour tortillas you definitely can.
More Mexican Dinner Recipes
- Chipotle Chicken Bowls
- Chile Relleno Casserole
- Mexican Rice Skillet
- Air Fryer Chimichanga
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- Potato Tacos
- Crunchwrap Supreme
- Mexican Pizza
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 4 cups enchilada sauce
- 15 oz corn or black beans, drained
- 16 corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef and onions together until the beef is cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any of the grease away. Then add taco seasoning and any water called for and simmer until the liquid is absorbed
- Spread about a 1/2 cup of sauce into the bottom of a 13×9 or 2 qt casserole dish. Then arrange about 4 tortillas along the bottom.
- Spread 1/3 of the ground beef with 1/3 of the corn and/or beans and 1/4 of the cheese. Pour about 3/4 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the casserole.
- Arrange 4 more tortillas and repeat with the rest of the ingredients. You want to end with a layer of tortillas on top that you pour over the remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes covered, and then 15-20 minutes uncovered until it is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I always say that if you can turn something into a casserole, then you should. This recipe is the perfect example of that. It looks amazing!
This recipe is just total comfort food! So flavorful!
Total classic, reminds me of my childhood.
This was the perfect dinner! It was so flavorful, and also easy to make!
I am loving the flavors in this! It looks and sounds amazing!!
My family would love this beef enchilada casserole!! It sounds incredibly delicious!
I’m always needing new recipes it seems like I cook the same thing over and over