Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings all the bold flavors of classic enchiladas into an easy, layered casserole. Instead of rolling individual tortillas, this recipe layers seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese into a single baking dish. The result is a rich, saucy, and satisfying meal that delivers familiar Mexican-inspired flavors with far less effort.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or feeding a crowd. As it bakes, the tortillas soften and soak up the enchilada sauce, the beef becomes deeply flavorful, and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping. Every slice is loaded with savory goodness, making it a reliable comfort-food favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole because it delivers all the bold, comforting flavors of traditional enchiladas with a fraction of the effort. Instead of rolling individual tortillas, everything is layered into one dish, which makes the process faster, simpler, and far less messy. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on after a long day when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is a must-try dish because it combines bold, familiar flavors with unbeatable convenience. It captures everything people love about classic enchiladas—savory seasoned beef, rich enchilada sauce, soft tortillas, and melted cheese—but simplifies the process into an easy, layered casserole. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or feeding a crowd without sacrificing taste or comfort.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Calories: Approximately 560 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:
Ground beef
Olive oil
Onion finely chopped
Garlic cloves minced
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper

For the Casserole Layers:
Corn or flour tortillas cut into pieces
Red enchilada sauce
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Optional Add-Ins:
Black beans drained and rinsed
Sweet corn kernels

Cooking Directions

Cook the seasoned beef, layer it with tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
Step 3: Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fragrant.
Step 4: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 5: Stir in enchilada sauce and optional beans or corn. Simmer briefly.
Step 6: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 7: Add a layer of tortilla pieces, followed by beef mixture and shredded cheese.
Step 8: Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 9: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 10: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 11: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole hot, sliced into generous portions. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. It pairs well with Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or guacamole on the side.

Recipe Tips

Tip: Let the casserole rest before slicing to help the layers set.
Tip: Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
Tip: Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce.
Tip: Cut tortillas into similar-sized pieces for even layering.

Variations

Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the beef mixture.
Vegetarian Version: Use beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables instead of beef.
Creamy Version: Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese mixture.
Low-Carb Version: Replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Baked casserole can also be frozen and reheated gently.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With its hearty layers, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds. Easy to prepare, adaptable, and deeply satisfying, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.