Hearty Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Crafting a mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a hearty meal everyone craves.

Spices dance through each bite, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this crowd-pleasing dish.

Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly in this easy-to-make casserole.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will appreciate the rich, robust combination of ingredients.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious spoonful of this irresistible meal.

How to Store Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Refrigerate leftover enchilada casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Use shallow containers to help cool the casserole quickly and evenly.
• Always cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili powder and enchilada sauce you use. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot sauce varieties.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Layer the tortillas with a light amount of sauce and ensure they’re not overly wet. Using corn tortillas can also help maintain better texture.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Why Beef Enchilada Casserole Is So Flavorful

• Savor Quick Comfort: Beef enchilada casserole delivers a hearty meal with minimal kitchen prep, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Layer Like a Pro: Simple stacking technique allows anyone to create restaurant-quality Mexican-inspired dish without complicated cooking skills.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with bold spices and cheesy goodness, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks together in a single casserole, saving precious time after dinner.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a rich, warm Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

• Tortillas: The foundation that holds the casserole layers together.
• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy and spicy sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor.
• Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, gooey topping that brings all the ingredients together.

How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some serious Mexican-inspired magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat Mixture

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until the meat is fully browned and the spices create an irresistible aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Grab a baking dish and start building your flavor tower. Begin with a layer of soft tortillas as the foundation.

Spread a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture over the tortillas.

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese Extravaganza

Drizzle enchilada sauce over the beef, making sure every inch gets covered.

Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheese to create a gooey, melty layer of deliciousness.

Step 5: Repeat and Build

Continue layering tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese until your baking dish is full.

Make sure the top layer is a beautiful blanket of melty cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for golden, bubbly cheese and edges that are slightly crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier. Cut into generous portions and enjoy your flavor-packed meal!

Pro Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier protein alternative.
• Drain excess fat after browning meat to reduce overall calories in the dish.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions on top for added freshness and flavor before serving.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to eat for convenient meal planning.

Variations for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same spices and layering technique.
• Vegetarian Enchilada Bake: Swap beef with black beans, lentils, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Enchilada Casserole: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Mexican Casserole: Substitute tortillas with cauliflower rice or zucchini slices, keeping the rich beef and cheese flavors intact.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Fiesta Family Platter: Serve this hearty casserole as a centerpiece for family dinners, letting everyone scoop their own generous portions directly from the baking dish.
• Tex-Mex Toppings Bar: Set out fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and green onions so guests can customize their individual servings.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair the casserole with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the rich, cheesy main dish.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy families or weekend gatherings.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole delivers a delicious Mexican-inspired comfort meal packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying dinner you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound shredded cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Sauce:

• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 6 tortillas
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C), preparing a deep baking dish for layered enchilada casserole.
2. Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic, incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until meat browns completely and develops rich, aromatic flavors.
3. Create first layer in baking dish by spreading thin layer of enchilada sauce across bottom, then arrange tortilla pieces to cover sauce evenly.
4. Spread seasoned beef mixture over tortilla layer, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
5. Drizzle additional enchilada sauce across beef, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese to create a melty, indulgent layer.
6. Repeat layering process – tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese – building casserole until dish is nearly full, ensuring top layer is abundant with cheese.
7. Transfer casserole to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for cheese to become golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest 5-7 minutes, enabling layers to set and making serving easier and more structured.
9. Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or sour cream for added flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce to suit different taste preferences.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition and fiber.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the layering process and ensure even distribution of beef and cheese throughout the casserole.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for versatile meal options that cater to various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg