Zesty Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole with corn tortillas feels like bringing a slice of mexican comfort right to your kitchen.

Layers of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and soft corn tortillas promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Authentic spices dance through each bite, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this casserole delivers unexpected flavor combinations.

Weekends or busy evenings call for simple yet impressive dishes that everyone will love.

Melted cheese, tender beef, and crispy tortilla edges make every forkful irresistible.

You’ll want to savor each comforting, spice-filled moment of this incredible meal.

Discover The Rich Flavors Of Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Layered casserole design means quick assembly without complicated steps, perfect for busy families craving Mexican-inspired comfort food.
• One-Pan Wonder: Single baking dish eliminates multiple cooking vessels, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free and streamlined.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personalization with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, hearty layers appeal to children and adults alike, transforming mealtime into a delightful shared experience with familiar, satisfying flavors.

Gather All Ingredients Needed For Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican flatbreads that create layers and structure for the dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: A spicy, tangy sauce that adds moisture and authentic Mexican flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, golden topping.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic ingredients that build a deep, savory foundation for the beef mixture.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that provide distinctive Mexican-inspired seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and additional flavor layers.

Step-By-Step Preparation For Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F, getting it ready for our delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef Mixture

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

Cook until the beef is completely browned and the spices are dancing with flavor.

Step 3: Create The First Tortilla Layer

Grab a baking dish and line the bottom with corn tortillas, creating a tasty foundation for our casserole.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Layers

Spread a generous portion of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then drizzle enchilada sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Repeat The Delicious Layers

Continue building layers of tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese until you’ve used up all your ingredients.

Step 6: Crown With Cheese

Top the final layer with an extra blanket of shredded cheese and a final splash of enchilada sauce.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set, then slice and serve this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish.

Insider Tips To Perfect Your Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole lighter.
• Drain the cooked beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy dish and maintain a crisp texture.
• Warm the corn tortillas briefly before layering to prevent cracking and improve their flexibility.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for extra flavor complexity.
• Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Mix It Up: Creative Twists On Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same spices and layering technique.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Enchilada Bake: Replace beef with black beans and add diced bell peppers for a plant-based version that keeps the same flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Enchilada Casserole: Substitute corn tortillas with thin cauliflower slices for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Green Chile Enchilada Casserole: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and add green chiles for extra flavor, ensuring the dish is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

How To Present Beef Enchilada Casserole With Style

• Fiesta Family Dinner: Serve this hearty casserole with a side of Mexican-style rice for a complete meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Zesty Taco Night Twist: Create a build-your-own taco bar alongside the casserole, letting guests top their plates with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and sour cream.
• Southwestern Brunch Delight: Slice the casserole and pair with sunny-side-up eggs and fresh salsa for a weekend morning feast that wakes up taste buds with bold flavors.
• Cool & Creamy Companions: Add a refreshing side of guacamole and a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy layers of the enchilada casserole.

Best Ways To Keep Beef Enchilada Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze the casserole for maximum 3 months, ensuring a sealed, freezer-safe container.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What type of tortillas work best in this recipe?

Corn tortillas are traditional and provide an authentic Mexican flavor. They hold up well during baking and add a classic texture to the casserole.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. The spices and sauce will keep the dish flavorful and moist.

• How spicy is this enchilada casserole?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and cumin. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these spices to suit your preference.

• Is this dish considered a complete meal?

This casserole is protein-packed and includes meat, cheese, and tortillas, making it a substantial and satisfying one-dish meal that requires minimal additional side dishes.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort cuisine shines through this beef enchilada casserole layered with tender corn tortillas and rich spices. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. In a sizzling skillet, brown the ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic, infusing the meat with robust spices like cumin and chili powder.
3. Create the first foundation layer by carefully arranging corn tortillas across the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Generously distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the tortilla base, ensuring even coverage.
5. Drizzle enchilada sauce across the meat layer, allowing the rich flavors to seep into the tortillas.
6. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese, creating a melty blanket over the sauce.
7. Continue building strategic layers, alternating between tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are incorporated.
8. Crown the casserole with a final lavish layer of cheese and a dramatic splash of enchilada sauce.
9. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Create a gluten-free dish by ensuring your enchilada sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time by browning meat and chopping vegetables earlier in the day to streamline the cooking process and reduce evening stress.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it overnight, then baking fresh the next day for deeper, melded flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 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: 55 mg