Sizzling Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

Crafting a hearty beef enchilada casserole with corn tortillas promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll warm your soul.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and soft tortillas create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this zesty southwestern-inspired dish.

Each bite brings together rich, spicy notes that dance across your palate.

Homemade goodness beats any restaurant meal hands down.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to devour, this casserole will become your new favorite go-to dinner.

Dive in and savor every single delicious forkful!

What Makes Beef Enchilada Casserole A Favorite

• Tackle Family Dinner: This hearty casserole delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hungry appetites with layers of savory beef, melted cheese, and zesty Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Using basic ingredients and straightforward layering technique makes this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress and creating delicious results.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños to personalize the dish and keep mealtime exciting for everyone at the table.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Minimal prep work and fast baking time transform ground beef into a complete meal that comes together faster than traditional enchiladas, perfect for busy households craving homemade comfort food.

Ingredients Included in Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that provides the hearty base for this casserole.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican flatbreads that create layers and structure in the dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor.
• Cheese: Provides creamy texture and helps bind the casserole together.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that add depth to the beef mixture.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a robust and authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning profile.

• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and bright pepper flavor to complement the beef.

How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for a delicious Mexican-inspired feast.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Brown the meat until it’s perfectly cooked and releases those amazing aromas.

• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering meat mixture.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor

Pour in green chilies and enchilada sauce, mixing them thoroughly with the seasoned beef.

Let the ingredients mingle and create a rich, zesty filling.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Layers

• Soft corn tortillas
• Spiced beef mixture
• Shredded cheese

Repeat the layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, ending with a generous cheese topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors settle. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole!

Ways to Improve Beef Enchilada Casserole Flavor

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh cilantro or green onions on top after baking for extra brightness.
• Use low-sodium enchilada sauce and cheese to control salt intake for health-conscious individuals.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing meat with black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn.
• Cover the casserole with foil during initial baking to prevent tortillas from drying out and ensure even heating.

Flavorful Accents That Lift Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Chicken Enchilada Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute corn tortillas with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower slices to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese, and add dairy-free sour cream as a topping for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Sides That Go Well with Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Fiesta Family Dinner: Serve this hearty casserole with a side of Mexican-style rice to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
• Zesty Toppings Extravaganza: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for an extra flavor punch that lets everyone customize their plate.
• Weekend Game Day Delight: Cut into smaller squares and serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during sports gatherings, paired with crisp tortilla chips and fresh salsa for dipping.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion and freeze individual servings for quick, satisfying lunches that reheat perfectly in the microwave, making busy weekdays a breeze.

Storage Recommendations to Keep Beef Enchilada Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole cools completely before storing.
• Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Thaw frozen enchilada casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
• Reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Are corn tortillas necessary for this recipe?

Yes, corn tortillas are essential for authentic Mexican flavor and traditional enchilada casserole texture.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean, healthy alternative that works perfectly in this casserole.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and green chilies, but you can adjust heat levels by adding more or less of these ingredients.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, using corn tortillas makes this dish naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Quick and Delicious Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole layers Mexican flavors between tender corn tortillas and rich spices. Melted cheese and zesty sauce create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

Spices and Seasonings:

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

Main Components:

• 6 corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green chilies (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a casserole dish for the enchilada layering process.
2. Sauté ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet until meat is thoroughly browned and crumbled, releasing rich, aromatic flavors.
3. Enhance the beef mixture by incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, creating a robust and complex seasoning profile.
4. Fold green chilies and enchilada sauce into the meat, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a cohesive, spicy filling.
5. Create alternating layers in the casserole dish: spread a base of corn tortillas, generously top with seasoned beef mixture, and sprinkle a lavish amount of cheese.
6. Continue layering tortillas, beef, and cheese until the dish is filled, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling blanket.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting the layers to set and flavors to intensify before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Enhance heat levels by adding jalapeños or switching to a spicier enchilada sauce for adventurous palates who crave extra kick.
• Create a make-ahead friendly dish by assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Elevate nutrition by adding black beans, diced bell peppers, or spinach between layers for extra vegetables and protein boost.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg