The Zestiest Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty beef enchilada casserole that promises to become your new favorite weeknight meal.

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

Spicy seasonings dance through each bite, warming you from the inside out.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal preparation.

Perfectly balanced ingredients make every forkful a delightful experience that feels like a celebration.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delicious meal and watch magic happen on your dinner table.

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Is a Hit

• Satisfy Hunger Quickly: A hearty one-pan meal that combines protein-packed chicken with crispy potatoes, perfect for filling empty stomachs with minimal cooking effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe that lets you swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra cheese, different spices, or alternative toppings to match your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Delivers maximum flavor with minimal ingredients, making it an ideal option for family meals, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something delicious and satisfying.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Baking everything on a single sheet pan means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time spent scrubbing dishes.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Ingredients to Gather

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this casserole.
• Corn Tortillas: A traditional Mexican staple that provides structure and authentic texture to the dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: A spicy and tangy sauce that adds depth and traditional Mexican flavor to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, golden topping that adds richness and extra flavor.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the beef's flavor and adds warmth to the dish.
• Black Beans, Corn: Nutritious ingredients that add texture, color, and extra protein to the casserole.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the beef mixture.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Simple Cooking Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Turn the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef with diced onions until they’re beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper
• Half of the enchilada sauce

Let the mixture simmer and get super tasty for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Spread corn tortillas across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a cozy base for your casserole.

Step 5: Build Delicious Layers

• Seasoned beef
• Black beans
• Corn

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheese over the top.

Step 7: Repeat Layer Magic

Continue building layers of tortillas, beef mixture, beans, corn, and cheese until you’ve used all your ingredients. Make sure to end with a final cheese layer.

Step 8: Sauce It Up

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce all over the casserole, ensuring every inch gets some saucy love.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese that’s calling your name.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and make cutting easier.

Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole Perfection

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version of this hearty casserole.
• Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and ensure the casserole stays crisp and flavorful.
• Use fresh corn tortillas for better texture and authentic taste, warming them slightly before layering to prevent cracking.
• Enhance the dish's flavor by adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal when baked.

New Ways with Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken Enchilada Variation: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and tender alternative that adds rich flavor and saves cooking time.
• Vegetarian Southwest Casserole: Swap beef with black beans, add extra bell peppers, zucchini, and plant-based protein like quinoa to create a hearty meatless version.
• Spicy Green Chile Version: Incorporate roasted green chiles, use green enchilada sauce instead of red, and add pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and complexity.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute corn tortillas with thinly sliced cauliflower rounds to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the authentic enchilada casserole experience.

Plating Beef Enchilada Casserole Like a Pro

• Fiesta Family Feast: Transform this hearty beef enchilada casserole into a crowd-pleasing meal with these delightful serving suggestions.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Slice the casserole into perfect squares and serve alongside fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle extra green onions on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Southwestern Brunch Twist: Serve a wedge of casserole topped with a sunny-side-up egg and a sprinkle of fresh jalapeños. Add a side of crispy hash browns or breakfast potatoes for a morning meal that packs a punch.

Save Beef Enchilada Casserole for Later Meals

• Store leftover enchilada casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While you can substitute flour tortillas, corn tortillas provide an authentic Mexican flavor and better texture for this casserole. Corn tortillas absorb the sauce and flavors more effectively.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce. For less heat, reduce the chili powder amount.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Satisfying Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this beef enchilada casserole nestled between layers of corn tortillas. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a hearty meal savored by home cooks seeking authentic southwestern flavors you’ll devour with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet, carefully draining any excess fat to prevent a greasy dish.
3. Infuse the meat with robust flavors by mixing in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then stir in half the enchilada sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to develop depth.
4. Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish by arranging corn tortillas to cover the bottom completely.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly, then scatter black beans and corn across the tortilla base.
6. Generously sprinkle a blanket of shredded cheese over the first ingredient layer.
7. Methodically repeat the layering process, alternating tortillas, beef mixture, beans, corn, and cheese until all ingredients are incorporated.
8. Ensure the final layer is a generous covering of cheese for a golden, crispy top.
9. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce across the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Layer tortillas slightly overlapping to prevent dry edges and ensure every bite has perfect sauce coverage.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to boost vegetable content and create more complex flavor profiles without extra cooking steps.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and prevent tortillas from becoming soggy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg