If you have ever craved the rich, comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine but want a fuss-free way to enjoy them, this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a warm, inviting dish that layers seasoned ground beef, black beans, and corn with corn tortillas and plenty of melty cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection in a vibrant red enchilada sauce. This casserole is the perfect blend of hearty and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, weeknight meals, or anytime you want a filling and delicious experience without complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe just right is about simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own magic, from savory beef to the tangy enchilada sauce. Let’s take a look at what you’ll gather to build this beautiful layered masterpiece.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base with rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a touch of sharpness that balances the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant depth and warms up the layers.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften onions and garlic while keeping everything glossy and flavorful.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons): Brings authentic, bold Mexican spices that make the beef sing.
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and fiber, plus a nice texture contrast.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained): Lends natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce, divided: The spicy, smoky sauce ties every layer together beautifully.
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into halves: The perfect gluten-free alternative for layering that soaks up all the good flavors.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided: Melts perfectly to create that irresistible gooey, golden crust.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness for garnish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the dish’s natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth and balance throughout.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s softened and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Now, add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart gently with a spoon, cooking it until it browns evenly. After the beef has cooked, drain any excess grease to keep it from being too oily, then stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper for that signature savory spice. Toss in the black beans and corn, along with one cup of the enchilada sauce. Let this simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes so all those flavors marry together beautifully.
Step 3: Layer Your Casserole
Spread half a cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of your baking dish. Layer half of your halved corn tortillas atop the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture, and then sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and enchilada sauce, finishing off with the rest of the shredded cheese as the final touch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your assembled casserole with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let everything meld together, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Don’t forget to let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the casserole hold its shape and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Once your Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe comes out of the oven, a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro brightens every bite with a lovely herbal note. For an extra creamy touch, add dollops of sour cream or slices of ripe avocado—these balance the bold spices wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or a serving of Spanish rice to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, also complement the rich beef and cheese flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or family alike, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions or top each slice with a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo. Alternatively, serve it buffet-style with bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their plate exactly how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly before freezing, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or place the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating to let the cheese bubble up again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even shredded chicken can be excellent alternatives, giving you a lighter twist while maintaining the delicious layered flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, because it uses corn tortillas rather than flour tortillas, this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free and a great option for those avoiding gluten.
How spicy is this casserole, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat mainly depends on your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. You can easily tone it down or spice it up by choosing mild or hot seasoning blends or adding fresh jalapeños or green chilies.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the beef and add extra beans, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to keep the layers hearty and satisfying.
What’s the best way to cut and serve the casserole?
After letting the casserole rest, cut it into squares with a sharp knife to keep the layers intact. Use a spatula to lift each piece carefully for neat, attractive servings.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about digging into a warm, cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe that brings both familiar joy and a burst of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe offers an easy, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy the best of Mexican-inspired cooking any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite dinner tradition.
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Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and flavorful Mexican American main dish, perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tortillas, and melted Mexican blend cheese baked to bubbly perfection with rich enchilada sauce create a satisfying and hearty casserole. Easy to prepare and customizable, this dish brings a delicious twist to traditional enchiladas all in one pan.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce, divided
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into halves
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to crumble evenly. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole lighter.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix in black beans, corn, and 1 cup of the enchilada sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the tortilla pieces over the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and enchilada sauce. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow layers to meld and cheese to begin melting.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
- For added spice, mix in diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Serve with sour cream, sliced avocado, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
