This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty and delicious twist on classic enchiladas, packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and layers of soft tortillas all baked together in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s everything you love about beef enchiladas, but easier to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
I love making this casserole when I want something comforting but don’t feel like rolling individual enchiladas. It’s super simple to layer everything up and pop it in the oven, freeing me up to relax or prepare a quick side salad. Plus, the mix of gooey cheese and tender beef in every bite keeps everyone happy from the first slice to the last.
My favorite way to serve it is with a dollop of sour cream, some fresh cilantro, and a side of Spanish rice or refried beans. It’s one of those meals that always feels like a celebration at the dinner table, even on a busy weeknight. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your new go-to comfort food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base for the filling. I like using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, just add extra seasoning.
Enchilada Sauce: A key flavor in this recipe. You can buy canned enchilada sauce or make your own with tomato sauce and chili powder. If you prefer it spicier, add some cayenne or hot sauce.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas help keep the casserole moist and soft. Corn tortillas can be used but might make it a bit drier—briefly warming them before layering helps prevent cracking.
Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for its rich flavor, but a Mexican cheese blend with Monterey Jack works perfectly and melts beautifully.
Green Chilies & Olives: Both add a nice tang and texture. They’re optional, but I like the little pops of flavor they bring. You can skip the olives if you’re not a fan or have dietary restrictions.
How Do I Build The Perfect Layered Enchilada Casserole?
Layering can be tricky but it’s the heart of this casserole. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a thin layer of beef mixture on the dish to keep tortillas from sticking and add flavor from the base up.
- Overlap tortillas gently so the casserole holds together but leaves a few gaps for sauce to seep in.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over tortillas to ensure every bite has flavor.
- Sprinkle cheese generously — the melted cheese acts like glue, holding the layers together wonderfully.
- Repeat layers twice more for a nice thickness that bakes evenly.
- Cover with foil for the first part of baking to keep moisture in, then uncover to get that golden cheese top.
Patience and layering gently really help the casserole cook well and look great when served.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic all in one pan.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – big enough to layer your casserole evenly and bake all at once.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – to stir the beef mixture and spread layers smoothly.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep moisture in while baking so the casserole stays juicy.
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese) – makes shredding cheese quick and easy for melty topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken to lighten the dish and add a different texture.
- Mix in black beans or corn for extra fiber and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the spices.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat if you like your casserole with a spicy kick.
- Add chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder for smoky heat that livens up the flavors.
The BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (red)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Diced tomatoes, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus 30 minutes baking time. Allow an additional 5 minutes for resting before serving. So, in under an hour, you’ll have a comforting, cheesy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced green chilies (if using), cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to combine all flavors.
2. Assembling the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay 3 to 4 tortillas over the beef, tearing or folding to fit as needed. Spread one-third of the beef mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese and some sliced olives if you’re using them. Repeat this layering two more times: tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and olives. Finish off by placing the remaining tortillas on top and covering with the remaining cheese.
3. Baking and Serving:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for a fresh, tasty finish.
Can I Use Corn Tortillas Instead of Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can! Just warm the corn tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave to make them more pliable and less likely to break when layering.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers make great additions. Just mix them into the beef mixture before assembling the casserole.
