The Zesty Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe You Need to Try

Craving a hearty beef enchilada casserole that bursts with southwestern flavors will make your dinner table come alive with excitement?

Mexican-inspired comfort food rarely gets more delicious than this mouthwatering dish.

Layers of tender beef, melted cheese, and soft corn tortillas create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Weeknight meals demand something simple yet spectacular, and this recipe delivers exactly that.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing casserole with minimal kitchen skills.

Spices blend beautifully, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and creates lasting memories.

Prepare to experience a fiesta of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas So Delicious

• Kickstart Comfort Cooking: Whip up a hearty meal that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Customize Your Flavor Fiesta: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extra toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado to match your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a delicious one-dish meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: Prepare this Mexican-inspired casserole with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole and adds rich flavor.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican tortillas that provide structure and authentic texture to the dish.

• Enchilada Sauce: A spicy red sauce that adds traditional Mexican flavor and moisture to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide additional moisture and tangy flavor to the beef mixture.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Contributes a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and earthy flavor to the casserole.

• Cheese: Provides creamy, melty goodness that binds the casserole together.

• Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy spice characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat and complex flavor to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a bright, fresh herb note to finish the dish.

How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Space

Warm up the oven to 375°F.

Grab a large skillet and get ready for some delicious cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sizzle over medium heat until the beef turns golden brown and the onions become translucent.

Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Create Zesty Beef Mixture

• Enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grab a greased casserole dish and start building your delicious layers:

First layer: Corn tortillas

Next: Half of the beef mixture

Then: Half of the cheese

Repeat the layers one more time, creating a mouthwatering stack of goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve the casserole piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Pro Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Remove excess fat completely from the beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
• Spread the beef mixture and cheese uniformly across tortillas to guarantee consistent taste and texture in every bite.
• Pat corn tortillas dry before layering to maintain their structural integrity and prevent a mushy consistency.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match personal heat preferences without compromising the dish's core flavor profile.
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh dimension and enhance the overall taste experience.

Variations to Try with Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use corn tortillas (which are naturally gluten-free) and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free certified for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from cashews, almonds, or coconut for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Fiesta Night Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a side of zesty Mexican rice for a complete meal that'll transport your taste buds south of the border.
• Freshness Boost: Top with cool, creamy sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to add brightness and richness to each bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser Extras: Pair with crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or serve alongside warm corn chips for added crunch and texture that complements the soft casserole layers.
• Spice It Up: Offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side, letting guests customize their heat level and adding a personalized touch to this comforting dish.

Best Storage Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic Mexican flavor and a slightly different texture that complements the beef enchilada casserole.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more heat, you can add additional chili powder, jalapeños, or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, simply bake it in the preheated oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole delivers Mexican comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and warm corn tortillas. Comfort meets bold flavors in this simple, satisfying dish perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups (224 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (224 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 280 milliliters) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C), preparing a casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, incorporating diced onions and minced garlic until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent.
3. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then introduce enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Create the first layer in the casserole dish using corn tortillas, covering the bottom completely.
5. Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, followed by sprinkling half of the shredded cheese.
6. Repeat layering process with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, creating a second complete layer.
7. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and edges become golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

• Prep the beef mixture thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution and prevent dry spots in the casserole.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions, maintaining the authentic texture and taste.
• For a vegetarian twist, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, keeping the robust Mexican-inspired seasoning profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg