The BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole is a cheesy, meaty, and delicious crowd-pleaser that brings all the flavors of traditional enchiladas into one easy-to-make dish. It’s filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, layers of tender tortillas, and topped with a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce. Every bite gives you that perfect combination of hearty meat and melty cheese that feels like a warm homemade hug.
I love making this casserole when I want a simple dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. One of my favorite tips is to let it rest for a few minutes after baking—that way, the layers set up nicely and it’s easier to serve. Plus, it’s a great meal to prepare ahead of time and just pop in the oven when you’re ready, which saves me a ton of time on busy nights.
My family always asks for seconds, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a comforting dinner that hits all the right notes, this beef enchilada casserole is always a win in my book. I like to serve it with a simple side of rice or a fresh salad to balance out the richness and keep things fresh and tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the casserole, bringing flavor and texture. For a leaner option, choose 90% lean beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Black Beans & Diced Tomatoes: They add moisture and a touch of earthiness. You can swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
Enchilada Sauce: The sauce ties everything together with rich, tangy flavor. Use store-bought or homemade sauce. If you want milder heat, pick a mild version; for more kick, try a spicy sauce.
Corn Tortillas: Traditional and give the dish its structure. If corn tortillas aren’t your favorite, flour tortillas work too but change the texture a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely for gooey topping. Mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella makes it even creamier.
How Do You Layer the Casserole for Best Results?
Good layering helps build flavor and keeps the casserole firm enough to serve. Follow these tips:
- Start with a thin sauce layer on the dish to prevent sticking and keep tortillas moist.
- Layer tortilla pieces evenly but don’t overcrowd; overlapping slightly is fine.
- Spread the meat mixture uniformly to avoid dry spots.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly to melt nicely and bind layers.
- Repeat layers carefully to keep the casserole steady.
- Cover with foil during baking to trap moisture, then remove foil near the end to get bubbly cheese and crispy edges.
After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes—it helps everything set and makes serving cleaner and easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning beef and sautéing onions evenly.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough for layers to bake without overflow.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – to break up meat and mix ingredients with ease.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and toppings safely.
- Aluminum foil – covers the casserole to keep moisture in during baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Mix in a can of corn or green chiles for more color and mild heat.
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a bit of spice.
The BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (red)
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions) for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 medium tomato, diced (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (1-2 tbsp)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to cook in the oven, and 5-10 minutes to rest before serving — a total of roughly 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown it, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with 1/4 cup of water, and cook for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.
Finally, add the black beans and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
2. Layer and Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the tortilla pieces over the sauce. Next, spread half of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, then drizzle some enchilada sauce on top.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and sauce to build another layer.
3. Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges begin to crisp.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
Top each portion with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm, optionally with rice or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Thawing prevents uneven cooking and helps the beef brown properly.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout.
What Can I Substitute for Corn Tortillas?
If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead. They’ll create a slightly softer texture but still work great layered in this casserole.
