If you love layers of bold, savory flavors wrapped in cheesy comfort, then you are going to adore this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. This dish takes all the best parts of traditional enchiladas—spiced ground beef, tender tortillas, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce—and stacks them up into a casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It’s not just delicious but also surprisingly simple to make, bringing together hearty ingredients that create a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward this flavorful, comforting casserole. Each component plays a key role, balancing spices, textures, and freshness to give the dish its irresistible appeal.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
- Ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy spice fundamental to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Chili powder: Adds a smoky heat that’s essential to enchilada flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the tomato sauce for a perfect consistency.
- Tomato sauce: Provides rich, tangy moisture that infuses every layer.
- Chicken broth: Boosts savory depth in the sauce without overpowering.
- Minced garlic cloves: Brings aromatic sharpness and complexity.
- Ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed star of the dish—you can swap it for ground chicken if preferred.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the meat and beans just right.
- Diced green chiles: Add a subtle, zesty kick and a touch of heat.
- Black beans: Give the casserole a creamy texture and extra nutrition.
- Corn tortillas: Soft yet sturdy layers that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Shredded colby jack cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that pulls everything together delightfully.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat and sautéing the diced yellow onion until it turns translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook briefly before introducing the ground beef. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly, letting the spices bloom into the meat.
Step 2: Create the Enchilada Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef and stir well to coat evenly—this acts as a thickening agent. Pour in tomato sauce and chicken broth while stirring. Add diced green chiles, then simmer the mixture gently until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare Black Beans and Tortillas
Drain and rinse the black beans to keep them fresh and ready to layer. Meanwhile, cut or tear the corn tortillas into manageable pieces so they can fit comfortably in the baking dish and soften during baking.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce on the bottom. Layer tortillas next, followed by a generous scoop of the beef and bean mixture, and then a handful of shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, topping the final layer with cheese to get a crispy, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Melted
Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing, which helps it set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh and vibrant touch by topping your casserole with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. These garnishes brighten the flavors and add a cool contrast to the warm, spicy layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or charred corn on the cob. These sides add texture and refresh the palate between cheesy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun twist or serve alongside warm flour tortillas and a colorful pico de gallo for a flavorful build-your-own enchilada style meal. Presentation can turn this everyday dish into a festive event!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed for thorough heating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a speedy meal. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating can help revive that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent leaner substitutes and work well with the spices in this recipe, creating a lighter yet still flavorful casserole.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Colby jack cheese is great for its mild flavor and meltability, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure the flour is omitted or replaced with a gluten-free thickener and confirm your tortillas and broth are gluten-free. Corn tortillas usually are, but double-check packaging to be sure.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and green chiles, but you can adjust the amount of chili powder or swap for mild green chiles to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance for busy weekdays or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a cozy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that quickly becomes a favorite in any household. With its layers of juicy beef, beans, cheese, and spiced tomato sauce, it’s the perfect way to bring a little Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—the smiles and requests for seconds will speak volumes!
Print
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, and diced green chiles layered between corn tortillas and topped with melted colby jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it delivers the bold flavors of classic enchiladas in an easy-to-make casserole form, baked to golden perfection in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small diced yellow onion (divided into two parts)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 pound ground beef (can be swapped with ground chicken)
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for onion sauté)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for beef mixture)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Other Ingredients
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté 1/2 of the diced yellow onion with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste, then slowly stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth. Simmer the sauce mixture for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Beans and Chiles: Stir in the drained black beans, diced green chiles, and the remaining diced yellow onion. Allow the mixture to warm through and flavors to combine for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture, then layer with corn tortillas and a generous sprinkle of shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Use corn tortillas for an authentic texture and flavor, and for gluten sensitivity.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Adding a topping of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños can enhance flavor when serving.
