If you’ve been searching for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that brings a little fiesta right to your table, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. It’s a comforting blend of seasoned ground beef, warm corn tortillas, melty cheese, and just the right kick from green chiles and spices all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or craving something that warms you up from the inside out, this casserole hits all the right notes with layers of texture, spice, and cheesy goodness that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe comes down to simple yet deeply flavorful ingredients that each play an essential role. From the tender ground beef to aromatic spices, hearty beans, and gooey cheese, every item enhances taste, texture, and color for a casserole that’s as delicious as it is inviting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté onions to sweet, tender perfection.
- 1 small diced yellow onion: Provides a mild, savory base that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds warmth and gentle earthiness crucial to enchilada flavor.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Brings that classic smoky spice that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for a luscious, clingy texture.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce: Provides tanginess and a rich base for the sauce layer.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 2 minced garlic cloves: Delivers a punch of aromatic flavor essential for savory dishes.
- 1 pound ground beef (can be swapped with ground chicken): The hearty protein star of the casserole, bringing savory satisfaction.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the seasoning throughout the meat mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle sharpness and rounds out the flavor.
- 1 small diced yellow onion: Adds freshness and texture to the layers inside the casserole.
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles: Brings a gentle heat and bright flavor to the dish.
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed: Introduces creaminess and plant-based protein for heartiness.
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size): These form tender, slightly crispy layers that hold everything together.
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté gently until it’s translucent and soft, around 3 to 4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink. Season with half a teaspoon of salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder to build that signature enchilada flavor.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked beef mixture and stir well to incorporate; this helps the sauce thicken later. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring everything together until smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the diced green chiles and drained black beans. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken the sauce. This mixture will be the rich, flavorful heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering your casserole by placing a handful of the beef sauce on the bottom. Top with a layer of corn tortillas, slightly overlapping to cover the sauce. Add another layer of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a generous helping of shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat the layering process—sauce, tortillas, beef, cheese—until all your ingredients are used up, finishing off with a thick, cheesy top layer that will brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and irresistibly melty. Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes once out of the oven before cutting into it so the layers can set and everything holds beautifully when you serve.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A vibrant garnish can elevate this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe to new heights. Fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright pop of herbaceous flavor, while dollops of cool sour cream provide a creamy contrast to the spicy beef. Don’t forget slices of avocado or a little sprinkle of chopped green onions for added creaminess and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to balance the richness. Mexican rice or refried beans make classic companions, making your meal feel even more authentic. If you want to keep it light, a bowl of fresh fruit or a quick slaw with cabbage and lime zest can provide refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins layered the same way as the big casserole. This not only looks impressive but keeps everyone’s serving warm and fresh. Another idea is to turn the casserole into taco filling for a mini taco night the next day, simply reheating the beef mixture and adding fresh toppings. The versatility is part of what makes this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe such a keeper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to keep that luscious cheesy texture intact. When reheated, the flavors deepen even more, making leftovers just as gratifying as the first serving.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble the whole dish but don’t bake it—wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just cover to avoid dryness and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring if possible to ensure everything gets warmed evenly without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works great and makes the dish a little lighter while still soaking up all the delicious spices and sauce perfectly.
What kind of cheese works best for this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe?
Colby jack cheese melts beautifully and balances flavor with creaminess. However, you can use cheddar or Monterey jack as good alternatives depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener instead of all-purpose flour, and ensure your chicken broth and chili powder are gluten-free. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free which keeps the casserole safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How spicy is this casserole?
The dish has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. You can adjust the chili powder to your taste or add some jalapeños if you want an extra kick.
Can this casserole be made ahead and refrigerated before baking?
Definitely! Prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute prep.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re making it for your family, feeding a crowd, or craving a tasty homemade dish, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes. So grab those ingredients, dive in, and enjoy every cheesy, spicy, savory bite of this wonderful casserole!
Print
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that layers tender ground beef cooked in a spiced tomato sauce with black beans, diced green chiles, corn tortillas, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines traditional Mexican flavors into a baked casserole that is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small diced yellow onion (divided use)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for onion)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 pound ground beef (can be swapped with ground chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for beef)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
Casserole Assembly
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the diced yellow onion and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Spices and Flour: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make the Sauce: Mix in the remaining diced yellow onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, chicken broth, diced green chiles and black beans. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Preheat Oven: While the sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef enchilada sauce. Arrange a layer of 4 corn tortillas over the sauce. Add a third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Repeat layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Optional toppings include sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
