Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that will satisfy your family and guests? This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is the perfect recipe! Packed with flavorful beef, rich enchilada sauce, and cheesy goodness, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Stick around to discover how to prepare this mouthwatering casserole, complete with step-by-step instructions, ingredient substitutions, tips on presentation, and more. Read on to learn all the details and become a casserole-making pro!
What is a Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Beef enchilada casserole is a baked dish that combines all the flavors of traditional enchiladas—ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese—into an easy-to-prepare layered casserole. This version saves time by layering the ingredients instead of rolling individual enchiladas, giving you all the taste without the extra effort. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or for serving at gatherings, offering a rich combination of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned black beans (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
For the Casserole Layers:
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 12-15 small corn tortillas (about 6-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Sliced black olives
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickled jalapeños
- Green onions, chopped
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of a casserole is its versatility. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to fit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Ground Beef: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based ground "meat" or double up on the beans.
- Corn Tortillas: If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas. However, keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.
- Cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese. Colby Jack or pepper jack can be used for a spicier kick.
- Enchilada Sauce: While red enchilada sauce is traditional, you can switch things up by using green enchilada sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Beans and Veggies: Add more veggies like sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutritional content. You can also omit the black beans if you prefer a more traditional beef-only filling.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions to create this savory beef enchilada casserole. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the casserole once you’ve assembled everything.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you’re adding black beans and/or corn, stir them into the beef mixture now.
Step 3: Warm the Corn Tortillas
Warming the corn tortillas before assembling the casserole will make them more pliable and less likely to crack. You can quickly heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish. Place a layer of corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the entire base. Spread a portion of the beef filling on top of the tortillas, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Drizzle some enchilada sauce over the cheese.
Repeat this layering process—tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, enchilada sauce—until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this beef enchilada casserole is all about layering and baking. Let’s recap the steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the beef filling by browning ground beef and adding onions, garlic, and seasonings.
- Warm the tortillas to make them pliable.
- Assemble the casserole by layering tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and enchilada sauce.
- Bake the casserole covered, then uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful, cheesy enchilada casserole that’s sure to impress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making beef enchilada casserole, here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the tortilla warm-up: Cold tortillas tend to crack and break, making assembly difficult. Warming them ensures they stay soft and flexible.
- Too much sauce: While enchilada sauce is delicious, using too much can make your casserole soggy. Use just enough to cover each layer, but don’t drown it.
- Overcooking the casserole: Keep an eye on your casserole during the baking process. Overcooking can dry it out or make the cheese too crusty.
- Forgetting to drain the beef: Excess grease in the filling can make the dish too oily. Always drain the fat after cooking the beef.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make even a simple casserole feel special. Here are some tips for serving your beef enchilada casserole:
- Garnish generously: Top your casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños for a colorful and vibrant presentation.
- Serve with sides: Pair your casserole with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Add a creamy element: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side to provide a cool contrast to the warm, spicy casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Individual servings: Slice the casserole into neat squares and plate each serving with a garnish of cilantro and a spoonful of sour cream for a polished presentation.
- Family-style serving: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. Be sure to offer a variety of toppings like avocado, green onions, and jalapeños in small bowls.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips
To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips:
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it later. It’s a great option for busy days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it as directed, but don’t bake it. Instead, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
- Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two smaller dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A: Yes! To add more spice, use spicy enchilada sauce, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture, or use pepper jack cheese.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
A: Absolutely. Flour tortillas will work, though the texture will be slightly different.
Q: How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
A: Leftover beef enchilada casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the enchilada sauce label to ensure it's gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. With layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, it’s a recipe that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or experiment with some of the suggested variations, this casserole will become a go-to in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and sides for an unforgettable meal!
PrintBeef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe
This beef enchilada casserole with corn tortillas is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and soft corn tortillas, all topped with melted cheese for a perfect family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Corn tortillas
- Enchilada sauce
- Cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- Onion
- Garlic
- Green chilies (optional)
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in green chilies and enchilada sauce.
- Layer corn tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese in a casserole dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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