If you're craving a warm, cheesy, and flavorful Mexican dish that's both easy to prepare and a total crowd-pleaser, this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is exactly what you need. Layers of seasoned beef, corn tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a mouth-watering meal that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as leftovers the next day. Stick around and keep reading as we guide you through each step to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time!
What Is a Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Beef enchilada casserole is a deconstructed version of traditional beef enchiladas. Instead of rolling tortillas with the filling and topping them with sauce, this recipe layers the ingredients, similar to a lasagna, for a simpler, yet equally delicious, dish. The use of corn tortillas in this casserole adds an authentic Mexican flavor and texture, making the dish gluten-free, as corn tortillas typically don't contain gluten.
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole
To make the perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays an important role in enhancing the flavor and texture of this dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce: You can use either store-bought or homemade red enchilada sauce.
- 12 corn tortillas: Corn tortillas give the dish an authentic flavor. Make sure to use fresh ones.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso blanco works well.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the casserole.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles: For an extra kick of heat, add diced green chiles to your casserole.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This spice will add a deep, earthy flavor to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds that classic enchilada flavor and a bit of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing the flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream (optional for serving): Adds a cool and creamy contrast when serving the casserole.
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish): A fresh herb garnish to bring out more flavor and color.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is easily customizable, making it great for dietary preferences or using up what's in your pantry.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef for a leaner option.
- Flour tortillas can be used if you're not concerned about gluten or prefer a softer texture.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the beef with beans (black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans) or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein or soy crumbles.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses, like pepper jack for more spice or Oaxaca cheese for a meltier texture.
- Spice it up: Add some jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or even hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like things extra spicy.
- Gluten-free: Ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free as well as your tortillas to maintain this dish as a gluten-free option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before we get into the full guide, here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll be doing: browning the beef, layering the ingredients in a casserole dish, and baking everything together until it's hot, bubbly, and delicious!
How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Add Seasonings
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced onion, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the onions soften for about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the diced green chiles. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the sides.
5. Layer the Ingredients
- Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a single layer of corn tortillas on top (around 4-5 tortillas, depending on size), ensuring they overlap slightly.
- Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Add another layer of enchilada sauce, followed by a layer of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers one more time: tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese.
6. Top It Off
Finish the casserole by adding one more layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and a generous amount of cheese on top.
7. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown.
8. Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it firm up and make slicing easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the draining of the beef: Not draining the fat from the ground beef can result in a greasy casserole.
- Using too much sauce: While it may be tempting to add extra enchilada sauce, too much liquid can make the casserole soggy.
- Overcooking the casserole: Watch the casserole closely once the foil is removed. You want the cheese to be golden and bubbly, but baking it too long can dry out the tortillas.
- Not letting it rest: Cutting into the casserole too soon can result in messy slices, as the layers won’t have had time to set.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve and present your Beef Enchilada Casserole can take it from a basic dinner to a meal that looks as good as it tastes. Here are a few ideas.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Serve slices of the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro on top for extra flavor and color.
- For a more balanced meal, serve the casserole with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
- A simple side salad with a light lime vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Garnish each serving with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, or diced tomatoes to add a pop of color.
- Serve the casserole on a bright, colorful Mexican-style platter to enhance the visual appeal of the meal.
- For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a restaurant-style presentation.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
- Make it extra cheesy: For cheese lovers, don’t hesitate to add an extra cup of cheese to make this casserole even richer.
- Freezing instructions: This casserole freezes well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or hosting guests.
Can I freeze Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Absolutely. It freezes very well. Once the casserole is fully baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, beans, or a light salad. You could also serve chips and guacamole or salsa for an appetizer.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if that’s your preference, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, and it won't be gluten-free.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice is mild, mainly from the green chiles and chili powder. If you like things spicier, add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Conclusion
Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a simple, hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal or feeding a crowd. Its combination of tender tortillas, seasoned beef, and cheesy goodness makes it a favorite in many households. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations and toppings, this casserole is bound to become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen. Don't wait — gather your ingredients and get cooking today!
PrintBeef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe
This beef enchilada casserole with corn tortillas is a delicious and hearty meal that features layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas drenched in savory enchilada sauce. It's a quick and easy Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for family dinners. Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, corn tortillas, Mexican casserole recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and enchilada sauce. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Layer 6 corn tortillas on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Add half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the black beans and 1 cup of cheese.
- Add another layer of tortillas, followed by the remaining beef mixture and beans. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use red or green enchilada sauce depending on preference.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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