Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe (2024)

Beef Enchilada Casserole is layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, enchilada sauce, and soft flour tortillas baked until everything is hot and bubbly. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

It’s no secret I LOVE Mexican food. I’m all about tacos and fajitas, but there is one item I’m sure to order whenever we go out to eat and that’s enchiladas. I love the delicious red enchilada sauce, the melted cheese, the tender tortillas. Seriously, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

This Beef Enchilada Casserole takes all of the traditional enchilada flavors and simplifies the process by layering the ingredients in a casserole dish rather than rolling them. Personally I like this so much better because the sauce gets into every nook and cranny and all of the flavors really meld together so that every bite is a little fiesta in your mouth.

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What Ingredients are in Beef Enchilada Casserole?

• Flour tortillas – We make our beef enchilada casserole with flour tortillas because I like how soft they are but if you want a more authentic enchilada experience feel free to substitute corn tortillas. They will most likely be smaller so you may need a few more.
• Red enchilada sauce – My favorite part! I highly recommend making this homemade red enchilada sauce because it has such an amazing flavor (and can be made up to 2 weeks ahead of time) but you can also use your favorite brand of store bought enchilada sauce.
• Seasoned ground beef & onions – Ground beef and onions are cooked together with taco seasoning for a spicy beef filling.
• Cheddar cheese – It wouldn’t be an enchilada without cheese! You can use sharp or mild cheddar or use a Mexican blend if you prefer.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1 – Prepare oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 – Cook meat. Brown ground beef for 5 minutes. Add onions and continue to cook for another 3 minutes.

Add taco seasoning to the beef along with ¼ cup of water and stir together. Continue to cook for 5 minutes until the liquid mostly disappeared.

Step 3 – Layer 1. In a greased, 11×9 casserole dish add ½ cup of the enchilada sauce, and then place two tortillas on top of it so that they cover the bottom of the dish.

Step 4 – Layer 2. Place 1/3 of the beef on top of the tortillas, followed by ½ cup of the enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of cheese.

Step 5 – Layer 3. Place two more tortillas on top of the cheese and repeat the beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese.

Step 6 – Top it off. Place the final two tortillas on top and place the remaining beef on top then pour remaining enchilada sauce over it followed by cheese.

Step 7 – Bake. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and continue to bake for 10 minutes.

Step 8 – Serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

What to Serve with Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Salsa – We love a side of Pico de Gallo and chips, or some 5 minute restaurant-style salsa. If you want to add a little something sweet you can also make some mango salsa or pineapple salsa.
• Avocado Coleslaw
• Rice – Spanish Rice, or white rice (we love using a pressure cooker to make Instant Pot White Rice.
• Beans – Serve with refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing and reheating your beef enchilada casserole correctly ensures that every bite remains just as delicious as when it first came out of the oven.

Storing Your Beef Enchilada Casserole

Cool It Down: First things first, let your casserole cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which could make the casserole soggy.

Refrigeration: If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days (3-4 days max), you can store the casserole in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an airtight container, or simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. Wrap the entire casserole dish tightly with a couple of layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, cut the casserole into individual servings and wrap each piece similarly before placing them in a freezer bag. This method makes it easy to thaw and reheat single servings. Beef enchilada casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing much of its flavor or texture.

Reheating Your Beef Enchilada Casserole

From the Refrigerator:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap (if used) and cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
• Microwave: If you’re reheating a single serving, a microwave is a quick and convenient option. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

From the Freezer:

It’s best to thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, you can follow the above methods to reheat it. If you’re in a pinch and need to reheat directly from frozen, extend the oven heating time to about 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil. Check periodically to ensure it’s heating evenly and doesn’t dry out.

Remember, the key to a delicious reheated beef enchilada casserole is to keep it moist and to reheat it gently. By following these simple steps for storing and reheating, you can enjoy your casserole with the same zest and zeal as if it were fresh out of the oven. Now, who’s ready for round two of that delectable dish?

Simple Variations

Spicing up your beef enchilada casserole can transform it from a beloved classic into a delightful adventure of flavors with each bite. Whether you’re looking to add a bit more kick, introduce new textures, or cater to different dietary needs, there’s a variation out there for you. Let’s dive into some creative twists to keep your taste buds dancing!

Add a Kick with Chilies

For those who love a bit of heat, incorporating chilies can elevate your casserole. Chop up some jalapeños or serranos and layer them in. Or, for a smokier flavor, consider adding diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These additions will introduce a wonderful heat that builds with each forkful.

Swap the Protein

Beef is traditional, but why not mix things up? Ground turkey or chicken can be lighter alternatives, while still soaking up all the rich, enchilada flavors. For a vegetarian twist, black beans or a mix of beans and lentils can offer a hearty, satisfying texture without the meat.

Try our Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Chicken Tortilla Casserole recipes.

Try Different Tortillas

While we use flour tortillas corn tortillas are traditional. They have a firmer texture and add a different flavor to the casserole. Blue corn tortillas can add an earthy flavor and striking color. For a gluten-free option, look for specific gluten-free tortillas, or for a low-carb twist, try using thinly sliced zucchini as a stand-in for tortillas.

Sauce Variations

Enchilada sauce is the heart of the dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play around with it. Try a green tomatillo sauce for a tangy twist, or a mole sauce for depth and complexity. Mixing in some salsa verde or roasted red pepper sauce can also introduce new flavor profiles.

Spice It Up with Seasonings

Don’t be shy with the spices. Cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and even a dash of cinnamon can deepen the flavors. Consider making your own spice blend to have complete control over the heat and flavor balance.

By incorporating one or more of these variations into your beef enchilada casserole, you can keep this comforting classic exciting and new every time you make it. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas to create a casserole that’s uniquely yours. After all, the best part of cooking is making it your own!

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