If you’ve been craving a flavorful, comforting, and downright satisfying meal, this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is here to become your new favorite. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender corn tortillas, zesty tomato sauce, and melty colby jack cheese come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy to make but bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple and essential, each bringing a unique flavor or texture that makes the casserole irresistible. From the hearty ground beef and black beans to the fragrant spices and creamy cheese, everything plays its part in this symphony of taste and color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a flavorful base to sauté the onions and garlic without overpowering the dish.
- 1 small diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors evenly throughout.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin: Brings that earthy, warm undertone characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Gives the casserole a gentle smoky kick without being too spicy.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect, rich consistency.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce: The saucy base that melds everything together and keeps it moist.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory dimension.
- 2 minced garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, aromatic punch.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein; feel free to swap with ground chicken if preferred!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the meat perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a mild heat that balances the spices.
- 1 small diced yellow onion: Layered again for extra texture and flavor.
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles: Adds a mild heat and a burst of brightness.
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds earthiness and heartiness while keeping the casserole wholesome.
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size): Soft and slightly sweet, these tortillas hold the layers together beautifully.
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese: The gooey, melty finish that makes every bite unforgettable.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink and has developed a nice, browned color — this step really builds the rich flavor base you want.
Step 2: Create the Enchilada Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef mixture and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce later. Slowly pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring constantly so the flour doesn’t clump. Simmer the mixture gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the spices to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Beans
Mix in the diced green chiles, rinsed black beans, and additional diced onion. This mixture brings in texture and a variety of flavors, making each bite exciting. Let it cook for another few minutes, just enough to warm everything through.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture. Layer 3 corn tortillas over it, breaking pieces if necessary to cover the bottom entirely. Add another layer of the beef sauce followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of cheese on top for that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before cutting — this helps it set up and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to top your casserole with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, dollops of sour cream, or ripe avocado slices. These garnishes add freshness and layers of flavor that contrast beautifully with the warm, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, Mexican rice, or a side of charro beans to keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy dinner or cut individual servings and layer over crispy tostadas for a fun crunch. Alternatively, scoop it into warm flour tortillas for a handheld twist that’s perfect for casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, giving you delicious leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding a bit more time if needed until heated through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. You can cover it loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from burning before removing the foil for the last few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers or use plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just season and cook as you would with the beef for great flavor.
What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas can be used if you prefer a softer and more pliable texture. Just keep in mind they will be a bit less traditional and could make the casserole a little richer in flavor.
Is it spicy?
This recipe has a mild heat thanks to the chili powder and diced green chiles. If you like more spice, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture to amp up the heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge, baking it fresh the next day. This makes it a perfect dish for entertaining or busy weekday dinners.
What if I don’t have colby jack cheese?
Cheddar, Monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all make excellent substitutes. Each will melt nicely and add delicious flavor, so feel free to use whatever cheese you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like home with every bite. It’s straightforward to make, packed with layers of flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this casserole becomes your go-to comfort meal. Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, savory slice!
Print
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn tortillas, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection with a rich enchilada sauce. It’s a comforting and easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small diced yellow onion (plus another small diced yellow onion for layering)
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 pound ground beef (can be swapped with ground chicken)
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus another 1/2 teaspoon salt for beef mixture)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Other
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Season and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the kosher salt, ground cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth along with the minced garlic and diced green chiles. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom. Top with a layer of corn tortillas covering the sauce. Add half of the black beans and half of the diced yellow onions over the tortillas, then sprinkle a layer of shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat the layering ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious beef enchilada casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add more chili powder or some chopped jalapeños.
- Using corn tortillas keeps the dish gluten free if you ensure the flour used for thickening is gluten free or substitute with cornstarch.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
