Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Flavorful Mexican Baked Dish

Try this easy beef enchilada casserole for dinner. A tasty, cheesy Mexican baked dish that even beginners can make in under an hour.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

This beef enchilada casserole is a simple, baked meal with classic Mexican flavors. Layers of seasoned beef, tortillas, sauce, and cheese come together in one dish.

It’s a great weeknight dinner that is both filling and tasty. Even if you are new to cooking, you can follow these steps and get great results.

— Easy to prep and assemble in one pan
— Crowd-pleaser with cheesy, savory layers
— Flexible: adjust spice and toppings as you like
— Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

For the filling:
— 1 lb ground beef (450 g)
— 1 small onion, diced (100 g)
— 2 cloves garlic, minced
— 1 tsp ground cumin
— 1 tsp chili powder
— ½ tsp smoked paprika
— Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce & assembly:
— 1 can (10 oz/280 g) enchilada sauce
— 8 small corn or flour tortillas (about 22 cm/9 in each)
— 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (200 g)
— ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)

How to make it

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (22×33 cm) baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Add ground beef, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Break meat with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain fat.
4. Stir in half of the enchilada sauce. Simmer 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Spread ¼ cup (60 ml) sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.
6. Layer 4 tortillas to cover the sauce. Trim edges if needed.
7. Spoon half of the beef mixture over tortillas. Sprinkle with 1 cup (100 g) cheese.
8. Repeat: layer tortillas, beef, and cheese.
9. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top. Add last 1 cup (100 g) cheese.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes.
11. Garnish with cilantro, slice, and serve.

Tips and common mistakes

— Don’t skip draining fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
— Warm tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave; they layer easily.
— Let the casserole rest so it firms up for clean slices.

Substitutions

— Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef.
— Use gluten-free tortillas or low-carb wraps if you prefer.
— Swap cheddar for pepper jack for extra heat.

Storage instructions

— Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
— Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
— Freeze portions in airtight containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes.

Q: How do I adjust the spice level?
A: Reduce chili powder or use mild enchilada sauce. For more heat, add chopped jalapeños.

Q: Can I use flour tortillas?
A: Sure. They hold moisture well and stay soft after baking.

Q: What sides go with this dish?
A: Serve with rice, salad, or a simple guacamole and chips.

There is something so satisfying about a meal that’s baked to cheesy perfection. Our cheesy ground beef bake is a kid-friendly winner, much like our versatile beef burrito bowl. If you prefer a more traditional Italian-style comfort, our one-pot pasta ensures you get that creamy, rich flavor without the sink full of dishes.