If you’re craving Mexican flavors but don't want to spend hours rolling individual enchiladas, this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is the perfect answer. It’s a flavorful, layered dish that’s easy to make and is sure to please a crowd. With its savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and bold enchilada sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or need a quick family meal, this casserole is guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Read on to discover how to make this hearty, comforting casserole and get tips on how to make it even better!
What is Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Beef Enchilada Casserole is a simplified version of traditional enchiladas. Instead of filling and rolling individual tortillas, the ingredients are layered, making the dish quicker and easier to assemble. The casserole combines classic Tex-Mex flavors: seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, corn tortillas, cheese, and black beans. It’s a deliciously cheesy, hearty meal that requires minimal effort and is perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends.
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole
Before diving into the recipe, let’s start by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s what you need to make this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas:
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and reduced fat.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds flavor and texture to the ground beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the beef with a subtle, savory taste.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Use red enchilada sauce for a classic flavor, or opt for green if you want a tangier taste.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds a bit of acidity and moisture to the casserole.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: These beans add protein, fiber, and heartiness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives the casserole a warm, earthy spice.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides a bit of heat and an authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spice to complement the other seasonings.
- 8 corn tortillas: These provide the base for the casserole layers.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness to the dish.
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack offers a mild, creamy contrast to the sharpness of cheddar.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, bright flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich, cheesy casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about casseroles is their versatility! Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef: If you prefer a lighter option, swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get plenty of flavor, but with less fat.
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas: If you don’t have corn tortillas on hand, you can use flour tortillas instead. Keep in mind that flour tortillas will be softer and have a slightly different texture.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition: Feel free to throw in some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added vitamins and nutrients.
- Switch up the beans: If black beans aren’t your favorite, substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
- Go vegetarian: Simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of beans or add some sautéed mushrooms to keep the dish hearty without meat.
- Adjust the spice level: If you like your enchiladas on the spicy side, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to prepare this Beef Enchilada Casserole.

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Season the beef mixture: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Add the tomatoes and beans: Pour the drained diced tomatoes and black beans into the skillet. Stir to combine everything and let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, tearing them if necessary to cover the surface evenly. Spread half of the beef mixture on top of the tortillas, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheeses, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the casserole, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the 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 is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a Beef Enchilada Casserole is incredibly simple once you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Follow these steps to ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time:
- Prepare the beef mixture: Start by browning the ground beef, then add onions and garlic for added flavor. Season the mixture well with spices to give it that bold, Tex-Mex flavor.
- Layer the casserole: Assemble the dish by layering tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and enchilada sauce. The key to a good casserole is creating even layers so that every bite is flavorful.
- Bake and melt the cheese: After layering, bake the casserole until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. The dish should be piping hot and the cheese golden brown.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making this Beef Enchilada Casserole:
- Not draining the tomatoes and beans: Be sure to drain both the diced tomatoes and the black beans before adding them to the beef mixture. Excess liquid can make your casserole watery.
- Overcooking the beef: Don’t cook the ground beef too long. Overcooked beef can become tough and dry, so remove it from heat as soon as it’s browned.
- Skipping the foil during baking: Covering the casserole with foil during the first part of baking helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving a casserole to guests or family. While casseroles aren’t typically known for their elegant appearance, here are a few ideas to elevate your dish:
- Serve with toppings: Set out a selection of toppings such as sour cream, diced avocado, salsa, or chopped green onions. Let everyone customize their serving to their taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
- Cut neat portions: For a cleaner presentation, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
This Beef Enchilada Casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main course on its own. However, you can serve it with a few simple side dishes to round out the meal:
- Mexican rice: Serve with a side of Spanish or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
- Refried beans: Another classic side, refried beans add creaminess to balance the rich casserole.
- Tortilla chips and salsa: A crunchy side of chips and salsa or guacamole makes a great accompaniment.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole
For a casual, family-style dinner, you can serve the casserole directly from the baking dish. If you’re looking for a more formal presentation, try these ideas:
- Individual servings: Spoon the casserole onto individual plates and garnish each with a drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Layered in a cast-iron skillet: Instead of using a standard baking dish, consider assembling and baking the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, eye-catching presentation.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience: While freshly shredded cheese melts better, pre-shredded cheese will save you time.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through, about 45-50 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas will work just fine, though they’ll provide a softer texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil before freezing.
How do I reheat the casserole?
You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake it covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top.
Is this casserole spicy?
The level of spice depends on the enchilada sauce and chili powder you use. For more heat, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a weeknight meal or something special for a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and give this delicious recipe a try today! You’ll love the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.
PrintBeef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas recipe is loaded with ground beef, black beans, enchilada sauce, and two types of cheese, making it a perfect hearty and flavorful meal for the whole family. Topped with fresh cilantro, it’s an easy-to-bake dish that is packed with bold flavors. Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, corn tortillas, enchilada casserole recipe, Mexican casserole, cheesy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer 4 corn tortillas on the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by 1 cup each of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Customize the spiciness by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. ⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
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