This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a family-friendly casserole packed with plenty of hearty, wholesome ingredients. Fresh homemade Enchilada Sauce, green chilis, flour tortillas, and plenty of Cheddar and Monterey Jack combine to take this Tex Mex casserole over the top. For a complete fiesta-worthy meal, serve with Doritos Taco Salad and Classic Bloody Marys.
Why this recipe works!
- There is great flavor from fresh enchilada sauce, Cheddar, Monterey Jack Cheese, and plenty of fresh toppings like cilantro, jalapenos, avocados, and tomatoes. If you love this dish, you should try my chicken enchiladas and chicken enchilada casserole.
- This casserole is hearty enough to serve big appetites and large families.
- It is easy and quick to prepare with ingredients that are readily available at most supermarkets.
- With simple steps, this casserole is virtually foolproof. Even the tweens and teens could help with this one!
How to make Beef Enchilada Casserole?
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the onion and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Now reduce the heat and add the garlic, cooking for about 1 minute and stirring constantly. Then add 1 cup of the enchilada sauce, beans, and green chiles. Stir to combine cooking over low heat for a few minutes. Now spread a couple of tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer 1/4 of the tortillas on the bottom, then spread 1/3 of the beef mixture and 1/4 of each cheese. Then repeat these layers two more times. Finally, top with the last layer of flour tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated. Sprinkle with diced avocado, diced tomatoes, minced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing so that the casserole is easier to cut.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Both flour and corn tortillas work for this recipe.
- You can use canned or jarred enchilada sauce; however, homemade is highly recommended because of the amazing flavor.
- Feel free to swap out the toppings for what your family enjoys most. Other garnishes might include black olives, sour cream, green onions, jalapeno pepper, salsa, or shredded lettuce.
- A Mexican cheese blend can be substituted for the cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Pinto beans, navy beans, lentils, or black-eyed peas can be substituted for black beans, although they should all be precooked for this recipe.
- This recipe tastes best right out of the oven. If reheating, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave or toaster oven.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Other casserole recipes you will love
Beef Enchilada Casserole
This layered Beef enchilada casserole is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, homemade enchilada sauce, and cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on every layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: main meal beef
- Method: stovetop/bake
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed.
- 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles drained
- 12–14 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 avocado peeled, seeded diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeno seeded and minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole with nonstick cooking spray for ease in cleaning.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the ground beef is about halfway browned, add the onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Reduce heat to low. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Drain any excess grease. Add 1 1/4 cups enchilada sauce, black beans, and green chiles; cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring to combine.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer 1/4 of the tortillas on the bottom, then spread 1/3 of the beef mixture, and 1/4 of each cheese. Repeat these layers two more times. Top with the last layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Cook covered for 5 minutes.
- Toss avocado with lemon juice. Top the casserole with avocado, tomato, cilantro, and jalapeno.
Notes
- Both flour and corn tortillas work for this recipe.
- You can use canned or jarred enchilada sauce; however, homemade is highly recommended because of the amazing flavor.
- Feel free to swap out the toppings for what your family enjoys most. Other garnishes might include black olives, sour cream, green onions, jalapeno pepper, salsa, or shredded lettuce.
- A Mexican cheese blend can be substituted for the cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese.
- Pinto beans, navy beans, lentils, or black-eyed peas can be substituted for black beans, although they should all be precooked for this recipe.
- This recipe tastes best right out of the oven. If reheating, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 350-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave or toaster oven.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: easy beef enchilada casserole, how to make beef enchilada casserole, how to make ground beef enchilada casserole, enchilada casserole
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Elaine
I made this for dinner, last night. I had leftover chuck roast so I shredded it and used in place of ground beef. It was delicious!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
I bet it was so yummy!
Faith N
I made these for dinner today. I added some taco seasoning to the meat to give it a little extra kick. Thanks for the recipe, they were yummy!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Faith! I am so glad that you liked the casserole.
Fransic verso
You are an amazing cook and have yummy recipes. Love the topping on this casserole.
Nayna
What a lovely recipe.Its perfect when you need to heat and eat for a family. Does it freeze well?
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Yes it does!
Talya
This was delicious. Thanks for the great recipe. We really enjoyed it.
★★★★★
Rosey
Look at all of that cheesy goodness. That is an enchilada I can get behind!
brianne
I love the layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and soft flour tortillas in this recipe! I cannot wait to make it again.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Brianne! I am so happy that you liked it!
Bryan
Living in the land of Mexican and Tex Mex food, as Houston is known, enchiladas are a regular part of our diet. But this bake is an interesting twist on this popular food and one I want to try.
★★★★★
Jennifer Prince
I love the idea of making enchiladas into a casserole. It looks like an easy to make dinner, too!
Stephanie
As a Southerner, I love casseroles! This one is such a delicious meal and the leftovers were perfect for lunch the next day.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! I am so glad that you liked the enchilada casserole!
Julie
I have never made this before and all of your instructions make it look so easy. Is there a vegetarian option? Use beans or just leave out the beef?
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You could certainly use refried beans. That would be so delicious!
Kristi
This turned out delicious! Great for dinner meal prep for the week or even a one-night dinner to feed a crowd. Definitely go with a homemade enchilada sauce if you have time and corn tortillas, such great flavor.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kristi! So glad that you enjoyed it. It is quite a tasty dish!
Melissa
Can you freeze this before baking?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can. Be sure to wrap well. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Take it out of the refrigerator 30-40 minutes before ready to bake to bring to room temperature.
Marie
Can this be made ahead of time
Beth Pierce
You can but the tortillas will be softer from soaking up the enchilada sauce. My family does not mind though. They like it just as much the next day.
Teresa
Took this to a church potluck. I did not add the toppings (ran out of time) but it was really good! (I did use one small can of mild green chilis along with one small can of mild roasted green chilis to equal the amount called for.) Received many compliments! Thank you for this!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Teresa! So glad that everyone enjoyed it.
Patti truckey
Any ideas on how to reduce the sodium? That’s very high and hubby has kidney issues
Beth Pierce
I would use the link attached in the recipe and make home my homemade enchilada sauce. I would also purchase no salt black beans and low salt tortillas. I would guess that the sodium is way overstated on the nutritional facts. The software that is available to us is only so good. I am sure the only way to calculate that one was by using a commercially prepared enchilada sauce which is very high in sodium.
Shelley
Enchilada sauce recipe?
Beth Pierce
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/enchilada-sauce/
Monie
I made this easy to put together recipe tonight and it was so delicious! There is plenty leftover for dinner or lunch tomorrow.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So glad that you liked it!
Elizabeth
Can I substitute chicken for beef??
Beth Pierce
yes
JEANNETTE STREHLE
Made this delicious casserole tonight was very easy I added a small can of corn. And I mixed the two cheeses together it was delicious everybody loved it and it was quick to put together. Thank you for your recipes
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Jeannette! So glad that everyone liked it!
Linda G
Can you make this ahead and keep it in the frig until ready to bake? I assume you would need to just bake it longer?
Beth Pierce
I don’t think I would recommend assembling this in advance although I have not tried it. I am concerned about the tortillas breaking down. Perhaps a better option might be baking and then reheating.
Laura Reese
These were fantastic. The homemade enchilada sauce made a huge difference and making it as a casserole was a game changer.
★★★★★
Kara
Yum! The homemade enchilada sauce really does make a difference! I used flour tortillas, and it was a hit with the whole family.
★★★★★
Krissy Allori
I had never made it this way before and your recipe made the process super easy!
★★★★★
Mary Lopez
Do you warm the totrillas first before layering them? How do you make the sauce?
Lindsay
Made this for my kids and they LOVED it! thanks for the new favorite recipe.
★★★★★
Maria
Oh my! This looks so tasty and hearty, I love that the recipe is quite versatile, too! Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Courtney
YUM! I can’t wait to make this again! It’s such a comforting dish, and the whole family loved it. Thank you!
★★★★★
Biana
I am always looking for new recipes with ground beef, and this looks great! Will be making it soon.
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
This is my kind of comfort food! The whole family are going to love this recipe!
★★★★★
rika
Casserole is the perfect addition to any weeknight dinner. I am so excited to make this for dinner tonight.
★★★★★
Jere Cassidy
Yum!!! This looks so full of flavor and I like this being a casserole instead of being in rolls, so much easier.
★★★★★
Jenn
We all love this beefy, cheesy casserole and the kids keep asking for it! I love that it’s real food and we can make it at home instead of getting pricy takeout. Thanks!
★★★★★
Gail Montero
Looks delicious! Need to try this soon. My family will enjoy it!
★★★★★
Elaine
It is amazing how delicious this casserole is. My mouth waters just from looking at these images – can’t wait to get to cooking now! 🙂
★★★★★
Laurel Seimetz
I made this recipe using leftover strip steak and I omitted the top layer of tortillas. It was delicious!!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Laurel! So glad that you liked it!
Danielle Harmon
I made this tonight using leftover roast chicken and it was wonderful! I even did the homemade enchilada sauce and it was so much better than the canned stuff! I did add a capful of cider vinegar to the sauce as it was simmering…it ga e it a lovely sparkle and depth. Totally on our repeat list!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Danielle! So glad that you like it. I love the cider vinegar tip!!
LaDon Nelson
Can this be made ahead and frozen?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you may freeze this enchilada casserole, just be aware that the tortillas will become much softer.
Erika
Enchiladas are such a great family meal idea! I need to try them with the ground beef!
★★★★★
Andrea Metlika
This is casserole is so easy to make and is a perfect one for my entire family. It looks wonderful too!
★★★★★
Emmeline
What a great way to serve “enchiladas”!
★★★★★
Carrie Robinson
My family would love this! Adding this to my weekly dinner plan soon. 🙂
★★★★★
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
My family is going to love this, thank you for the recipe!
★★★★★
Katherine Hackworthy
This is pure cheesy, spiced amazing comfort food!
★★★★★
Jacque Hastert
I love how family-friendly this casserole is. Everyone will love this and I can’t wait to make it for this soon.
★★★★★
Gina
The cheesy layers are fantastic! It’s like Mexican lasagna and we all love it!
★★★★★
Dannii
Beef enchiladas are total comfort food and this casserole version looks incredible.
★★★★★
Chris
I LOVE beef enchiladas so this casserole is right up my street! Can’t wait to try the recipe 🙂
★★★★★
joan a buckner
Have you ever tried this in a crockpot? I think it would work just not sure on time. Thanks
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
No I have not tried that in a crockpot. Please let us know if you do and how it turns out.
Sandra
Such a delicious and comforting meal! Can’t wait to make it again!
★★★★★
Toni
This is really good! Such a great comfort food!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
YUMMM!!! This is the perfect easy meal!!!
★★★★★
Beti
Such an incredibly delicious meal! My family LOVED it! SO GOOD!!
★★★★★
katerina
Oh my goodness, this beef enchilada casserole looks amazing! My family would love it!
★★★★★
Erin
I know for sure this Beef Enchilada Casserole would be a huge hit in my house!
★★★★★
Jen
Casseroles are such a great option especially when life gets busy! We all seem to fight over the leftovers too. This looks amazing!
★★★★★
Soniya
Oh my goodness.. this looks and sounds so delicious 👌.. can’t wait to try it
Lizet Bowen
I love how easy is to make, and can have it in the middle of the week. Love all the flavors!
★★★★★
Marlynn
This is an amazing recipe when we want comfort food! So flavorful and satisfying.
★★★★★
Dannii
Oh these look amazing. Total comfort food and full of all my favourite flavours.D
★★★★★
Kristin
My family will love this recipe! I can’t wait to try making the enchilada sauce. I always use store-bought but I’m sure homemade is much better. And thanks for the tip on draining grease from the skillet. It’s those little time-savers that are actually a huge help!
★★★★★
Mike
For the diabetics, I would use the low carb tortilla’s(3-5 carb) to make it a real treat!
Beth Pierce
Good idea. Thanks for the tip.