Beef Enchilada Casserole
A hearty and cheesy layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, corn tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce. It's all the flavor of classic enchiladas with half the work, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
For 6 servings
9 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet
- a.Use a spoon to break it apart and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Return the skillet to the heat
- a.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in 1 cup of the enchilada sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 6 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping as needed to cover the surface. Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Create the second layer by arranging the remaining 6 tortillas on top, followed by the rest of the beef mixture, and another 1 cup of cheese.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the entire casserole, ensuring it's fully covered. Sprinkle the final cup of cheese evenly over the top.
- 8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes
- a.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded varieties contain starches that can make the cheese grainy.
- 2To prevent soggy tortillas, quickly fry them in a little hot oil for about 15 seconds per side before layering. This creates a barrier against the sauce.
- 3Don't skip the resting time! It's crucial for the casserole to firm up, so you can serve clean, beautiful slices.
- 4This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
- 5To freeze, assemble but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian DelightVegetarian Delight
Replace the beef with two 15-ounce cans of black beans (rinsed and drained) and 1 cup of corn kernels.
Sauce Switch UpSauce Switch-Up
Use green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) instead of red for a tangier, brighter flavor.
Add Some HeatAdd Some Heat
Incorporate a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the onions for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Ground beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and overall function.
Bone Health Support
The generous amount of cheese provides a good source of calcium and phosphorus, key minerals that are crucial for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Rich in B Vitamins
Beef is an excellent source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is vital for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this casserole contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the lean-to-fat ratio of the beef and the type of cheese used.