Mom's Dinner

  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soup
    • Instant Pot Beef
    • Instant Pot Chicken
    • Instant Pot Pork
    • Instant Pot Turkey
    • Instant Pot Pasta
    • Instant Pot Vegetarian
  • Dinner
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Mexican
    • Pasta
    • Vegetarian
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
You are here: Home / Recipes / Dinner

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

By Susie Weinrich · Date May 13, 2020· 84 Comments · May contain affiliate links.

↓ Jump to Recipe
Pin the Recipe

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a wonderful one pan dinner that bakes in just 30 minutes. It has layers of red enchilada sauce, seasoned ground beef, corn tortillas, and cheese.

This recipe is made to mimic traditional beef enchiladas without the hassle of frying, soaking or heating the corn tortillas. There are no beans, rice or veggies added to the mix. Just authentic enchilada ingredients.

baked ground beef enchilada casserole

On a busy week we will have this with just chips and salsa. But if you want to serve a more traditional Mexican dinner you can add some refried beans, Mexican rice, and homemade salsa with chips. Don’t forget the margaritas and tequila!

Beef Enchilada Casserole in a glass dish with two forks, plates and two margaritas

Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas

Corn tortillas are definitely more traditional for enchiladas. They have great flavor, however, they are very delicate. If they are not soaked, fried or heated properly before rolling they will tear and crumble, so frustrating.

That is one reason I use flour tortillas in my Chicken Enchilada recipe.

beef enchilada casserole with a piece taken out so you can see the layers of tortillas, beef, cheese, and sauce

But in this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe you do not have to roll the tortilla. So there is no need to heat, fry or soak the corn tortillas. Everything is layered flat, making this a super easy dinner recipe!

If you are not a fan of corn tortillas you can sub flour tortillas. However I have not tested it with flour.

Enchilada Sauce

Homemade enchilada sauce takes little to no time to make! The nice thing is you can customize the flavor if you like it spicier, tangier or saltier. This is our go-to Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe.

Sometimes it is nice to use store bought sauce for this enchilada casserole dish. If you want a strong and tangy red enchilada sauce, Target has a great one! It is my go-to.

Red Enchilada Sauce from Target
Market Pantry Mild Red Enchilada Sauce from Target

How to Make Layered Enchilada Casserole

I will take you through step by step how to make this easy beef enchilada casserole. See the photos for step by step how to layer the casserole.

  1. Start by preheating the oven to 350.
  2. In a skillet brown and crumble the ground beef. Drain any excess grease. Add the 1 teaspoon salt, diced onion, and garlic. Saute until they are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
ground beef in a skillet with onions, garlic and cilantro

3. Stir in 3 tablespoon water, 2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Remove it from the heat, it’s time to assemble the casserole.

Layer the Casserole

4. Time to layer everything up and get it in the oven. Start by adding ⅓ cup enchilada sauce to the bottom of a 9×13 casserole pan. Layer 5 corn tortillas on top of that- see the photo how I cut the 5th tortilla in half to fit the end of the pan.

photos showing steps 1- 4 in layering a beef enchilada casserole

5. Layer half the seasoned ground beef across the tortillas. Spread ¾ cup enchilada sauce and then a heaping ½ cup of cheese on top.

6. Next add another layer of 5 tortillas, all the remaining ground beef, ¾ cup enchilada sauce, and a heaping ½ cup of cheese.

5-8 step by step pictures showing how to make ground beef enchilada casserole

7. To finish add another layer of 5 corn tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and all the remaining cheese.

steps 9-12 photos showing how to make enchilada casserole

8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Baked Enchilada casserole in a glass dish

9. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

How to Store Beef Enchilada Casserole

Store any leftover enchilada casserole in the fridge, covered, or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat simply place each portion in the microwave and heat for a minute or two until it is warmed through.

Reheating tip: As the casserole is refrigerated the tortillas will absorb the sauce, so if you have extra sauce pour it over each portion before reheating.

enchilada casserole with a slice taken out

Listen To The Recipe

You can listen to the full recipe on the podcast “Let’s Make Dinner”. Susie shares all the tips and tricks and side dish ideas. You can listen by using the audio player below.

More Like This Easy Enchilada Casserole

If you are looking for a different type of enchilada, I have a few options:

  • Chicken Enchiladas
  • Enchirito
  • Veggie Enchiladas with Chili Lime Crema
  • Enchilada Zucchini Boats
  • Creamy Verde Enchiladas

I obviously love enchiladas- LOL!

Beef enchilada casserole with a slice cut out.

Enchilada Bake Recipe

Beef Enchilada Casserole is layers of seasoned ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese. It makes a great family friendly Mexican dinner. It is like having authentic beef enchiladas without all the work!
4.89 from 90 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Author: Susie Weinrich

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef - prefer 85/15 for flavor and less grease
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion - diced
  • 3 garlic cloves - chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 3 tablespoon water
  • ⅓ cup fresh cilantro **OPTIONAL - chopped
  • 20 oz red enchilada sauce - If you make your own red enchilada sauce you will need about 2 ¼ cups.
  • 15 corn tortillas
  • 8 oz block of cheddar cheese, shredded - If you use pre-shredded you will need about 2 ¼ cups. You could also use pepper jack or monterey jack

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°
  • In a large skillet brown and crumble the ground beef, drain any excess grease.
    1 lb ground beef
  • Add the onions, garlic and salt saute for about 5 minutes until the onions are slightly softened.
    Stir in the 3 tablespoon water, 2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin.
    1 medium yellow or white onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoon chili powder, 3 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon cumin
  • If using the cilantro, stir it in now. Remove the pan from the heat.
    ⅓ cup fresh cilantro **OPTIONAL

Layer the Enchilada Casserole

  • In a large 9×13 casserole dish pour ⅓ cup enchilada sauce across the bottom, spread it so it coats the bottom of the dish.
    20 oz red enchilada sauce, 15 corn tortillas, 8 oz block of cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 5 tortillas (the last one split in half at the end of the pan (see photo)
    Top with half the beef
    Pour ¾ cups enchilada sauce over top
    Sprinkle with a heaping ½ cup cheese
    5 tortillas
    remaining beef
    ¾ cups enchilada sauce
    heaping ½ cup cheese
    5 tortillas
    Remaining enchilada sauce
    Remaining cheese
    corn tortillas in a casserole dish
  • Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
    Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Looking for Chicken Enchiladas? Check out this recipe for My Favorite Chicken Enchiladas
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover enchilada casserole in the fridge, covered, or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat simply place each portion in the microwave and heat for a minute or two until it is warmed through.
Reheating tip: As the casserole is refrigerated the tortillas will absorb the sauce, so if you have extra sauce pour it over each portion before reheating.
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
Jump to Comments
Serving: 1slice (⅙ of casserole)

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

    4.89 from 90 votes (47 ratings without comment)

    We would love to have you comment & rate the recipe! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Margaret T Pisanska says

    May 10, 2025 at 4:15 pm

    4 stars
    Quick recipe. Should be a hit with most kids.

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      May 11, 2025 at 9:43 am

      Definitely! If your kids like tacos, they will probably like this recipe.

      Reply
  2. Sally W McCallum says

    January 09, 2025 at 10:44 pm

    5 stars
    I looked through gagillions of recipes like this to find one that reminded me of the the one I grew up with, and this was the best by far. I used ground turkey instead of beef and it was excellent. In order to avoid soggy tortillas, I use always use slightly stale ones, or I coat them in a little oil and pop them in the toaster oven air fryer for a few minutes.

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      January 10, 2025 at 10:20 am

      So glad you found the recipe!!! Also, great tip on the tortillas.
      I hope you will stick around for more recipes 🙂

      Reply
  3. Karen Briski says

    August 31, 2024 at 4:12 pm

    I have made this several times and it is delicious. I appreciate how the tortillas are layered so that I don’t worry about having to roll them up like a traditional enchillada. Made the recipe exactly as is but this time added a small can of sliced olives. Looking forward to dinner tonight!

    Reply
  4. Wendy says

    July 25, 2024 at 6:39 pm

    5 stars
    Super easy with amazing flavors!!! Can easily make chicken by switching out beef for shredded chicken!! Great both ways!!!

    Reply
  5. Wendy says

    July 25, 2024 at 6:37 pm

    I don’t put the enchilada sauce in bottom. I spray with cooking spray and switch steps up a little. Cooking spray all over. Tortillas, meat mix, enchilada sauce…repeat, put cheese on top bake…

    Reply
  6. Wendy says

    July 25, 2024 at 6:34 pm

    This is super easy! And is loaded with flavor!!!!!!!

    Reply
  7. Kathy says

    June 19, 2024 at 5:41 pm

    3 stars
    is there any way possible to prevent the bottom tortillas from turning to mush? this was good, but the soggy bottom tortillas was a bit of a let down.

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      June 20, 2024 at 10:16 am

      I haven’t experienced this, but you may like a little less saucy enchilada. Couple things you can try:
      1. Instead of putting sauce on the bottom of the pan try just spraying it with non stick spray.
      2. Use a little less sauce than the recipe calls for.
      3. Maybe try a different brand of corn tortillas. I use a local brand here in KC and it is a bit thicker than some of the shelf stable ones. If you can find a refrigerated one opt for that.
      Hope this helps!!
      -Susie

      Reply
  8. Susie Murray says

    December 31, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    5 stars
    I make this at Christmas time for New Year Eve meal. Just like my mom used to make. Love it. I can’t use onion but use onion powder and a sprinkle of garlic powder. My husband is gluten free and cannot have garlic or onion but can have all the rest. I love this recipe so simple and filling and easy to make.

    Reply
  9. Niculina Smith says

    December 30, 2023 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    Great dish. Quci, easy and pretty everyone likes it.

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    December 19, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    Can you use flour tortillas? made a mistake and bought them instead of corn.

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      December 19, 2023 at 3:11 pm

      Yes, that should work!

      Reply
« Older Comments
Susie in the kitchen with an apron on getting ready to cook

Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

YOU will feel like a huge success at dinner time with any of the simple recipes on Mom's Dinner! Read More

Helpful Meal Planning Resources

  • a table with white place settings and green garland
    Easy Meals for House Guests

  • a round table with a large family eating dinner
    30 Easy Meals for a Large Group on Vacation

woman owned small business certificate by Sertify

Amazing New Recipes

  • Dinner plate serving a barbecue bacon cheeseburger with onion rings and curly fries on the side.
    Over-The-Top BBQ Bacon Burger

  • A hand dipping a strawberry into marshmallow fruit dip
    Marshmallow Fluff Fruit Dip

  • Top view of a prepared Veggie Lo Mein in a skillet with snow peas and bell peppers.
    Simple Lo Mein With Veggies

  • Ladle pulling up out of a Dutch oven with creamy roasted tomato basil soup.
    Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Susie Weinrich
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Contact

  • Sign Up! for emails
  • Contact Me!
  • Join Me On YouTube

Recipes

  • Recipe By Category
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes

Copyright © 2025 Mom's Dinner

Rate & Review This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.