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.
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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!
Enchiladas
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!
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.
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.
How to Make Beef 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.
Start by preheating the oven to 350.
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.
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
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.
Layer half the seasoned ground beef across the tortillas. Spread ¾ cup enchilada sauce and then a heaping ½ cup of cheese on top.
Next add another layer of 5 tortillas, all the remaining ground beef, ¾ cup enchilada sauce, and a heaping ½ cup of cheese.
To finish add another layer of 5 corn tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and all the remaining cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Storing and 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.
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.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe + Video
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 topSprinkle with a heaping ½ cup cheese5 tortillasremaining beef¾ cups enchilada sauceheaping ½ cup cheese5 tortillas Remaining enchilada sauceRemaining cheese
- 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.
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Karen Briski
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!
Wendy
Super easy with amazing flavors!!! Can easily make chicken by switching out beef for shredded chicken!! Great both ways!!!
Wendy
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…
Wendy
This is super easy! And is loaded with flavor!!!!!!!
Kathy
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.
Susie Weinrich
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
Susie Murray
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.
Niculina Smith
Great dish. Quci, easy and pretty everyone likes it.
Sue
Can you use flour tortillas? made a mistake and bought them instead of corn.
Susie Weinrich
Yes, that should work!