Introduction

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and hearty Mexican-inspired dish that combines the best elements of classic enchiladas with the ease of a layered casserole. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, tender tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. Unlike individual enchiladas, this casserole is easy to assemble, requires minimal rolling, and results in layers of flavor in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes all the best flavors of enchiladas and makes them even more approachable. The layers of beef, tortillas, and cheese create a harmonious, comforting texture that’s both filling and satisfying. The enchilada sauce adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that makes the flavors pop without being overwhelming. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or use what’s on hand.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This casserole is a must-try because it’s:

Comforting: Every bite is cheesy, hearty, and rich in flavor.
Quick and Easy: No rolling individual enchiladas, saving time and effort.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing ahead of time or freezing.
Customizable: You can add veggies, beans, or different proteins to make it your own.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
Course: Main course
Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Casserole:

6-8 small flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream
Sliced black olives
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Avocado

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation:

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5-6 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season the Beef:
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in 1 cup of enchilada sauce and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Place a layer of tortillas on top (trim to fit if needed).
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the beef.
- Repeat layers: tortillas → remaining beef → remaining cheese.
- Top with remaining tortillas and a final layer of cheese.
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or avocado as desired.

How to Serve

Serve warm, straight from the casserole dish.
Pair with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.
Optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños add extra flavor and creaminess.

Recipe Tips

Tortilla Choice: Flour tortillas yield a softer, chewier texture, while corn tortillas give a more authentic Mexican flavor.
Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend for extra flavor.
Enchilada Sauce: Homemade sauce enhances flavor, but store-bought is a convenient shortcut.
Layering: Slightly overlap tortillas to prevent the casserole from falling apart.
Spice Level: Adjust chili powder or add cayenne for extra heat.

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Chicken Version: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or layers of thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of tortillas.
Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce between layers.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Assemble casserole (unbaked) and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes.
Leftovers: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

9×13-inch casserole dish
Large skillet for cooking beef
Spatula or wooden spoon
Oven-safe foil

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
Do I have to use store-bought enchilada sauce?
No, you can make a quick homemade sauce with tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, and cumin.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free.
Can I freeze it after baking?
It’s best to freeze unbaked. Baked casserole can be frozen but may lose some texture.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, hearty, and comforting dish that combines the essence of classic Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a one-dish meal. With layers of tender tortillas, seasoned beef, and melty cheese, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep. Versatile, easy to make, and packed with bold flavors, this casserole is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.