Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole

Nothing is better than the smell of a beef enchilada casserole in the oven on a hectic weekday. In this meal, all the great flavors of traditional enchilada are cooked and served as a crowd-feeding, easy-to-prepare layered casserole.

As opposed to making enchiladas by rolling each one separately, this casserole version doesn’t take any more time than it does to cook, yet it produces the same scrumptious flavor. You have tender seasoned ground beef, melted cheese and soft tortillas baked together in one pan.

The recipe has become one of the favorite recipes used in American kitchens. It is ideal to prepare meals or have potluck dinners, or any other time you need the true Mexican taste without having to cook.

What Is So Special About This Beef Casserole

Minimal Ingredients, Exceptional Output

What makes this beef enchilada casserole beautiful is the simplicity of the dish. You do not have to use fancy ingredients or cooking techniques. Most of them are likely to be in your pantry.

The ground beef is cooked on the base which is seasoned with Mexican traditional spices. Then you top it with soft flour tortillas, enchilada sauce and lots of cheese. The meat of each layer is an addition of flavor that comes together during baking.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

In the traditional recipes of enchiladas, the tortillas are rolled one by one. Most busy families do not have time to do that. This casserole variation saves you one-half the time you would spend preparing it, yet tastes the same.

You may even make it in advance. Simply prepare the casserole in the mornings, seal it up and bake when you get back to work in the evening.

The Keys to Success

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Ground beef	1.5 lbs	Main protein
Flour tortillas	12 size	Layers
Enchilada sauce	2 cans (10 oz each)	Moisture and flavor
Shredded cheese	3 cups	Binding and taste
Yellow onion	1 large	Flavor base
Bell pepper	1 medium	Texture/taste
Black beans	1 can	Extra protein
Corn	1 cup	Sweetness

Choosing the Right Beef

Eighty percent/twenty fat ground beef is the best to use in this recipe. It contains enough fats to keep your casserole juicy without greasing your casserole. Lean beef can be used, but a bit of olive oil should be added to avoid it being too dry.

Ground turkey or chicken may also be used to make the lighter version. Simply sprinkle more of the seasoning as these meats do not taste like beef.

Tortilla Selection Tips

Corn tortillas do not do well in casseroles, so flour tortillas are better. They are more resistant to baking and form very nice separate layers. Select medium-sized tortillas which can fit in your baking dish.

Never use stale tortillas. They will absorb excess moisture and get sticky. The grocery store fresh tortillas are excellent.

Cooking Step-by-Step Process

Preparing Your Beef Mixture

You can begin with the browning of your ground beef, in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Don’t leave it whole to cook so it will brown evenly. This will last approximately 6-8 minutes.

Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the beef. Continue to cook 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender. Sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

Drain the fat from the pan. Stir half of your enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. Add black beans and corn, when desired. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Layering Your Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the base of the dish. This will prevent sticking and provide additional flavor.

Cover your sauce with the first layer of tortillas. Perhaps you have to trim some tortillas to fit. Cover the bottom all the way around without overlapping too much.

Spread half your beef mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with one-third of your shredded cheese. Add another layer of tortillas, then the rest of the beef mixture.

Top with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce and all the rest of your cheese.

Baking to Perfection

Cover beef enchilada casserole with aluminum foil. Bake with foil on top 25 minutes then remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more.

It must have a golden brown top and the cheese must be bubbly. The knife put in the center should come out hot.

Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.

Creative Variations to Try

Spicy Heat Levels

To keep it mild, use regular enchilada sauce and avoid the jalapeños. For medium heat add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and use medium enchilada sauce.

Want it hot? Use hot enchilada sauce and add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Start with one pepper first and taste, then add more as desired.

Vegetarian Options

Instead of the ground beef, use a combination of black beans and pinto beans with sautéed vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers work fine.

You may also use crumbled tofu seasoned with taco seasoning. Cook it just like ground beef.

Cheese Combinations

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are traditional, but try adding pepper jack or queso blanco for extra flavor.

For additional richness, mix cream cheese into your beef layer. Use about 4 ounces, softened and well mixed.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Beef enchilada casserole leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or keep in airtight containers.

Single servings are microwaveable. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezer Instructions

This casserole freezes very well for up to 3 months. It may be frozen before or after baking.

To freeze prior to baking: Prepare completely and wrap with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Allow to thaw in refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

To freeze after baking: Cool completely, then wrap tightly. Allow to thaw in refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Perfect Side Dishes and Toppings

Traditional Mexican Sides

Spanish rice and refried beans are perfect casserole companions. The mild flavors complement the rich and cheesy main meal beautifully.

A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado provide a refreshing contrast.

For more healthy recipe ideas that pair perfectly with comfort foods like this casserole, check out FitFuel’s collection of nutritious meal options.

Popular Toppings

Set up a topping bar and allow everyone to customize their serving. Popular options include:

• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Guacamole
• Hot sauce

Troubleshooting Problems

Soggy Bottom Prevention

Having a soggy bottom usually occurs when you have excess liquid in your casserole. When cooking, be sure to drain your ground beef thoroughly.

Don’t skip the thin coat of sauce on the bottom of the pan. It actually prevents sticking without making anything soggy.

Dry Casserole Fixes

When your beef enchilada casserole ends up dry, chances are you did not add sufficient sauce. Moisture is required to keep every layer of tortillas soft.

Next time, reserve a little extra enchilada sauce to add between layers. The tortillas should appear moist but not swimming in sauce.

Cheese Not Melting Properly

Sometimes old or pre-shredded cheese does not melt easily. For best results, shred your own cheese from a block.

Before the last layer of cheese is applied to your casserole, ensure that your casserole is hot enough. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for proper melting.

Nutrition and Health Information

Protein Power

Both the ground beef and cheese provide excellent sources of protein in this casserole. A single serving provides nearly 25-30 grams of protein that will keep you satisfied longer.

Adding black beans boosts both protein and fiber content. They are also a source of vital minerals such as iron and folate.

Balanced Nutrition

This dish is well balanced when accompanied with a side salad and vegetables. The combination of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats provides sustained energy.

Whole wheat tortillas can be used for additional fiber. They bring out a nutty taste which most people enjoy. For more information about creating balanced, nutritious meals, visit the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! Your beef enchilada casserole can be prepared up to the stage of baking 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

How should you reheat leftovers?

For best results, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Single servings can be warmed in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Will corn tortillas work instead?

Corn tortillas can be used but are more likely to fall apart. When working with corn tortillas, warm them first to make them more flexible, and handle carefully when assembling.

How do I know when it’s done?

The casserole is complete once the cheese melts and starts bubbling, the edges have turned slightly brown and a knife placed in the center of the casserole comes out hot. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. It can be frozen before baking or after baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Use mild enchilada sauce and omit any hot peppers from the recipe. You can serve hot sauce on the side to allow people to add heat to their individual portions.

Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe

This Mexican beef enchilada casserole demonstrates that tasty Mexican dishes do not necessarily have to be complicated. Using basic ingredients and simple methods you can prepare a restaurant-quality meal at home.

The most wonderful thing is the flexibility of this recipe. Switch the proteins, adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables. All variations are delicious.

This casserole is always impressive whether you are preparing a meal to nourish a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck. The seasoned beef mixed with melted cheese and soft tortillas make comfort food that brings people together around the dinner table.