This Beef Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—bold, cheesy, and easy to prepare. With all the flavors of classic enchiladas layered into one simple casserole, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Layers of seasoned ground beef, corn tortillas, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese make this a must-try dish for Mexican food lovers.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 10 small corn tortillas, quartered

• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)

• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5–7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.

3. Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes until soft.

4. Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix in the canned tomatoes and let simmer briefly.

5. Prepare Sauce: Warm the enchilada sauce in a separate pot or microwave-safe bowl.

6. Assemble Casserole: In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of enchilada sauce. Layer tortillas on top, followed by half the beef mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat layers. Top with final layer of tortillas, sauce, and a generous amount of cheese.

7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Garnish with sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving – based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~410 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~20 g

• Protein: ~25 g

• Fat: ~28 g

• Saturated Fat: ~12 g

• Cholesterol: ~85 mg

• Sodium: ~720 mg

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Sugar: ~4 g

• Calcium: ~180 mg

• Iron: ~2.5 mg

A Weeknight Wonder with Authentic Flavor

One of the best aspects of this beef enchilada casserole is that it’s weeknight-friendly while still delivering authentic flavor. Traditional enchiladas require you to fill and roll individual tortillas, often leading to extra prep and longer cooking time. This casserole simplifies the process by layering the ingredients like a lasagna—no rolling, dipping, or extra mess.

At its core, this dish offers a balanced flavor profile with the hearty richness of ground beef, the heat and tang of enchilada sauce, and the spice of diced tomatoes with green chilies. The result is a one-pan meal that’s bold and satisfying, without compromising the vibrant essence of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Savory Beef and Aromatics for the Perfect Filling

The base of this casserole begins with seasoned ground beef, browned and cooked with finely diced onions and minced garlic. This combination gives the beef a savory depth that forms the backbone of the dish. Once browned, the beef is flavored with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper—classic spices that add warmth, smokiness, and just the right amount of heat.

The addition of diced tomatoes with green chilies (commonly known as Rotel) infuses the beef with acidity, brightness, and subtle spice, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese. It’s a clever way to introduce extra flavor without needing a long list of additional ingredients.

Layered Like Lasagna, Inspired by Enchiladas

Instead of rolling tortillas, this casserole uses quartered corn tortillas, which are layered throughout the dish. As the casserole bakes, these tortillas soak up the enchilada sauce, softening just enough to become tender and flavorful while maintaining their texture.

Each layer alternates between enchilada sauce, tortillas, the beef mixture, and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese. The result is a stack of rich, cheesy goodness with distinct yet harmonized layers. The top is finished with a final layer of sauce and cheese, which melts and bubbles into a golden, irresistible topping.

The corn tortillas are essential here—not only do they offer the authentic flavor of classic enchiladas, but they also hold their structure well, preventing the casserole from turning mushy.

The Bold, Tangy Kick of Enchilada Sauce

The red enchilada sauce ties everything together with its bold, slightly spicy, and tangy tomato-chili flavor. Whether you use a store-bought version or your own homemade sauce, warming it before assembling the casserole helps infuse every layer with flavor and moisture.

This sauce acts as the connective tissue of the casserole—it moistens the tortillas, adds spice to the beef, and creates that irresistible saucy texture you want in every forkful. If you prefer a milder dish, you can opt for a mild enchilada sauce; for extra kick, go medium or hot.

The Comfort of Melted Cheese in Every Layer

Cheese is arguably the most indulgent and satisfying part of this dish. A Mexican blend of cheeses—typically including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and asadero—melts beautifully while adding both creaminess and sharpness. You can also use a sharp cheddar for extra bite or pepper jack for added spice.

Layered generously between the tortillas and beef, and finished off on top, the cheese forms a bubbling, golden crust that locks in moisture and adds a satisfying richness to every bite. It also reheats well, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.

Customizable for Any Crowd

Another wonderful feature of this casserole is how easy it is to customize. Want to make it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef. Looking to sneak in more vegetables? Stir in corn, black beans, or bell peppers. Need a gluten-free option? Ensure your enchilada sauce and tortillas are certified gluten-free.

You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative to suit your dietary needs. The base recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes additions without compromising the dish’s integrity.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals and Freezer Storage

This beef enchilada casserole is ideal for make-ahead meal planning. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It also freezes well—simply cover tightly with foil and freeze unbaked. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

It’s a great go-to dish for new parents, sick friends, or anytime you want to bring comfort to someone’s table. With its easy prep, one-dish format, and excellent storage capability, it’s one of the most practical yet delicious meals you can make.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up slightly and makes serving easier. For added freshness and flavor, top each slice with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.

You can serve it with classic sides like Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, or a crisp green salad. It’s also wonderful with corn on the cob, tortilla chips, or grilled vegetables for a more elaborate spread.

Nutritional Balance and Indulgent Flavor

Each serving delivers approximately 410 calories, with a solid balance of protein (25g), fat (28g), and carbohydrates (20g). It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that fills you up without being overly heavy. You get the indulgence of cheese and beef balanced by the structure of the tortillas and the acidity of the tomatoes and sauce.

If you’re looking to lighten it up slightly, consider using lean ground beef or turkey, reduced-fat cheese, or light sour cream. These swaps can reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich in flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. With layers of seasoned beef, tender tortillas, gooey cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce, it’s a meal that checks every box: easy, customizable, and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week ahead, or bringing a dish to share, this casserole delivers big flavor in every bite. A delicious twist on a beloved classic, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen.