The Best Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

Comfort arrives with this hearty beef enchilada casserole that promises pure satisfaction in every delectable bite.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and soft corn tortillas create a mouthwatering experience.

Spices dance across your palate, bringing warmth and depth to each forkful.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers that call perfectly.

Mexican-inspired flavors meld together, promising a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear from plates, this casserole will become your new go-to dinner.

Come hungry and leave with a smile – this dish guarantees deliciousness.

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas: Why It’s a Winner

• Kickstart Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this hearty beef enchilada casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Build Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like melted cheese, beans, and seasoned beef, this dish brings everyone together around the table with its crowd-pleasing taste.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for satisfying different taste preferences in one dish.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Layer tortillas, beef, and cheese for a stress-free cooking experience that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
• Corn Tortillas: Soft and traditional Mexican-style tortillas that create layers in the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide creamy texture and sharp flavor.

• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty red sauce that adds traditional Mexican-style flavor to the casserole.
• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that delivers robust and authentic southwestern taste.

• Onions, Black Beans, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These ingredients add texture, protein, and a mild spicy kick to the casserole.
• Black Olives, Cilantro: Optional garnishes that enhance the visual appeal and provide fresh flavor accents.

How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef with onions over medium heat.

Make sure the beef turns a nice golden brown and drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Black beans

Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes to blend the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Spread out the first layer of corn tortillas across the bottom of the dish.

Step 5: Add the First Beef Layer

Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.

Then drizzle half of the enchilada sauce across the top.

Step 6: Sprinkle the First Cheese Layer

Generously scatter half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce.

Step 7: Build the Second Layer

• Remaining corn tortillas
• Remaining beef mixture
• Remaining enchilada sauce
• Remaining cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling with delicious promise.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set.

If you’d like, top with chopped black olives and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.

Tips for Success with Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Overlap corn tortillas slightly to create a sturdy base that prevents the casserole from becoming soggy and ensures even cooking.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting and serving easier.
• Adjust taco seasoning or choose mild/hot green chilies to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• Add chopped cilantro and sliced black olives just before serving to introduce vibrant color and fresh flavors.

Variations to Try for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken Enchilada Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same cooking method and spice levels.
• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Substitute ground beef with additional black beans, mixed bell peppers, and plant-based meat alternative for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Corn Fiesta: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Layer: Replace corn tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini rounds to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic enchilada flavor profile.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Fresh Fiesta Plating: Serve this sizzling casserole on a bright ceramic platter garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs and sliced black olives for a vibrant Mexican-inspired presentation.
• Creamy Cool Companions: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, zesty guacamole, or tangy salsa to add refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair the dish with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates bold southwestern flavors.
• Quick Lunch Makeover: Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch wrap by shredding the casserole and rolling it in a fresh tortilla for an easy next-day meal.

Storage Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

You can substitute flour tortillas, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic Mexican flavor and hold up better in the casserole.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies you use. Choose mild ingredients for less spice or add hot sauce for more kick.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat, crumbled tofu, or additional black beans to create a vegetarian version of the enchilada casserole.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired beef enchilada casserole combines layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas for a hearty meal. Spicy, cheesy comfort beckons you to savor each satisfying bite of this traditional southwestern dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 12 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining excess fat to prevent sogginess.
3. Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans into the meat mixture, allowing flavors to meld during a 5-minute simmer.
4. Create the first foundation layer by arranging half of the corn tortillas across the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla base, creating a uniform meat layer.
6. Pour half of the enchilada sauce across the beef, allowing it to seep between meat and tortillas for enhanced flavor distribution.
7. Generously sprinkle a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce, creating the first cheese stratum.
8. Repeat layering process with remaining corn tortillas, creating a mirror image of the previous layer.
9. Add remaining beef mixture, ensuring consistent coverage across the entire casserole surface.
10. Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce to maintain moisture and enhance overall taste profile.
11. Top with final layer of cheese, creating a complete coverage that will melt and brown during baking.
12. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around edges.
13. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, enabling ingredients to set and flavors to stabilize.
14. Optional: Garnish with sliced black olives and fresh cilantro for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, leaner protein option that keeps the dish’s robust flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to control salt intake and make the casserole more heart-friendly for those watching sodium levels.
• Layer tortillas slightly overlapping to prevent dry edges and ensure each bite has a perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and filling.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience and minimal last-minute cooking stress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg