Zesty Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

Nestled in the world of comfort food, a hearty beef enchilada casserole with corn tortillas promises pure culinary magic.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Rich Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together in this one-pan wonder that screams weeknight satisfaction.

Creamy and robust, each bite delivers a warm embrace of spicy goodness.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under an hour.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will find themselves swooning over every delectable morsel.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of the casserole.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican tortillas that provide structure and texture to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Spices: A blend that adds warmth and complexity to the beef mixture.

• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy and rich sauce that gives the casserole its characteristic Mexican flavor.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy and golden topping.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and brown the ground beef.

How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing their mouth-watering aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned and crispy around the edges.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a flavor-packed meat mixture.

Step 5: Build the Layered Masterpiece

• Spread corn tortillas on the bottom
• Add a generous scoop of beef mixture
• Pour enchilada sauce over the top
• Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Top the final layer with an extra blanket of cheese for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch the cheese melt and bubble into a gorgeous golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes to set. Then dive in and enjoy your Mexican-inspired comfort food!

Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Use fresh, high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a crisp tortilla layer.
• Opt for authentic Mexican enchilada sauce for a more traditional and robust taste profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or queso fresco for added complexity.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for enhanced depth.

Flavor Variations for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Chicken Enchilada Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Bean Casserole: Substitute ground beef with black beans or refried beans for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace corn tortillas with thinly sliced cauliflower layers for a low-carbohydrate alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Fiesta Family Feast: This hearty casserole turns dinnertime into a delicious celebration perfect for sharing with loved ones around the table.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Transform traditional taco night by presenting this layered enchilada casserole as a crowd-pleasing alternative that simplifies serving and reduces individual plate assembly.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or preparing lunch portions for the week.
• Customizable Comfort: Personalize the dish by adding toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños to suit individual taste preferences and create a unique dining experience.

Storage Advice for Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

• Refrigerate leftover beef enchilada casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Store in shallow containers to help cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep the casserole sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent other refrigerator odors from seeping in.
• Separate individual portions in different containers for easier reheating.

FAQs

• Why use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas provide a more authentic Mexican flavor and have a firmer texture that holds up better in casseroles, preventing soggy layers and maintaining a traditional enchilada taste.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, or include a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using corn tortillas and checking that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free, this dish can be completely gluten-free friendly.

• What's the best cheese to use for this casserole?

Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works best, offering great melting qualities and a mild, complementary flavor that enhances the beef and spices.

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Breakdown

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Transform ground beef and corn tortillas into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
• Layer Like a Pro: Create delicious, stackable layers of meat, tortillas, sauce, and cheese that make this dish visually appealing and incredibly satisfying for the whole family.
• Zero Fuss Comfort Food: Enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal that requires just one skillet and a baking dish, reducing cleanup and making it perfect for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños to match individual taste preferences and make each bite unique.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole nestles layers of spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and corn tortillas into a comforting Mexican-inspired dish. Families will savor each bite of this cheesy, zesty meal that brings warmth and flavor to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves

Tortillas and Sauce:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant in a large skillet.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Season the beef mixture with selected spices, incorporating salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Remove the seasoned beef from heat and allow to rest momentarily while preparing the baking dish.
6. Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish using corn tortillas, covering the entire bottom surface.
7. Spread an even portion of the prepared beef mixture directly over the tortilla base.
8. Drizzle enchilada sauce generously across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle a moderate layer of shredded cheese over the sauce, creating a melty barrier.
10. Repeat the layering process: tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese until ingredients are exhausted.
11. Conclude the casserole with a final, abundant cheese topping for a golden, crispy finish.
12. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
13. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes, permitting the layers to set before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin for milder or bolder flavors.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Use gluten-free corn tortillas to make the dish celiac-friendly and ensure complete dietary compatibility.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or black beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and protein.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg