Sizzling Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

When comfort meets convenience, this beef enchilada casserole delivers a mouth-watering Mexican-inspired feast that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of tender ground beef and soft corn tortillas create a delicious harmony of flavors and textures.

Melted cheese blankets each section, promising a creamy and rich experience.

Spices dance through the dish, bringing warmth and depth to every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something spectacular without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a celebration on a plate.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this incredible casserole.

Storage Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum preservation, lasting up to 3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350F, covering with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Microwave individual servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating, adding a splash of enchilada sauce to restore moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While you can substitute flour tortillas, corn tortillas provide a more authentic Mexican flavor and better texture for this enchilada casserole. Corn tortillas also hold up better during baking and maintain a traditional taste.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from chili powder and enchilada sauce. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild enchilada sauce. For more heat, add some diced jalapeños or use a spicier sauce.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Shines

• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Satisfy everyone's hunger with this hearty beef enchilada casserole that combines spicy ground beef, melty cheese, and soft corn tortillas in one delicious dish.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare this recipe in under an hour with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy families craving a no-fuss, flavorful dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for chicken, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple casserole that combines all ingredients in a single baking dish, saving time and reducing dish-washing effort.

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the primary protein and rich flavor for the casserole.

• Corn Tortillas, Black Beans: Corn tortillas create layered structure, while black beans add extra protein and texture to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper, Enchilada Sauce: These spices and sauce bring bold southwestern flavors and create a warm, complex taste profile.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, golden topping for the casserole.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational aromatic base that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh herb note that complements the rich, spicy casserole.

Cooking Instructions for Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to get ready for a delicious Mexican-inspired feast.

Step 2: Brown the Meaty Base

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until the meat turns a rich, golden brown.

Make sure to drain away any extra fat for a cleaner dish.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Enchilada sauce

Let the mixture simmer and get acquainted with all the spices for a few minutes.

Step 4: Create the First Tortilla Layer

Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil. Spread out 6 corn tortillas across the bottom, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 5: Build the First Flavor Layer

• Half of the beef mixture
• Half of the black beans
• 1 cup of shredded cheese

Step 6: Add the Second Tortilla Layer

Place another set of corn tortillas on top of the first layer.

Step 7: Complete the Casserole Layers

• Remaining beef mixture
• Remaining black beans
• Rest of the cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve this mouthwatering beef enchilada casserole piping hot.

Pro Tips for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole version.
• Swap corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for alternative dietary needs.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added complexity.
• Add fresh jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat and depth in the enchilada casserole.

Flavor Variations for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas (already gluten-free) and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free certified for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Green Chile Version: Add diced green chiles to beef mixture and swap red enchilada sauce with green chile sauce for southwestern heat.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Fiesta Family Feast: Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this casserole brings Mexican-inspired flavors to the table with minimal effort.
• Taco Night Twist: Transform traditional taco night by serving this enchilada casserole as a crowd-pleasing alternative that's easier to prepare and share.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Slice into portions and serve as a hearty appetizer during sports events or casual get-togethers, pairing wonderfully with cold beverages.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Prepare this one-dish meal for a satisfying dinner that comes together quickly and provides delicious leftovers for next day's lunch.

Quick and Delicious Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole blends Mexican culinary traditions with comforting layers of spiced meat, melted cheese, and corn tortillas. Home cooks can easily craft this satisfying dish that delivers rich flavors and soul-warming appeal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 ounces / 284 grams) can enchilada sauce

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet, breaking meat into crumbly pieces until fully cooked and browned.
3. Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture, then incorporate chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
4. Pour enchilada sauce into the seasoned meat, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 3-4 minutes.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and create the first foundation layer using corn tortillas, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom completely.
6. Spread half of the spiced beef mixture evenly across the tortilla base, ensuring consistent coverage.
7. Distribute black beans over the beef layer, then sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheese to create the first substantial tier.
8. Construct a second layer of corn tortillas directly atop the previous cheese layer.
9. Repeat the process by adding remaining beef mixture and black beans, ensuring even distribution across the dish.
10. Top the casserole with the final cheese layer, creating a complete coverage.
11. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow ingredients to meld together.
12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves before serving hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat version that still delivers robust flavor.
• Use corn tortillas labeled as gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets without compromising texture.
• Toast tortillas briefly before layering to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sogginess, creating a more crisp and satisfying casserole.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños during beef cooking for extra nutrition and a spicy kick that elevates the overall taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg