Name: Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490268H12M38S
Total time: PT-490268H12M38S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups enchilada sauce, divided; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles, drained; 12-14 flour or corn tortillas; 1¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ cup diced tomato; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you love bold Mexican flavors and crave a comforting, cheesy meal that the whole family will adore, then this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and green chiles, all nestled between soft tortillas and smothered in homemade enchilada sauce with generous amounts of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy textures that come together in this irresistible casserole. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view shows a large white skillet filled with a mixture of cooked ground meat and black beans. The mixture is rich brown with small pieces of light green bell pepper and finely chopped onions scattered throughout. A wooden spoon rests inside the skillet on the left side, partially submerged in the mixture. The skillet is on a white marbled surface, and the food looks juicy and well-seasoned with visible oils and juices pooling slightly at the edges. The scene is well-lit, highlighting the texture and colors of the meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential in crafting the deep, rich taste and satisfying texture of this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Each component, from the fresh aromatics to the melty cheese, plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and color that make this casserole shine.

1 ½ lbs ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings savory richness and substance.
1 onion finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
2 cloves garlic minced: Infuses a fragrant kick that elevates every layer.
2 cups enchilada sauce: The bold and tangy sauce that ties it all together.
1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess, fiber, and a subtle earthy flavor.
1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles drained: Offers mild heat and peppery brightness.
12-14 flour or corn tortillas: Soft layers that soak up sauce and cheese to create the perfect handheld bites.
1¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp flavor and gooey meltiness essential for every cheesy layer.
1¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy smoothness and helps with that luscious cheese pull.
1 avocado peeled, seeded, diced: Creamy freshness to balance the spices when added as a topping.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the avocado vibrant and adds a zesty lift.
½ cup diced tomato: Brightens the casserole with juicy, fresh notes when garnished.
¼ cup chopped cilantro: Herbaceous punch that complements Mexican flavors beautifully.
1 jalapeno seeded and minced: A little heat and crunch as a garnish to awaken the palate.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Beef Mixture

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until it’s about halfway cooked. At this point, toss in the finely chopped onion, allowing it to soften and meld with the beef’s savory essence. Lower the heat before adding the minced garlic so it doesn’t burn—let it cook just about a minute to release its fragrant aroma. Once browned, drain out any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily. Stir in 1¼ cups of enchilada sauce, the black beans, and diced green chiles, cooking for another couple of minutes to let all those delicious flavors marry.

Step 2: Layering the Casserole

Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking, then spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom—this keeps the tortillas from drying out and adds an extra layer of sauciness. Begin your layering by laying down about a quarter of the tortillas, then dollop a third of the beef mixture over them. Sprinkle with a quarter of each shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat these steps two more times to build a beautifully layered casserole stacked with flavor.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

Finish with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and top that with the rest of the cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes, giving time for the cheese to melt and the casserole to heat through fully. For a bubbly, slightly golden top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes and bake uncovered. The result is a hot, cheesy masterpiece bubbling with excitement.

Step 4: Topping It Off

While the casserole is baking, take a moment to prepare your fresh toppings. Toss the diced avocado with lemon juice to keep it bright and creamy. Once the casserole comes out of the oven, sprinkle the avocado, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeno evenly on top. These fresh bursts of flavor add just the right contrast to the rich, cheesy layers beneath.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with a baked layer covered in melted golden cheese that looks soft and slightly browned in some areas. On top of this cheesy layer, there is a colorful strip of fresh toppings placed down the middle, including bright red halved cherry tomatoes, chunky light green avocado pieces, and finely chopped green herbs and peppers scattered evenly. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like creamy avocado, zesty lime juice, juicy tomatoes, crisp cilantro, and a touch of spicy jalapeno transforms this casserole from comforting to vibrant. These toppings awaken the dish, providing refreshing contrasts to the warm, cheesy, meaty layers and making each bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

Serve your Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe alongside simple yet complementary sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These will balance the richness of the casserole and add varied textures to your meal, ensuring everyone leaves the table happily satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving individual casserole portions in small ramekins or bake the dish in a deep-dish pie pan for a different look. You might even consider layering the casserole in clear glass dishes to show off its beautiful strata of tortillas, beef, and cheese. Pair with colorful bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for an inviting spread that looks as festive as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even better overnight, making for some seriously tasty reheated meals during the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully if wrapped well. Place portions or the entire casserole in an airtight container or foil-wrapped dish, then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot and bubbly. Just be sure to add fresh garnishes afterward to recreate the vibrant flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully in this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe and offer a more traditional texture and flavor. Just be sure to soften them slightly before layering to prevent dryness.

How spicy is this casserole?

The casserole has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the green chiles and jalapeno garnish, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more jalapenos or using a spicier enchilada sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to maintain the texture and flavor profile.

What type of cheese works best?

A classic combo of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack cheese gives the ideal balance of flavor and ooey-gooey melt. Feel free to experiment with other Mexican cheeses if you prefer.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?

For best texture, freeze the casserole before baking. Freezing after baking can cause the cheese to become grainy when reheated, so it’s better to freeze earlier in the preparation process.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy slice of this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that invites sharing, warms hearts, and packs a punch of flavor that feels both indulgent and homemade. I encourage you to give it a try — it might just become your favorite way to bring a touch of classic Mexican comfort to your dinner table.