Enchilada Casserole Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine but want an easy, layered meal that everyone will enjoy, this Enchilada Casserole Recipe is just what you need. Packed with savory ground beef, hearty black beans, tangy enchilada sauce, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese, it’s a delightful dish that brings all the goodness of traditional enchiladas into a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing casserole. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe balances spice, texture, and color in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect enchilada casserole. From the rich ground beef that builds flavor to the warm spices that add a subtle kick, every component works together to make this dish truly memorable.

• 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty protein base with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that lingers through the casserole.
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings a creamy texture and hearty bite, balancing the meat.
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce: The star that gives the dish its signature tangy, spicy flavor.
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies: Adds mild heat and a fresh, zesty kick.
• 8 small corn tortillas: Soft layers that soak up sauce and hold everything together beautifully.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, creating a gooey, golden topping.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds a warm earthiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 tsp chili powder: Introduces a subtle smoky spice without overwhelming the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring balance to the flavors.
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of bright, herbal freshness at serving.

How to Make Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef until it’s cooked through and slightly crumbly. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything softens and becomes fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavors every enchilada lover adores.

Step 2: Build the Filling

Next, stir in the black beans, diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook together for a couple more minutes to marry all the spices and ingredients perfectly. This filling is bursting with layers of savory and mild heat, making it the heart of the Enchilada Casserole Recipe.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of the red enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step prevents sticking and ensures that each tortilla will soak up that vibrant sauce, adding moistness and flavor right from the start.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Lay down 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, allowing them to slightly overlap to cover the surface. Spread half of your meat and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Drizzle half of the remaining enchilada sauce on top, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering one more time with the remaining tortillas, filling, sauce, and cheese to create a stacked, cheesy masterpiece.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese on top brown and bubble for another 10 minutes. This two-stage baking ensures everything is cooked through and finishes with an irresistible golden crust that’s hard to resist.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. This little pause lets the layers set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the melding of flavors. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top if you love that fresh, herbaceous note—it really brightens up the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

While the melted cheddar cheese is decadent on its own, garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a lively contrast. You might also consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime to elevate the flavors. These simple touches create a delightful balance of creamy, fresh, and tangy to complement the rich casserole layers.

Side Dishes

Serving the casserole alongside a crisp mixed green salad or a refreshing cucumber-lime salad can lighten up the meal perfectly. Mexican rice or a small scoop of guacamole also pairs wonderfully with this enchilada casserole, adding additional textures and flavors that round out the dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch—perfect for dinner parties or family meals. You can also set up a toppings bar with extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions for everyone to customize their portion. The fun of this Enchilada Casserole Recipe is how versatile and interactive it can be!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover enchilada casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers to maintain freshness. When you reheat, the flavors deepen even more, making leftover servings just as delicious as the original.

Freezing

This casserole freezes quite well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for around 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil in the last few minutes to refresh the cheese’s melt and slight crispness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded chicken work wonderfully as alternatives to ground beef and provide a leaner twist on the classic casserole.

Is it necessary to use corn tortillas?

Corn tortillas bring authentic taste and texture that complement the casserole perfectly, but you can swap them for flour tortillas if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.

How spicy is this casserole?

This dish offers a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to the chili powder and green chilies, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or including jalapeños in the filling.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra black beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent choices that melt well and complement the enchilada flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Enchilada Casserole Recipe is one of those heartwarming meals that feels like a hug on a plate—full of rich flavors, melty cheese, and satisfying layers. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your family will be asking for it again and again!

Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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3.9 from 64 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Enchilada Casserole combining savory ground beef, black beans, and vibrant enchilada sauce layered with soft corn tortillas and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked to create a cheesy, comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Sauces

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

Other Ingredients

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake your casserole perfectly.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
3. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add beans and spices: Stir in the black beans, diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Prepare the baking dish: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Layer tortillas: Place 4 corn tortillas over the sauce, overlapping slightly if necessary to cover the surface.
7. Add first layers of filling: Spread half of the meat and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas, then spoon half of the remaining enchilada sauce on top, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Repeat layering: Add the remaining 4 tortillas on top, then layer the rest of the meat mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese to complete the casserole layers.
9. Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
10. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
11. Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired to add a fresh, herbaceous note.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are unavailable but adjust baking time as needed.
• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
• For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican