Beef Enchilada Casserole

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Looking for a bold and comforting dish that layers flavor with ease? This Beef Enchilada Casserole is the perfect answer for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding a hungry crowd. Think all the rich, saucy goodness of enchiladas, but without the fuss of rolling each tortilla. Just hearty ground beef, melty cheese, and smoky enchilada sauce stacked in delicious layers.

Whether you’re a fan of Tex-Mex or just love a good baked casserole, this dish satisfies on all fronts. It delivers a punch of chili flavor, the creamy bite of melted cheese, and a warm corn tortilla texture all in one slice. It reheats beautifully, making it a top contender for meal prep or leftovers.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Time-saving: No tortilla rolling required! You get all the flavor in a fraction of the prep.
• Crowd-pleaser: Cheesy, savory, and filling. Even picky eaters love it.
• Customizable: Easily switch up the protein, add beans, corn, or even zucchini for a veggie version.
• Freezer-friendly: Make ahead, freeze, and bake when you need it most.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Beef Enchilada Casserole go smoothly, having the right tools makes all the difference:

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and simmering it with spices and sauce. A deep non-stick skillet works best to handle saucy mixtures without splatter.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: This dish is your layering stage. A ceramic or glass dish ensures even baking and beautiful presentation.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a few medium bowls for prepping grated cheese, chopping vegetables, or combining spices.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.
• Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helpful for evenly spreading layers and mixing ingredients.

With everything prepped and tools in place, you’ll move from stovetop to oven with ease.

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Ingredients for the Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, bringing bold, savory flavor.
• Corn Tortillas: These absorb the sauce beautifully while adding a soft, warm texture.
• Enchilada Sauce: The smoky, spicy glue that ties everything together.
• Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a gooey, flavorful topping and layers.
• Black Olives: Add a briny contrast that cuts through the richness.
• Diced Onions: These add aromatic sweetness and a slight crunch.
• Seasonings (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder): Infuse the beef with that signature Tex-Mex flair.

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How To Make the Beef Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in the onions, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook until onions are softened and spices are fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer in Sauce

Pour about two-thirds of your enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to soak up all that rich, spicy flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom.

Step 4: Start Layering

Layer 4-6 tortillas to cover the bottom, followed by half the beef mixture, a sprinkle of olives, and a generous handful of cheese. Repeat layers once more, finishing with a top layer of tortillas, sauce, and a final blanket of cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

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How to Serve & Store Your Beef Enchilada Casserole

Serve this casserole hot from the oven, topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice for a bright contrast. Pair it with a simple side salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice.

Storing is a breeze: leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For freezing, slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, but keep in mind flour tortillas may become a bit softer or slightly soggy. Corn tortillas hold up better and add a traditional flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

What toppings go well with this casserole?

Try sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, fresh tomatoes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that still works beautifully with the spices and cheese.

Is this recipe spicy?

The enchilada sauce brings mild to medium heat. To make it spicier, add jalapeños or use hot enchilada sauce.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Beef Enchilada Casserole hit the spot, try these other easy and comforting meals:

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a quick cheesy dinner.
• Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce when you crave a crunchy, creamy combo.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for an indulgent, cheesy pasta bake.
• Sloppy Joe Casserole with nostalgic flavor and a twist.
• French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for savory satisfaction in one pan.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Add extra spice? Maybe snuck in some beans? I love seeing how others put their twist on classic comfort meals.

Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for daily recipe ideas from Kitchen By Kate: https://www.pinterest.com/Americanrecipesbyheart/

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