Beef Enchilada Casserole

Impress your family and friends with this simple and tasty Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe. It’s easy to make and packed with layers of Mexican flavors. This layered casserole is sure to become a go-to dish for weeknight dinners, game day and entertaining.

Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Family dinners are priceless, especially as the kids grow up and life gets busier. This easy baked casserole layers soft tortillas, refried beans, seasoned taco meat, and melty cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. It can be assembled the night before, refrigerated, and baked when you’re ready, making it a convenient Mexican-inspired dinner the whole family will love.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make simple Beef Enchilada Casserole: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Protein – 2 pounds lean ground beef.
• Onion and Garlic – Onion and garlic enhance the flavor of the hamjburger.
• Oil – Olive oil for cooking the beefy filling.
• Green Chiles – One can diced green chiles (OR 1 medium jalapeno pepper).
• Spices – Two packets taco seasoning.
• Sauce – Prepared taco sauce and red enchilada sauce for a tomato flavor.
• Tortillas – 18 corn tortillas form th “noodle” layer.
• Beans – Two cans of refried beans adds bulk and a creamy texture.
• Cheese – Shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese mixed with 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese.

How to Make the BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

• Cook Ground Beef – Brown ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Add garlic. Drain excess grease from the pan.
• Spices – Add taco seasoning, chiles and taco sauce. Stir to combine then simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from the stovetop.
• Prepare Dish and Heat Oven – Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 13×9-inch deep casserole dish or cake pan with cooking spray.
• Shred Cheese – Grate cheese and toss together to combine.
• Assemble – Spread enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.  
• Tortillas Layer – Arrange 6 tortillas on the bottom of the dish. Cover with red enchilada sauce and refried beans. Top with beef mixture and shredded cheese.
• Layer – Repeat with remaining tortillas, enchilada sauce, refried beans and remaining beef. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat layers ending with enchilada sauce and remaining cheese blend.
• Cover with Aluminum Foil – Bake per the recipe until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Serve – Let stand 5 minutes then cut into squares and serve topped with sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, green onions or garnish with any of you favorite taco toppings.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Large skillet.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• 13×9-inch baking dish or cake pan.
• Cheese grater.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Protein Options – You can make this enchilada casserole with ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork.
• Divide the Enchilada Sauce – Please Note: You’ll divide one can of red enchilada sauce between the layers reserving one whole can for the top.
• Do You Use Corn or Flour Tortillas for Enchiladas? I’ve made enchiladas using both from time to time. You can use white or yellow corn tortillas for these enchiladas.
• Peppers – If you’d like more spice, use diced jalapeno peppers or poblano peppers cooked with the ground beef and onion in place of canned green chilies.
• Beans – You could replace refried beans with black beans. Drain and rinse prior to adding to the casserole.
• Ranchero Sauce – If you’d like to make your own enchilada sauce, checkout my recipe for Ranchero Sauce.
• Cheese Substitutions – You can use monterey jack cheese in place of pepper jack cheese for less spice.
• Spices – In addition to the taco seasoning you can add chili powder, more salt and cumin to amp up the flavor to suit your personal taste.
• Side Dishes to Serve with Enchiladas – You can serve classic sides such as Mexican corn, baked rice or Mexican rice, pinto beans, diced avocado, tortilla chips and salsa.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Beef Enchilada Casserole in an airtight container or covered with foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave. You can also reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through.
• Freezer Storage – You can freeze ground beef enchiladas for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap then cover with heavy duty aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat or bake, just before serving.

More Easy Mexican Recipes to Make

• Yummy Mexican Cornbread with a bowl of chili or pinto beans.
• Mexican Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole is packed with flavor.
• Braised Mexican Style Pork Ribs melt in your mouth.
• Easy Roasted Mexican Corn.
• Crockpot Pulled Chicken Tacos simmer in your slow cooker while you go about your day.
• Make your own Easy Refried Beans.
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are a crowd pleaser.
• Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad is always a hit!
• Mexican Flan Recipe from Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives