Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole has all the bold, cheesy flavors you love about enchiladas without the extra work of rolling tortillas. This easy casserole is layered with seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.
It's the kind of simple weeknight dinner that's easy to make, easy to serve, and disappears fast!
Why you'll love this recipe
This is one of those dependable recipes you'll reach for again and again. It feeds a hungry family, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. It's also a great make-ahead meal for busy days and reheats well for leftovers, making dinner one less thing to worry about.
Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 4 ounce can diced green chilis
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 10.5 ounces cans red enchilada sauce 10.5 oz.
- 10 to 15 corn tortillas
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and spray a 9x13" casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender. Drain well and return to the pan.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced green chilis, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes longer.
- Assemble the casserole. Pour just enough enchilada sauce (about ⅓ cup) into the prepared casserole dish to coat the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the corn tortillas over the sauce. It may help to cut the tortillas in half.
- Top the tortillas with half of the beef mixture, more enchilada sauce (about ¾ cup), then ½ c. shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers: tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, ¾ c. enchilada sauce (reserving a bit for the top), and ½ c. shredded cheese.
- Finally, top the layers with more tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the remaining cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for 10 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients/variations
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements.
- Lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter casserole.
- yellow or red onion
- taco seasoning packet
- canned diced green chilis
- garlic
- Red enchilada sauce - this homemade enchilada sauce will take this meal to the next level!
- Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if you'd prefer.
- Colby Jack cheese, a Mexican blend of cheese, pepper jack or shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
This is a photo overview of the instructions. For the written instructions, check the recipe card.
FAQ's
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's going into the oven cold.
You don't have to use corn tortillas, but they are authentic to traditional enchiladas. Corn tortillas work so well in this recipe because they're thicker and absorb the sauce without becoming soggy, like flour tortillas would.
Sour cream, sliced green onions, cilantro, diced avocado, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and jalapeños are all great choices. Let everyone add their favorites at the table.
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken both work well in this recipe and make a lighter version of the casserole without sacrificing flavor.
Deb's Top Tips
Don't skimp on the sauce! The tortillas absorb some of the liquid as the casserole bakes, so using enough enchilada sauce keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking before serving. This gives the layers time to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
More Tex-Mex casserole recipes
- The Burrito Casserole is so simple and so good, it's great for back to school and busy weeknight meals. You'll love this easy meal.
- Creamy Taco Spaghetti Recipe - with all of your favorite flavors and pasta combined, this Tex-Mex casserole is a crowd pleaser!
- What is not to love about the King Ranch Chicken Casserole? If you've never tried it, that needs to change now! Filled with chicken and tortillas in an amazing creamy sauce.
What to serve with ground beef enchilada casserole
Round out your meal with classic Tex-Mex favorites like refried beans, Mexican rice, and a basket of chips with salsa or queso. If you'd like to add something fresh to the plate, a Southwest salad pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy casserole. And if you're in the mood for a cocktail, a refreshing Paloma is the perfect finishing touch.
Add this easy casserole to your dinner rotation
Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for a dependable meal to add to your dinner rotation, this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole delivers every time. It's hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a recipe you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
If you give it a try, I'd love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!
Lois says
This looks so good I think I will make it tonight for dinner. Love the flavors.
Debra Clark says
Wonderful, enjoy the casserole Lois!