Beef Enchilada Casserole

Beef Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—packed with savory beef, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce, all layered with soft corn tortillas and baked to perfection. This quick and easy casserole is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavor-packed, one-pan meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The beef is perfectly seasoned with taco seasoning and mixed with a rich enchilada sauce and salsa. Layered with corn tortillas and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese, this casserole is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable and can be served with all your favorite toppings like sour cream, lime, and fresh cilantro!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup medium thick and chunky salsa

• 12 6-inch corn tortillas

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)

• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

• Sour cream (for serving)

• Lime wedges (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Beef:

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, taco seasoning, and salt. Cook, stirring and breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if needed.

Add the Sauce:

3. To the beef, add the enchilada sauce, water, and salsa. Bring to a boil and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly reduced. Remove from heat.

Prepare the Tortillas:

4. Stack the corn tortillas and cut them into 1-inch strips.

Assemble the Casserole:

5. In a 9-inch deep dish pie dish, layer half of the tortilla strips at the bottom. Top with half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef, and cheese.

Bake the Casserole:

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

7. Sprinkle the remaining cilantro on top before serving. Serve with sour cream and lime wedges for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers, onions, or black beans to the beef mixture for more flavor and texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle chili flakes on top for added heat.

• Use Different Cheese: Swap the Colby Jack cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas can be used, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic texture and flavor for enchilada dishes.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef. You may want to adjust the seasoning slightly to complement the leaner meat.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown.

6. Can I add more layers to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra layers of tortillas or toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or additional cheese.

7. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot salsa to the beef mixture.

8. Can I make this casserole without the cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.

9. Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Yes, homemade enchilada sauce works great in this recipe. Just use about 10 ounces of sauce to replace the canned enchilada sauce.

10. Can I serve this casserole with a side dish?

This casserole pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and comforting. With its savory beef filling, gooey melted cheese, and layers of soft tortillas, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with the flexibility to customize it with your favorite toppings and add-ins, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make over and over again!

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