Name: Beef Enchilada Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Beef Mixture:; 1 ½ lbs ground beef; 1 onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups enchilada sauce; 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 can (7 oz) diced green chiles (drained); For the Casserole Layers:; 12-14 flour or corn tortillas; 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 ¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; For the Garnish:; 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced); 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ cup diced tomato; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeno (seeded and minced)

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This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. With layers of tender ground beef, savory enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and tortillas, all baked to perfection, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Top it off with fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. The layers of ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce create a rich, satisfying meal, while the fresh toppings—like creamy avocado and zesty cilantro—add a refreshing contrast. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to assemble and bakes up beautifully in just 50 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, this casserole will become a go-to favorite! Beef Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs ground beef
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups enchilada sauce
1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can (7 oz) diced green chiles (drained)
12-14 flour or corn tortillas
1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and diced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup diced tomato
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeno (seeded and minced)

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

Directions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Cook beef mixture: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the chopped onion. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Reduce heat to low, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously. Drain any excess grease. Stir in 1 ¼ cups of enchilada sauce, black beans, and green chiles. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring to combine.
Layer the casserole: Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer ¼ of the tortillas on the bottom, followed by ⅓ of the beef mixture, then ¼ of each cheese. Repeat the layers two more times. For the top layer, place the remaining tortillas, pour over the remaining enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Garnish and serve: Toss the diced avocado with lemon juice. Once the casserole is done, top with avocado, diced tomato, cilantro, and minced jalapeno. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Spicy Option: Adjust the amount of jalapeno and green chiles to make it as spicy as you like. You can even add extra hot sauce or chipotle peppers for more heat.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and replace it with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a more traditional option. Just be sure to soften them slightly by warming them in the microwave or lightly frying them to avoid them breaking apart when layered.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add extra jalapenos or use a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper for added heat.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead meal!

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. You can also insert a thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for other varieties like pepper jack for some heat or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is a perfect combination of comfort and bold flavors. The layers of savory beef, gooey melted cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce make for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Top it with fresh avocado, cilantro, and tomatoes for a burst of freshness, and you have a complete meal that’s easy to make, hearty, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole is bound to be a hit!