Let’s Taco ‘Bout Something Amazing…
If you love enchiladas but not the rolling, stuffing, and saucing of each individual tortilla, then friend—you’re in for a treat. This Enchilada Casserole has all the bold, saucy, cheesy goodness of traditional enchiladas, but layered up like a lasagna for the ultimate weeknight win. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warm, spicy aromas and makes you count down the minutes till dinner.
Each bite is loaded with tender meat, flavorful enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and soft tortillas that soak up all that deliciousness. It’s comforting, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting taco night with friends, or meal-prepping like a boss, this one’s a game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to crave it again before the last bite’s even gone.
Why You’ll Love Enchilada Casserole
Versatile: Dress it up for a dinner party or keep it simple for a weeknight dinner. Add toppings, switch proteins, or go vegetarian—it plays well with your preferences.
Budget-Friendly: You’ll use pantry staples and affordable proteins to create a rich, flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: No enchilada rolling required! This is a dump-and-layer situation, and it’s ready to go in the oven with minimal fuss.
Customizable: Spice it up or tone it down, add beans, corn, or even swap in flour tortillas if you like. This recipe is easy to make your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love a cheesy, saucy casserole? This one’s a hit with kids, adults, and everyone in between.
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Ingredients in Enchilada Casserole
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it layers flavor like a dream, using simple ingredients that pack a serious punch.
Ground Beef (or Chicken)
The hearty, savory base. Browned to perfection and seasoned just right for that signature enchilada flavor.
Corn Tortillas
Soft and sturdy, they hold everything together while soaking up all the sauce. You can also sub with flour tortillas if that’s your jam.
Enchilada Sauce
Rich, spicy, and tangy—this is the soul of the casserole. Go red or green depending on your mood (or both for a fun twist!).
Cheddar Cheese
Melty, gooey, and golden. Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
Black Beans
A creamy, protein-packed filler that adds heartiness and a little extra texture.
Corn
Sweet bursts of flavor that balance the spice. Fresh, canned, or frozen all work beautifully here.
Onion
Diced and sautéed with your meat for a flavorful foundation.
Taco Seasoning
A bold blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and more to bring all the flavors together.
Sour Cream (for serving)
Cool, tangy, and creamy—just the right finish on top of a hot, spicy dish.
Fresh Cilantro (optional)
A bright, herby garnish that makes everything pop. Totally optional but definitely worth it if you love that fresh finish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This gives your casserole the perfect golden, bubbly top.
Combine Ingredients
In a skillet, cook your ground beef with diced onion until browned. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and a splash of enchilada sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes so everything gets happy together.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray. This keeps things from sticking and makes clean-up easier.
Assemble the Dish
Start with a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom. Then layer tortillas, meat mixture, cheese, and more sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Cook to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. The edges should be crisp and the cheese perfectly melted.
Finishing Touches
Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better when serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or even a splash of hot sauce. Dig in and enjoy every saucy, cheesy bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Enchilada Casserole
This dish is a fiesta on its own, but these sides take it to the next level:
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: Adds a fresh, zesty bite.
- Refried Beans or Charro Beans: For extra protein and flavor.
- Tortilla Chips and Guac: Because more chips are always a good idea.
- Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Brings freshness and a little extra zing.
- Simple Salad: A crunchy romaine salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: Assemble it in the morning and pop it in the fridge. Bake when you’re ready to eat.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Dietary Swaps: Use ground turkey, plant-based meat, or extra beans for a vegetarian version.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze before or after baking. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for round two.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
A1: Yes, but note they may get softer and more “lasagna-like.” Still delicious, just a different texture.
Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely. Swap the meat for extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Assemble it ahead of time, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding extra time as needed.
Q5: What’s the best cheese to use?
A5: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: For sure! Just use a larger baking dish or make two batches—great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Q7: Is this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, if you use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce and seasoning are GF-certified.
Q8: What toppings go well with it?
A8: Sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges—go wild!
Q9: Can I make it spicier?
A9: Add hot sauce, diced green chiles, or spicy salsa into the mix or on top.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A deep 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan with high sides works best to hold all the layers.
Conclusion
There you go—Enchilada Casserole, your shortcut to big enchilada flavor without the fuss. It’s hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, making it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to casual gatherings. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. So grab your tortillas, layer up the love, and let the oven do its magic—you’re going to love every cheesy, saucy forkful.
Print
Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A delicious and hearty Enchilada Casserole layered with tortillas, seasoned beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce—perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in black beans, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 4 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping if needed.
- Layer half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by 1/2 of the remaining enchilada sauce and 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining tortillas, meat, sauce, and cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add corn or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg