Nothing beats a full 13 x 9″ baking dish loaded with bold, comforting flavors. This Beef Enchilada Casserole is hearty, easy to prepare, and perfect for a busy weeknight. Brown the beef, mix in a few flavorful ingredients, layer with tortillas, corn, and cheese, then bake for 30 minutes. It’s quick, satisfying, and freezes well for later.
Casseroles like this one are simple to assemble and don’t require hours in the kitchen. Season the ground beef, sauté the onions, add enchilada sauce and salsa, then layer everything in the dish and bake. Kids can help with the layering, and preparation is straightforward enough for busy households.
Making a Beef Enchilada Casserole
Start by browning the ground beef and the chopped onion in a large sauté pan. Season the mixture as it cooks — I typically use salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano; garlic powder is a nice addition if you like it. Adjust spices to your taste.
Preheat the oven.
While the beef cooks, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13 x 9″ baking dish (or a similar 3-quart pan).
Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat if needed, then stir in the enchilada sauce and salsa. Choose mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and salsa depending on how spicy you want the final dish.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside while you prepare the layers in the baking dish.
Line the bottom of the dish with three 6″ corn tortillas. Depending on your dish shape, you may need to cut a tortilla in half to fill gaps. Spread about one-third of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas, then top with one-third of the corn and one cup of shredded cheese.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Use whatever you have on hand or choose a melting cheese you enjoy. Cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend all work well and add great flavor and texture.
Repeat the layering process for the second layer: tortillas, another third of the meat, another third of the corn, and another cup of cheese. For the top layer, use the remaining tortillas, the last third of the meat and corn, and the remaining cheese (about 1 1/2 cups).
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Details
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1/2 tsp. each: salt, pepper, cumin
- 10 oz. red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 9 6″ corn tortillas
- 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
- 3 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican mix, or cheddar/jack)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9″ (3-quart) baking dish.
- In a large sauté pan, cook the ground beef and chopped onion. Add the spices. Use a flat spatula to break the meat into small, even pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary once browned.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce and salsa. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Lay three tortillas in the bottom of the dish (cut one if needed to fit). Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then 1/3 of the corn, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat for the second layer: three tortillas, 1/3 meat, 1/3 corn, and 1 cup cheese.
- Top with the final three tortillas, the remaining meat and corn, and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to rest briefly, then serve.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers. Freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 561 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38 g | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 32 g | Saturated Fat: 15 g | Sodium: 1174 mg | Fiber: 6 g
Love Mexican flavors?
If you enjoy this casserole, you might also like other Mexican-inspired dishes. Try different salsas or cheeses to vary the flavor, or add black beans or chopped peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
Have a blessed day, and enjoy your meal.
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