Beef Enchilada Casserole

By Emily • September 15, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

Tip: save now, cook later.

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together all the familiar flavors of classic enchiladas in an easy-to-make, layered casserole form. Ground beef, gooey melted cheese, tender tortillas, and a rich enchilada sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that’s both filling and full of flavor.

I love making this casserole when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the next day. One of my favorite tricks is to add a little extra cheese on top to get that golden, bubbly finish that makes it even more irresistible.

It’s perfect served with some fresh toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado slices to add a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, savory layers. Whenever I make this beef enchilada casserole, it’s always a hit, and I find myself looking forward to the next time I can enjoy this easy and tasty meal.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This is the main protein that gives the casserole its hearty flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, swap in cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
Enchilada Sauce: The sauce is key to the classic flavor. You can use store-bought for convenience, or make your own with tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. If you prefer less spice, choose a mild sauce or reduce the chili powder.
Tortillas: Both corn and flour work here. Corn tortillas offer more traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to layer. For gluten-free needs, use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor. You can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier melt. Vegan cheese works too if you want dairy-free.

How Do You Layer the Casserole for Best Results?

Layering well ensures every bite has flavor and texture. Here’s how I do it:

Start with a thin layer of beef mixture on the bottom to keep tortillas from sticking.
Add 2 tortillas next, overlapping slightly so the casserole holds together.
Spread an even layer of beef mixture over the tortillas—too much can make it soggy, too little can dry it out.
Sprinkle cheese evenly on top to help bind the layers and add richness.
Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with cheese on top for a nice golden crust.

Cover the dish with foil during baking to keep moisture in, then uncover towards the end so the cheese browns beautifully. Letting it rest after baking allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet – perfect for browning the beef evenly and sautéing onions without crowding.
9×9 inch baking dish – just the right size for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
Wooden spoon or spatula – great for breaking up the beef and mixing ingredients without scratching your pan.
Aluminum foil – helps keep the casserole moist while baking before crisping the cheese on top.
Cheese grater – if you shred your own cheese, it melts better and tastes fresher.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner casserole that’s still flavorful.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and a bit of sweetness that balances the spice.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little spicy kick that complements the enchilada sauce.
Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like your casserole with more heat.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
8 small corn or flour tortillas
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Diced tomatoes (for garnish)

Time Needed

This beef enchilada casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to bake. Letting it rest for 5 minutes before serving means the total time is roughly 50 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef Mixture:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any extra fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced green chilies if you like, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors mix well.

2. Assemble the Casserole:

Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture across the bottom. Add 2 tortillas on top, overlapping them slightly if needed. Spread one-third of the remaining beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering two more times: tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.

3. Bake and Serve:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy beef enchilada casserole warm!

Beef Enchilada Casserole — FAQ

Your top questions on tortillas, make-ahead, storage, and tasty add-ins.

Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?

Yes. Flour tortillas work great and create a softer, layered texture. Overlap them slightly so the casserole holds together, and lightly coat each layer with sauce to prevent dryness.

Can I Make This Beef Enchilada Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts. Add a spoon of sauce if it looks dry.

Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Casserole?

Definitely. Try black beans, corn, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or diced jalapeños for heat. Drain/rinse canned add-ins to avoid excess moisture, and feel free to mix in cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.