Savory Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Easy Cheesy Layered Dinner
A quick and easy savory beef enchilada casserole with cheesy layers, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. This comforting dish combines seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese in a layered casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheese blend (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
- Add black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Layer the casserole: place a single layer of flour tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Spoon one-third of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat layering two more times: tortillas, beef mixture, then cheese, finishing with a final cheese layer on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Substitute black beans with pinto beans if preferred. For dairy-free, use shredded vegan cheese and check enchilada sauce ingredients. Tent foil loosely during final bake if cheese browns too quickly. Let casserole rest before cutting to avoid crumbling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cass
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 30
Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, layered casserole, comfort food, Mexican casserole