The Beef Enchilada Casserole with Cheese is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers all the bold, comforting flavors of classic beef enchiladas—without the extra work of rolling each tortilla. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in one bubbling, oven-baked casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly satisfying and stress-free. You get all the flavor of enchiladas in a simple layered format, which makes it faster to assemble and easier to serve. It’s also very forgiving—perfect for using pantry staples and feeding a hungry crowd.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• All the flavor of enchiladas with less effort
• Rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting
• Perfect for family dinners and gatherings
• Easy to customize and scale
• Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~480–520 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Casserole Layers

• 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 10–12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 2½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Optional Toppings

• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Jalapeño slices

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
7. Add a layer of tortilla pieces, followed by beef mixture, sauce, and cheese.
8. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Brown beef: Cook beef with onion and garlic until flavorful.
2. Season: Add spices and mix well.
3. Prepare dish: Grease baking dish and preheat oven.
4. Layer: Sauce → tortillas → beef → cheese. Repeat.
5. Bake: Covered first, then uncovered for a golden top.
6. Rest: Let sit 5–10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve hot, sliced into squares, and topped with sour cream, cilantro, or green onions. Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Drain excess fat from beef for a cleaner flavor.
• Use corn tortillas for authentic texture and flavor.
• Don’t skip resting time—it helps the casserole set.
• Mix cheeses for a richer, meltier topping.
• Add extra sauce if you prefer a softer casserole.

Variations

• Spicy Beef Enchilada Casserole: Add chipotle peppers or hot enchilada sauce.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Replace beef with shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.
• Creamy Enchilada Bake: Mix sour cream into the sauce layer.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace tortillas with zucchini slices.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: Can I use flour tortillas?
A: Yes, but corn tortillas hold up better in casseroles.

Q: What cheese melts best?
A: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend work perfectly.

Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: Spice level depends on enchilada sauce—choose mild or hot as preferred.

Conclusion

The Beef Enchilada Casserole with Cheese is everything you love about enchiladas—bold seasoning, rich sauce, and melty cheese—packed into an easy, family-friendly casserole. Perfect for busy nights, make-ahead meals, or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Once it’s on your table, it’s bound to become a regular favorite.