Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole with Red Sauce is a comforting, oven-baked dish that captures all the bold, savory flavors of classic enchiladas in an easy, layered casserole form. Instead of rolling individual enchiladas, this recipe stacks seasoned ground beef, tortillas, rich red enchilada sauce, and melted cheese into a hearty, family-style meal. It is inspired by traditional Mexican flavors but adapted for modern home kitchens where convenience and flavor go hand in hand.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It has all the taste of homemade enchiladas without the time-consuming rolling process. The combination of seasoned beef, tangy red sauce, and gooey cheese is pure comfort food, and it is always a hit with both kids and adults.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it is simple, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It works well for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and can be adjusted to suit different spice levels and dietary preferences. If you enjoy bold, cheesy, oven-baked meals, this casserole deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, and Nutrition

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 480–520 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Brown the beef with spices, layer it with tortillas, sauce, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5: Season the beef with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Spread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add a layer of tortillas, followed by a layer of seasoned beef, beans and corn if using, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese.

Step 8: Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.

Step 9: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs well with sour cream, guacamole, sliced avocado, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

Use good-quality enchilada sauce for the best flavor. Let the casserole rest before slicing to help the layers set. Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce and adding chili flakes if desired.

Variations in Detail

For a chicken version, replace ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. For a vegetarian option, use extra beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add a layer of roasted vegetables for extra texture. For a creamier casserole, swirl a little sour cream into the enchilada sauce before layering.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions or as a whole dish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes, store-bought sauce works perfectly and saves time.

Is this recipe spicy?
It is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat by choosing a hotter sauce or adding extra chili powder.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, both work well. Corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole with Red Sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the comfort of enchiladas into a simple, layered bake. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for leftovers, this casserole is an ideal choice for busy evenings or relaxed family meals. It is a satisfying recipe that delivers bold flavor in every bite.