Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe because it brings all the best flavors of traditional enchiladas into one comfy, layered dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just having delicious leftovers for days. It’s easy to pull together on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests, making it one of those recipes I reach for time and time again.

What really makes this recipe stand out is the combination of a homemade enchilada sauce and a hearty beef filling with black beans and green chiles, layered between tender corn tortillas and melty Colby Jack cheese. You’ll find that it’s not only satisfying but also forgiving, so even if you’re new to making enchilada casseroles, you’ll enjoy the process and results just as much as I do.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe works together to build a rich, layered flavor profile while keeping things simple and approachable. When shopping, I like to pick fresh onions and quality black beans since they really boost the freshness and texture of the dish.

• Enchilada Sauce: Making your own sauce with tomato sauce, spices, and chicken stock adds a fresh, vibrant flavor compared to store-bought.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil gives a nice base flavor and helps sauté the onions just right.
• Yellow Onion: Diced onions provide sweetness and depth to both the sauce and the beef filling.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth and authentic Mexican flair that’s key to enchiladas.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the enchilada sauce for a smooth, luscious consistency.
• Tomato Sauce: The base for your sauce; choose a good-quality brand for best taste.
• Chicken Stock: Adds richness and depth to the sauce without overwhelming the flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punch of aroma and flavor.
• Ground Beef: I use lean but flavorful beef to keep the casserole hearty but not greasy.
• Black Beans: Canned, drained, and rinsed for texture and protein.
• Diced Green Chiles: Adds a nice, mild heat and subtle tanginess—don’t skip.
• Corn Tortillas: Use fresh or store-bought 6-inch tortillas; dipping them in sauce keeps them wonderfully soft.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that balances the spices.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to play around with the ingredients—whether you want to lighten it up or kick up the heat. Feel free to customize it to whatever fits your mood or pantry.

• Swap Ground Beef for Chicken: I’ve swapped in shredded chicken before when I was craving a lighter protein and it worked beautifully—just season similarly and you’re golden.
• Make It Vegetarian: Try substituting the beef with extra beans, corn, or sautéed veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a satisfying meatless version.
• Adjust the Heat Level: Add more diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy; I like mine with just a gentle kick so the cheese and sauce shine.
• Cheese Varieties: Swap the Colby Jack for Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a little queso fresco on top for a different melty experience.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you assemble. Then grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it lightly with cooking spray to keep your casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having this ready ahead of time lets you focus fully on making the layers shine.

Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce

I love that this sauce is homemade—it’s where the magic starts. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and kosher salt. Sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and cumin and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir it in well to thicken.

Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, then stir in tomato sauce and minced garlic. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring so it thickens nicely. Pro tip: if you want a smoother sauce, you can blend it briefly in a blender—this makes your casserole look extra polished, though it’s totally optional.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Filling

While the sauce simmers, heat a separate skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef starts to brown, add the second diced onion and cook until the beef is fully cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Then stir in the diced green chiles and black beans, mixing everything evenly. At this point, pour about half a cup of the enchilada sauce into your beef mixture—mixing it in adds moisture and flavor that makes the casserole layers sing together.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now the fun part! Dip six of your corn tortillas into the remaining enchilada sauce to soften and coat them. Line the bottom of your prepared baking dish with these saucy tortillas. Spread half the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese.

Repeat the process: dip the remaining six tortillas in sauce, layer them on top, then add the rest of the beef mixture. Finish with the remaining 2 cups of cheese for that irresistible melty topping. All these layers come together to make a casserole that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Delicious

Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden in spots—that’s your cue that it’s ready to eat. When I’ve made this, I usually let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it slices cleanly and the flavors settle.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top slices with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some sliced avocado or jalapeños. These simple garnishes bring brightness, creaminess, and a little extra zing that cut through the richness and keep every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are Mexican rice or a light, zesty salad with lime vinaigrette. Sometimes I make a quick guacamole on the side or serve with warm tortilla chips for scooping up any leftover sauce—trust me, it’s a hit with everyone at the table!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve assembled the casserole in individual ramekins for a fun personal touch. Another time, I added layers of sautéed corn and a sprinkle of smoky paprika on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. These little tweaks make it feel like a treat without extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and I love reaching for it when I need a quick, satisfying meal. Just reheat until warmed through.

Freezing

This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. I usually assemble it but don’t bake, then wrap the casserole dish with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—perfect for busy nights when you want homemade without the prep.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly again, which keeps the texture nice and the cheese melty. Alternatively, reheating single servings in the microwave works in a pinch, just be careful not to overheat or the tortillas might dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy, nourished, and a little bit celebrated at the same time. I hope that when you make it, you enjoy every cheesy, spicy, tender bite as much as my family and I do. It’s one of those recipes that’s worth keeping in your repertoire for those nights when you want something comforting with a little flair—like sharing a warm plate of happiness with friends around your kitchen table.

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