Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

If you're craving a hearty, flavorful Mexican dish, look no further than a Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas. This recipe takes the rich, savory flavors of traditional beef enchiladas and layers them into an easy-to-make casserole, cutting down prep time while delivering all the taste. Stick with me as I walk you through the ingredients, steps, tips, and tricks to create the perfect enchilada casserole that’ll be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

this Recipe

---

What is a “Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas”?

A Beef Enchilada Casserole is a delicious, layered dish that features all the key elements of traditional enchiladas—seasoned ground beef, savory enchilada sauce, and melted cheese—without the hassle of rolling individual tortillas. Instead, we use corn tortillas as the base to build this crowd-friendly, oven-baked masterpiece. By stacking the ingredients like a lasagna, you cut down on time and effort while still creating a mouthwatering, cheesy, and hearty dish. Let’s dive into the recipe, step-by-step.

---

Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this rich and satisfying casserole:

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor and juiciness)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix: cumin, paprika, chili powder)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional but adds great flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup tomato sauce (for added depth and richness)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembly:

• 12 small corn tortillas (softened by lightly frying or microwaving)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for topping)

---

Substitutions and Variations

Customizing this Beef Enchilada Casserole is easy, and you can tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Ground Chicken or Turkey: Swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey to lighten up the dish.
• Flour Tortillas: If you prefer flour tortillas over corn, feel free to use them. Note that corn tortillas hold up better in casseroles and add a distinct flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef and replace it with black beans, pinto beans, or a blend of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb twist, replace the tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
• Enchilada Sauce: You can use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a tangier flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses as well—pepper jack, Colby, or Oaxaca cheese can add a nice touch.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s move on to the exciting part—assembling and cooking this delicious casserole! You’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together.

---

How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
3. Add taco seasoning and green chilies: Stir in your taco seasoning and the optional green chilies. Let the flavors meld together by cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
4. Remove from heat and set the beef mixture aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, heat the canned enchilada sauce with tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well-combined.
2. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go.
2. Layer the ingredients: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Lay down 4 corn tortillas (overlapping slightly), followed by ⅓ of the beef mixture, ⅓ of the cheese, and more sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
3. Cover with foil: Lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the cheese from over-browning.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake for 25 minutes: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

1. Rest: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve with sour cream.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Softening the Tortillas: Corn tortillas can crack and tear if used straight from the package. To avoid this, lightly fry them in a little oil or microwave them in a damp paper towel to soften them up.
• Overloading with Sauce: While it’s tempting to drown the layers in sauce, too much liquid can make the casserole soggy. Use just enough to coat each layer.
• Skipping Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps the layers firm up and makes it easier to slice.
• Using Too Lean Beef: Ground beef that’s too lean can result in a dry filling. Aim for at least 80% lean beef for the best flavor and texture.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a rich and filling dish, but it can be made even better with the right accompaniments and presentation. Here are a few ideas:

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocados, and jalapeño slices for extra flavor and texture.
• Side Dishes: Pair the casserole with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
• Salsa and Guacamole: Serve with fresh salsa and homemade guacamole for dipping.
• Tortilla Chips: Add some crunch by serving with crispy tortilla chips on the side.

---

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Layered Look: When slicing the casserole, make sure each portion shows the distinct layers of tortillas, beef, and cheese for a visually appealing dish.
• Color Contrast: Sprinkle diced red onions, fresh green cilantro, and vibrant red tomatoes on top of the casserole to brighten up the presentation.
• Rustic Serving Dish: Present the casserole in a rustic, cast-iron skillet or colorful ceramic baking dish for that authentic Mexican feel.

---

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: This dish is a great make-ahead option. Assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing Instructions: Beef Enchilada Casserole freezes well. Just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and bake in two dishes—perfect for parties or meal prepping.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
A: Absolutely! While homemade sauce adds a personal touch, store-bought is a time-saver and works perfectly fine.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that corn tortillas hold up better and provide a more authentic flavor and texture for enchiladas.

---

Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is an easy, family-friendly meal that combines the rich flavors of beef enchiladas with the simplicity of a casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe offers flexibility with ingredients and can be customized to suit your personal taste. By following the steps, tips, and serving suggestions in this guide, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

Print