Description
The BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole delivers a cheesy, saucy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner. Ground beef, spices, corn tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce layer together with melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing bake. Ready in 40 minutes, it serves about 6 and can include optional diced tomatoes and olives. Top with cilantro or green onions for brightness. A tasty, easy fiesta-style casserole that rivals your favorite restaurant enchiladas.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (halal)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional for extra flavor)
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, enchilada sauce, and diced tomatoes if using. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Layer the casserole: spread a little sauce mixture on the bottom, add tortillas, more beef mixture, and cheese.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Top with cilantro, green onions, or olives before serving.
Notes
- Preheat to 375°F and grease dish before layering.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef.
- Optional ingredients such as diced tomatoes and olives add flavor.
- For milder heat, reduce chili powder or skip paprika.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: Unknown
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: Unknown
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: Unknown
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: Unknown
- Cholesterol: Unknown
Keywords: Beef Enchilada Casserole, The BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole, Mexican casserole, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, easy beef enchiladas, Tex-Mex