Enchilada Casserole – A Cheesy Layered Mexican-Inspired
Enchilada Casserole is a simple, layered Tex-Mex dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and plenty of melted cheese. Inspired by traditional enchiladas, this easy casserole skips the rolling process while delivering all the classic flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and meal prep, it's a hearty, customizable recipe that's comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Casserole
- 10 small corn tortillas, cut into halves
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the onion until softened, then stir in the garlic.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the black beans and corn, then cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of tortilla pieces over the sauce.
- Spread one-third of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with enchilada sauce and the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Corn tortillas provide the most authentic flavor.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Use homemade enchilada sauce for deeper flavor if desired.
- Lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
- Add diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- This recipe freezes well before or after baking.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner.