Beef Enchilada Casserole

Impress your family and friends with this simple and tasty Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe. It’s easy to make and packed with layers of Mexican flavors. This layered casserole is sure to become a go-to dish for weeknight dinners, game day and entertaining.

Easy Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Family time around the dinner table is priceless. Especially as our kids are growing and making their own way into life as adults. This type of make ahead casserole features layers of tortillas, refried beans, taco meat and cheese making it a winning dinner option that the whole family will love. You can assemble it the night before and pop it into the fridge and then bake it just before serving for an easy Mexican inspired meal at your own kitchen table. How to make simple Beef Enchilada Casserole: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Ground Beef – Brown ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Add garlic, cook for one minute longer. Drain excess grease from the pan.
Spices – Add taco seasoning and taco sauce. Stir to combine then simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat. Remove from the stovetop.
Prepare Dish and Heat Oven – Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 13×9-inch deep casserole dish or cake pan with cooking spray.
Shred Cheese – Grate cheese and toss together to combine.
Assemble: Spread enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. (Reserve one whole can red enchilada sauce for the top.)
Tortillas – Arrange 6 tortillas on the bottom of the dish. Cover with red enchilada sauce and refried beans. Top with beef mixture and shredded cheese.
Layer – Repeat with a layer of tortillas, enchilada sauce, refried beans and remaining beef. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Top – Cover the top with remaining 6 tortillas. Pour 1 whole can of enchilada sauce from end to end and spread over the tortillas to cover. Sprinkle with the final 1/3 of shredded cheese blend.
Cover with Aluminum Foil – Bake per the recipe until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let stand 5 minutes then cut into squares and serve topped with sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, green onions or any of you favorite taco toppings.

How to Make the BEST Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Key ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole: 2 pounds ground beef, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion, 1 4 ounce can diced green chiles (OR 1 medium jalapeno), 4 medium cloves garlic, 2 1.0 ounce packets taco seasoning, 1/2 cup taco sauce, 2 10 ounce cans red enchilada sauce, 18 corn tortillas, 2 14 ounce cans refried beans, 4 cups shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese, 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Kitchen tools you’ll need: Large skillet, sharp knife and chopping board, measuring cups and spoons, 13×9-inch baking dish or cake pan and cheese grater.
You can make this enchilada casserole with ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork.
Please Note: You’ll divide one can of red enchilada sauce between the layers reserving one whole can for the top.
Do you use corn or flour tortillas for enchiladas? I’ve made enchiladas using both from time to time. You can use white or yellow corn tortillas for these enchiladas.
Variations: If you’d like more spice, use diced jalapeno peppers or poblano peppers cooked with the ground beef and onion in place of diced green chiles.
Substitutions: You can use monterey jack cheese in place of pepper jack cheese for less spice.
Spices: In addition to the taco seasoning you can add chili powder, more salt and cumin to amp up the flavor to suit your personal taste.
Side Dishes to Serve with Enchiladas: You can serve classic sides such as Mexican corn, white rice or spanish rice, black beans, tortilla chips and salsa.
Storage and Leftovers: Store Beef Enchilada Casserole in an airtight container or covered with foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in single servings in the microwave. You can also reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through.
Freezer Storage: You can freeze ground beef enchiladas for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap then cover with heavy duty aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat or bake, just before serving.

More Easy Mexican Recipes to Make

Yummy Mexican Cornbread with a bowl of chili or pinto beans.
Mexican Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole is packed with flavor.
Braised Mexican Style Pork Ribs melt in your mouth.
Easy Roasted Mexican Corn.
Crockpot Pulled Chicken Tacos simmer in your slow cooker while you go about your day.
Make your own Easy Refried Beans.
Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas.
Mexican Street Corn Salad is always a hit!
Mexican Flan Recipe from Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

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