Perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

My mom’s legendary beef enchilada casserole with corn tortillas always sparks excitement at our family gatherings.

Layers of savory meat and melted cheese create a comforting meal everyone craves.

Authentic Mexican flavors burst through each delicious bite of this hearty dish.

Weeknight dinners become special when you pull this casserole from the oven.

Spices mingle beautifully with tender beef and soft tortillas for maximum deliciousness.

Melted cheese forms a golden crust that makes this recipe irresistible.

I promise you’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing meal that brings warmth to the table.

Elements Behind Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base for the casserole that provides rich flavor and protein.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic foundation to the beef mixture.

• Taco Seasoning Packet: Delivers classic Mexican-inspired spices and instant flavor.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: Creates moisture and authentic enchilada taste throughout the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings tangy heat and extra moisture to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides creamy, sharp flavor.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base that adds authentic texture and structure.
• Black Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and traditional Mexican flavor.

• Black Olives: Adds salty, briny flavor for those who enjoy extra garnish.
• Sour Cream: Provides cool, creamy contrast to the spicy dish.
• Avocado: Offers rich, smooth texture and fresh flavor.
• Cilantro: Brings bright, fresh herbal notes.
• Jalapenos: Adds extra heat for spice lovers.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Prep

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a flavor-packed meal.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a sizzling skillet.

Cook until the beef turns a rich, golden brown.

Wave goodbye to any extra grease by draining the fat.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Black beans

Let everything bubble and mingle for 5 minutes, creating a mouthwatering filling.

Step 4: Create the Base Layer

Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray.

Spread a silky layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking and add instant flavor.

Step 5: Build the Delicious Layers

• Lay down corn tortillas
• Spread the beef mixture
• Sprinkle generous handfuls of cheese
• Drizzle more enchilada sauce

Repeat these layers, making sure to finish with a blanket of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Pull out your masterpiece and dress it up with your favorite toppings.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Beef Enchilada Casserole Pros Would Make

• Choose thin corn tortillas for a lighter casserole or thicker ones for a heartier texture.
• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Adjust taco seasoning and green chilies to control heat level for different spice tolerances.
• Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient cooking.
• Swap regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant guests.

How to Handle Beef Enchilada Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Ensure complete cooling before freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between cycles for even warming.

Corn Tortilla Enchilada Casserole Pairings

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crisp Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the richness of the beef enchilada casserole, refreshing your palate with every bite.
• Complement Creamy Avocado Salsa: Fresh, tangy homemade salsa with ripe avocados balances the hearty casserole, adding brightness and cool texture.
• Enhance Cilantro-Lime Crema: Drizzle a quick sour cream sauce with chopped cilantro and lime juice, providing a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the spicy beef layers.
• Match Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich casserole.

Corn Tortilla Enchilada Casserole Options

• Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein alternative that brings tender, pre-cooked meat to the casserole.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with black beans, quinoa, or plant-based ground meat to create a meat-free enchilada casserole packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace corn tortillas with thin slices of zucchini or use cauliflower tortillas to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the enchilada's core flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While you can substitute flour tortillas, corn tortillas provide a more authentic Mexican flavor and better texture for this enchilada casserole. Corn tortillas also hold up better during baking and have a traditional enchilada taste.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer less spice, use mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of green chilies. For more heat, add extra chilies or use a spicier taco seasoning blend.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• What are some protein alternatives to ground beef?

You can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based ground meat alternatives. Each option will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the casserole’s overall structure and taste.

Why Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe Hits The Spot

Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious casserole in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a quick, satisfying meal.

Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with kid-approved flavors like ground beef, cheese, and beans, this dish ensures everyone at the table will clean their plate.

Simple Layered Comfort: No complicated techniques required – just layer ingredients and bake, making it an foolproof recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

Customizable Flavor Fiesta: Easily adapt with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños to suit individual taste preferences and add personal flair.

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole brings Mexican comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of spicy meat, melted cheese, and corn tortillas. Families will savor each cheesy bite of this soul-warming dish that delivers authentic southwestern flavors in one satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef

Tortillas and Beans:

• 12 corn tortillas, quartered
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained

Cheese and Sauces:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

Optional Toppings:

• sour cream
• avocado
• cilantro
• jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a receptive environment for the layered casserole.
2. Heat a large skillet and brown ground beef with diced onions, carefully draining any accumulated fat to maintain a lean texture.
3. Infuse the meat with robust taco seasoning, then incorporate diced tomatoes with green chilies and black beans, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Prepare a baking dish by creating a preliminary coating of enchilada sauce across the bottom, which will prevent sticking and enhance the overall moisture.
5. Construct alternating layers of corn tortillas, seasoned beef mixture, shredded cheese, and additional enchilada sauce, ensuring each tortilla is generously covered and ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Repeat the layering process, culminating with a crowning layer of cheese that will transform into a golden, crispy topping during baking.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a richly melted cheese surface.
8. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest briefly, then embellish with optional garnishes like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving while still piping hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Use corn tortillas made from gluten-free ingredients to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious casserole.
• Amp up the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture, boosting nutrition and creating more complex flavors.
• Prep casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, allowing busy home cooks to have a quick, ready-to-bake meal waiting after a long day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg