Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe by Luna

Updated On: April 18, 2025 8:03 pm

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Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic by Luna

There’s something irresistible about a dish that combines the savory goodness of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce — all layered perfectly and baked until bubbly and golden. Enter the Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe!

If you’ve been craving something hearty, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to please the whole family, this is it. In this article, we’re diving into how to make the ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole, with simple tips, fun twists, and everything you need to turn this into a household favorite.

By Luna, let’s discover the cheesy, beefy, and totally satisfying world of enchilada casseroles.

Why We Love This Beef Enchilada Casserole

Comfort food isn’t just about filling your stomach — it’s about warming your heart. This casserole does both! Here’s why this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is such a hit:

⏱️ Super easy to make, even on busy nights
🍽 Great for saving leftovers or prepping meals ahead
🧀 Cheesy layers that melt perfectly into each bite
✅ Can be made gluten-free or low-carb
👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing

Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a weekend family dinner, this dish fits the vibe perfectly.

What Exactly is a Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Think of it like lazy-day enchiladas.

Instead of rolling beef into each tortilla (which can take a while), you simply layer everything in one baking dish. It’s like a Mexican-style lasagna with tortillas instead of pasta — and with way more flavor.

You get all the classic enchilada taste but with half the effort. Total win.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy. Just a quick list of pantry favorites and a couple of fresh items, and you’re ready to go.

🛒 Here’s what to grab:

1 lb ground beef (we like lean!)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot — your choice)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro*Tel)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters or strips
2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
Optional toppings: black olives, fresh cilantro, sour cream, chopped green onions

Feel free to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen!

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole: Step-by-Step

This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a breeze to make. Just follow these easy steps:

🧑‍🍳 Step 1: Preheat your Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F (190°C)
Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray

🍳 Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the beef
Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes)
Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and half the enchilada sauce
Let it simmer for about 5 minutes

👍 Tip: Taste your beef mixture — if you want more spice, add a dash of extra chili powder.

🥙 Step 3: Layer Everything

Now the fun part! Build your casserole like this:

Pour a little enchilada sauce on the bottom of your dish
Add a layer of tortilla pieces
Spoon on half the beef mix
Sprinkle with cheese
Repeat the layers — tortillas, beef mixture, cheese
Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce on top and finish with more cheese

🔥 Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes
Uncover and bake 10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving (this helps it set and slice easily)

Tips for Making the Best Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here are a few tips from our Lunaand kitchen to make this dish extra awesome:

Use corn tortillas for that real enchilada feel (flour tortillas get a little soggy)
Mix a spoonful of cream cheese into your beef for a creamy twist
Broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes if you love crispy cheesy tops
Add more veggies like corn, beans, or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrition
Let it rest — seriously, don’t skip the 10-minute wait time after baking!

Add Your Own Twist: Beef Enchilada Casserole Variations

Mix it up! This recipe is easy to customize. Try one of these fun versions:

🌶️ Spicy Lover’s Casserole

Use hot enchilada sauce
Add jalapeños or green chiles to the beef

🥬 Veggie Power

Add bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots to the mix
Use veggie crumbles or black beans instead of beef

🧀 Extra Cheesy

Use a blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese

🍆 Low-Carb Option

Swap tortillas for thin slices of roasted zucchini or eggplant for a low-carb version

🥗 Vegetarian Version

Skip the beef and use black beans or seasoned lentils instead

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Your Casserole

This dish is filling on its own, but here are some sides to take it over the top:

🇲🇽 Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
🫘 Refried beans or black bean salad
🥗 Side salad with creamy lime dressing
🥑 Chips, salsa, and guacamole for dipping
🍹 Drinks like margaritas, agua fresca, or iced hibiscus tea

And of course — don’t forget churros or flan for dessert!

Make It Ahead: Easy Meal Prep Tips

This casserole is perfect if you like making meals ahead of time. Here’s how:

👍 Assemble Ahead

Build the whole casserole and cover it in the fridge for up to 2 days
Bake it when you’re ready

⏲️ Freeze It

Wrap uncooked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months
Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour

🍱 Store Leftovers

Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat really well
Or freeze portions for future lunches

Meal Hack: Mini Casserole Cups

Hosting a party or want kid-friendly servings? Try muffin tin casserole cups!

Spray a muffin pan with cooking spray
Cut tortillas to fit the base
Spoon in beef, cheese, and sauce
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes
Top with sour cream or green onions

Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or potlucks!

How This Recipe Became a Lunaand Favorite

This recipe started as a quick way to avoid the time-consuming enchilada roll-ups. Before we knew it, it became one of our most-requested family recipes. Every bite brings that layered, melty comfort that makes homemade meals so special.

Now we make it for everything — Sunday dinners, birthdays, school lunches, and even midnight cravings!

Final Thoughts: Bring the Fiesta Home

Ready to bake this crowd-pleasing classic? The Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is simple, flexible, and seriously delicious. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with amazing smells — and disappears from plates fast.

So gather the ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the layers of flavor do the rest.

📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe, try out your own twist, and tell us how it turned out in the comments!

Happy cooking,

— By Luna 💛

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