Craving the bold flavors of traditional enchiladas without all the fuss? This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas delivers all the satisfying tastes of a classic enchilada dish but in a quick and easy casserole form. Featuring seasoned ground beef, soft corn tortillas, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or any weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
2 cups red enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
8-10 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add flavor: To the skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Combine ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce and mix until everything is well combined. Remove from heat.
Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place a layer of corn tortillas on top of the sauce, tearing them as needed to fit.
Layer the beef mixture: Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese. Add another layer of tortillas, and spread half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
Final layers: Repeat the process, ending with a layer of tortillas and the rest of the enchilada sauce. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Extra Flavor: After baking, sprinkle fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice over the casserole to add a burst of freshness. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
Pair with Sides: Serve this casserole with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A side of tortilla chips and salsa would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Cut into Squares: To serve, cut the casserole into squares for easy plating. If you want to make individual portions, consider using a smaller baking dish and cutting into smaller servings.
Customize Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with options like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, jalapeño slices, and cheese so everyone can customize their servings to their liking.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This casserole holds up well and makes for a delicious meal the next day.
Freezing for Later: If you want to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
Reheating: To reheat individual servings, microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warm. If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble.
Avoid Overcooking When Reheating: To keep the casserole from drying out when reheating, add a small splash of water or enchilada sauce before covering it with foil and reheating.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make Beef Enchilada Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake as instructed. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. For a meat-free version, add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While this recipe calls for corn tortillas for their authentic texture and flavor, you can use flour tortillas if preferred. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas will provide a more traditional taste and texture to the casserole.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
If you like extra heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or green chilies to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy enchilada sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes between the layers for added spice.
Conclusion:
Pair your Beef Enchilada Casserole with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It’s the ideal dish for any family gathering, casual weeknight dinner, or potluck event. Your family will love this comforting, flavorful casserole that combines the taste of enchiladas in the easiest way possible!
📖 Recipe:
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Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, soft corn tortillas, melted cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole offers all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas in an easy-to-serve and satisfying meal. With a delicious combination of ingredients and simple layers, it’s the ideal comfort food everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
2 cups red enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
8–10 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Stir in black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup enchilada sauce and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer corn tortillas over the sauce, tearing as needed to fit.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Add another layer of tortillas and spread half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layering process, ending with tortillas and the remaining enchilada sauce. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.
- Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
You can make the casserole ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian protein for a different version of this casserole.
This casserole is freezer-friendly; just bake it, cool it, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole Dinner Mexican-inspired
- Method: Stovetop (for cooking beef) Baking (for assembling and cooking casserole)
- Cuisine: Mexican Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
