If you are craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors, cozy textures, and a touch of spice, this Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It takes all the best parts of traditional enchiladas and layers them into an irresistible, hearty casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. With a delicious blend of seasoned ground beef, tender corn tortillas, creamy cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, this dish delivers a satisfying taste adventure every time you dig in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, working together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole truly special. From the savory ground beef to the tangy tomato sauce, these simple staples combine perfectly for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sauté the beef and onions while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients throughout.
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that are signature to enchilada seasoning.
- 2 1/2 tsp chili powder: Provides a gentle heat with a smoky flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal touch.
- 1 tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency; King Arthur all-purpose flour works beautifully here.
- 15 oz tomato sauce: Gives body and tanginess to the sauce; using Hunt’s ensures a perfect texture.
- 1 1/4 cups chicken stock: Adds depth and helps balance the tomato sauce’s acidity.
- 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced): Infuse the dish with robust, aromatic flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that makes the casserole so filling and flavorful.
- 3/4 tsp salt: To season the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness to the meat mixture.
- 1 small onion (finely diced): Adds texture and sweetness to the meat layer.
- 4.5 oz green chiles: Introduce a mild, tangy kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- 15 oz black beans (rinsed and drained): Lend creaminess and extra protein, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
- 12 corn tortillas (cut into 1-inch wide strips): Essential for building layers that soak up all that saucy goodness.
- 3 1/2 cups colby jack cheese (freshly shredded): Melts to gooey perfection, binding everything together with irresistible flavor.
How to Make Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic and small onion until fragrant and translucent. Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually whisk in the tomato sauce and chicken stock, then season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, allowing all those spices to blend into a rich, flavorful base for your casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion, seasoning it well with salt and black pepper. When the beef is almost fully cooked, stir in the green chiles and black beans, letting everything meld together until heated through. This mixture forms the hearty core of your homemade beef enchilada casserole recipe, bringing robust flavor and texture to every layer.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, start with a thin layer of enchilada sauce to prevent sticking. Next, add a layer of the corn tortilla strips, followed by the beef and bean mixture, a generous sprinkle of shredded colby jack cheese, and another spoonful of sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top to ensure a golden, bubbling crust once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled casserole for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly around the edges. This step brings all the flavors together and creates that irresistible, comforting texture that makes this Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe so beloved.
How to Serve Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, garnish your casserole with chopped fresh cilantro, slices of ripe avocado, and a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy layers. A squeeze of lime juice also brightens the dish with a delightful zing that ties all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your homemade casserole with a light, crisp side like a mixed green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette or a refreshing Mexican street corn salad to add crunch and a hint of sweetness. These sides are perfect for balancing the hearty nature of the casserole and rounding out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets. Top each serving with a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco and finely chopped jalapeños for extra kick. You can also transform leftovers into crispy enchilada stacks by layering them in a skillet and crisping until golden before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This enchilada casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making leftovers just as tasty—if not better—than the day you made it.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating and maintain that perfect texture.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture, heating in 1-2 minute increments until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but will still work wonderfully with the enchilada spices and sauce.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add extra black beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute if you want to keep that meaty texture and protein.
Do I have to use corn tortillas, or can I use flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up best in this casserole, soaking up the sauce without becoming too soggy. However, if you prefer flour tortillas, they can be used, though the texture will be slightly softer and less authentic.
How spicy is this Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe?
The recipe offers mild to moderate heat from the chili powder and green chiles, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or by including jalapeños for extra kick.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time for a gathering?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole a few hours or even a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving. This makes hosting a breeze and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming meal that brings smiles and satisfied appetites every time. It’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Homemade Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flavorful, layered Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, green chiles, and corn tortillas baked under a blanket of melted colby jack cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole combines savory spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano with a rich tomato sauce and chicken stock base, creating a comforting, hearty meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 4.5 oz green chiles
- 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
Spices and Seasonings
- 3/4 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp flour (King Arthur all-purpose flour recommended)
- 15 oz tomato sauce (Hunt’s for best consistency)
- 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch wide strips
- 3 1/2 cups colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the small diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with 3/4 tsp salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook the beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the browned beef mixture and stir well to combine. Slowly pour in the tomato sauce and chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the green chiles and black beans, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer a third of the tortilla strips to cover the bottom. Spoon a third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with a third of the shredded colby jack cheese. Repeat the layering two more times, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder blend.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and increase black beans or add tofu crumbles.
