The Best Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty beef enchilada casserole with corn tortillas that promises pure culinary delight.

Layers of rich, seasoned beef meld perfectly with soft corn tortillas and melted cheese.

Each bite delivers a symphony of bold Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

The casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both rustic and sophisticated.

Tender beef and warm spices create a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen with anticipation.

Cheese bubbles and browns, creating irresistible crispy edges that make this dish impossible to resist.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth and add extra spices for depth of flavor.
• Chicken Enchilada Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken. Season with similar taco spices for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use corn tortillas (already gluten-free) and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free. Double-check all ingredients for gluten contamination.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute corn tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas. Use full-fat cheese and increase protein content.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Fiesta Party Platter: Arrange the casserole on a colorful platter surrounded by crisp tortilla chips, fresh salsa, and guacamole for a festive southwestern spread.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle chopped green onions, diced fresh tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco on top to add vibrant colors and extra flavor layers.
• Fresh Side Companion: Serve alongside a zesty Mexican-style salad with mixed greens, corn kernels, black beans, and a tangy lime vinaigrette for a balanced meal that complements the rich casserole.
• Cooling Comfort: Add dollops of cold sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, and squeeze of lime juice right before serving to cut through the warm, hearty flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storing Beef Enchilada Casserole Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated beef enchilada casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of enchilada sauce to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What type of tortillas work best for this casserole?

Corn tortillas are recommended because they hold up better in the casserole, providing a more authentic Mexican flavor and traditional texture compared to flour tortillas.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Control the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, adding green chilies, or including additional jalapeños. You can also adjust the spice level of the enchilada sauce to suit your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use corn tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

Beef Enchilada Casserole: Corn Tortilla Style

• Craft Comfort Layers: Build delicious, hearty layers of flavor that blend perfectly in one satisfying casserole dish.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this recipe quick and stress-free for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like beans, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Requires just a skillet and baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients Needed for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Ground Beef: A savory protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican flatbread that creates the layered structure of the dish.
• Enchilada Sauce: A spicy and tangy sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture to the casserole.
• Cheese: Provides creamy texture and melts to create a delicious golden topping.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep flavor foundation for the beef mixture.
• Black Beans, Corn, Green Chilies: Add texture, sweetness, and a mild spicy kick to the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Bright and cool toppings that enhance the overall taste and freshness of the dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the ground beef a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a non-stick base in the skillet.

Step-by-Step Beef Enchilada Casserole Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet, letting it dance and release its fragrant aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef and taco seasoning to the pan.

Stir and cook until the meat is completely browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Create Delicious Layers

• Corn tortillas
• Cooked beef mixture
• Black beans
• Corn
• Green chilies (optional)
• Cheese
• Enchilada sauce

Repeat these layers for maximum flavor impact.

Step 6: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top layer.

Cover the dish with foil.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to let the cheese turn golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your masterpiece and garnish.

Tips for Bold Enchilada Casserole Flavor

• Select lean ground beef with 85-90% meat content for a less greasy casserole.
• Slightly overlap corn tortillas to create a solid base that prevents filling from seeping through.
• Pour enchilada sauce sparingly to avoid a soggy bottom layer and maintain a firm texture.
• Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the beef mixture for deeper, more complex taste.
• Remove foil during last 10 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese layer.

Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef enchilada casserole delivers layers of Mexican-inspired comfort with rich, spicy flavors melding perfectly between corn tortillas. Cheesy, zesty goodness promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Enchilada Casserole Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 10–12 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small can of diced green chilies
• 1 can corn
• 1 can black beans

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Garnish and Serving:

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. In a skillet, drizzle olive oil and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the pan, allowing its fragrance to bloom for a brief moment.
4. Incorporate ground beef and taco seasoning, browning the meat thoroughly and ensuring complete cooking.
5. Create a foundation in the baking dish with a layer of corn tortillas, establishing the base of this hearty meal.
6. Construct layers of seasoned beef, black beans, corn, green chilies, melting cheese, and enchilada sauce, building flavor complexity with each stratum.
7. Repeat the layering process, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed for a balanced bite.
8. Generously crown the casserole with remaining cheese, creating a golden, melted topping.
9. Seal the dish with foil, protecting the ingredients during initial baking.
10. Slide into the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, removing the foil during the final 10 minutes to achieve a crispy, bronzed cheese surface.
11. Once bubbling and golden, extract from the oven and let rest briefly.
12. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, scattered fresh cilantro, and zesty lime wedges for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Layer tortillas slightly overlapping to create a sturdy base that prevents the casserole from falling apart when serving.
• Drain excess liquid from beans and corn to keep the casserole from becoming watery and maintain a perfect texture.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and cheese to control salt content, making this dish more heart-healthy without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg