Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s everything you love about enchiladas—spiced beef, rich sauce, and melty cheese—layered into one delicious bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 yellow or white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon sea salt)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 20 ounces (2¼ cups) enchilada sauce
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 15 corn tortillas
Instructions
🍳 1. Cook the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
- Drain the excess grease, then add chopped garlic and diced onion.
- Stir in the salt, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add 3 tablespoons of water and cilantro, if using. Remove from heat.
🍽️ 2. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread ⅓ cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Arrange 5 corn tortillas over the sauce, trimming or overlapping as needed to cover the bottom.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Pour ¾ cup enchilada sauce over the beef and sprinkle with ½ cup cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers: tortillas, remaining beef, more sauce, and top with the rest of the cheese.
🍳 3. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
🍽️ 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
- Slice into squares and serve warm—perfect with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or a side of rice and beans!
Tips & Variations
- Use a blended Mexican cheese mix for extra flavor.
- Swap beef for ground turkey or black beans for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add a layer of sautéed bell peppers or corn for extra texture.
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole brings all the bold, savory flavors of traditional enchiladas with none of the fuss. It’s freezer-friendly, reheats well, and might just become a new favorite at your dinner table!