Beef Enchilada Casserole With Corn Tortillas Recipe
Ever wondered how a simple casserole can transport you straight to a cozy Mexican kitchen? Your beef enchilada casserole isn't just a meal—it's a flavor-packed journey through layers of corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese. You'll transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that'll have your family asking for seconds. Want to learn how to create this comfort food classic that balances tradition with ease? Stick around, and you'll master a recipe that's both simple and spectacular.
Recipe Highlights
- A Beef Enchilada Casserole requires 10 corn tortillas, ground beef, red enchilada sauce, shredded Mexican cheese, and green chilies as primary ingredients.
- Preparation involves browning ground beef, layering tortillas with sauce in a baking dish, and adding beef, chilies, and cheese in sequential layers.
- The dish bakes at 350°F for 30 minutes covered with foil, then 10 additional minutes uncovered until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- This casserole offers flexibility with protein substitutions like shredded chicken or added black beans, and can be customized with various cheese blends.
- The recipe serves as a practical, make-ahead meal that freezes well and can be prepared in advance for convenient family dinners or gatherings.
History
Although enchiladas have deep roots in Mexican culinary tradition, the casserole-style version emerged as a convenient American adaptation in the mid-20th century.
You'll find this dish reflects the post-World War II trend of simplifying complex ethnic recipes for busy home cooks. Mexican immigrants and travelers introduced authentic enchiladas to the United States, but clever home chefs quickly transformed the labor-intensive rolled tortillas into an easier layered casserole.
These modifications made traditional flavors more accessible to families nationwide. Convenience was key: using canned sauces, pre-shredded cheese, and a single baking dish meant anyone could enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.
The result was a practical, delicious meal that preserved the essence of original enchiladas while adapting to American cooking styles and time constraints.
Recipe
Beef Enchilada Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine with minimal preparation. By layering tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, home cooks can create a delicious dinner that feeds a crowd and satisfies hearty appetites.
This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and filling meal that comes together quickly and can be prepared in advance. The key to success is creating distinct layers that allow the flavors to meld while ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 (10 oz) cans red enchilada sauce
- 3 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat to ensure the casserole isn't greasy. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Start layering the casserole by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange corn tortillas to cover the sauce, then top with a portion of the cooked ground beef, green chilies, and shredded cheese.
Repeat the layering process, pouring additional enchilada sauce between each layer. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and make cutting and serving easier.
For the best results, consider lightly frying the corn tortillas in oil before layering to prevent them from becoming too soft.
This casserole freezes beautifully – simply wrap tightly in foil and store in an airtight container for up to three months. Serve with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and customization.
Cooking Steps
You'll start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, ensuring it's fully cooked and excess fat is drained for a clean, rich flavor profile.
Layer your corn tortillas in the 9×13 baking dish, carefully spreading enchilada sauce, beef, green chilies, and cheese to create delicious, distinct layers that promise a hearty meal.
Cover the casserole with foil, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, transforming your simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish.
Step 1. Brown Ground Beef
Fire up your skillet and grab your ground beef – it's browning time! Place a large skillet over medium heat, letting it warm up for about a minute.
Break the 1-pound package of ground beef into the pan, using a wooden spatula to spread it evenly across the cooking surface. As the meat cooks, continuously break it into smaller crumbles, ensuring uniform browning and preventing large clumps from forming.
Watch for visual cues: the beef will transition from pink to grayish-brown, indicating it's cooking properly. Drain excess fat using a colander or by tilting the pan and spooning out the grease.
Season with salt and pepper if desired, though the enchilada sauce will provide additional flavor. Once fully cooked and no pink remains, your ground beef is ready for the casserole.
Step 2. Layer Tortillas in Dish
After browning the ground beef and draining its excess fat, grab your corn tortillas and prepare to create delicious layers in your baking dish.
Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom, which helps prevent sticking and adds immediate flavor. Then, carefully arrange your corn tortillas to cover the sauce completely, slightly overlapping them to ensure full coverage.
You'll want to create a solid base that'll support the subsequent layers of ingredients.
- Cut tortillas if needed to fit dish edges
- Press tortillas gently to ensure even placement
- Leave small gaps between tortillas for sauce penetration
Next, add your first layer of seasoned beef, distributing it evenly across the tortilla foundation. This strategic layering ensures each bite will be consistently delicious.
Step 3. Add Sauce and Green Chilies
Once the beef is evenly distributed across the tortilla layer, it's time to enhance the casserole's flavor profile by strategically adding enchilada sauce and green chilies.
Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of red enchilada sauce over the meat, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the entire 4-oz can of diced green chilies across the surface, distributing them uniformly for consistent flavor in each bite.
Use a spoon to spread the chilies gently, preventing clumping and creating a balanced distribution. The green chilies will add a subtle heat and tangy complexity that complements the rich beef and melted cheese.
Their bright, zesty notes will elevate the casserole from simple to spectacular, providing depth and dimension to your homemade Mexican-inspired dish.
Step 4. Sprinkle Additional Cheese Layers
Because cheese is the magical binding element in this casserole, you'll want to sprinkle it generously and strategically between each layer.
Start by adding about 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican-blend cheese over the beef and green chilies, ensuring even distribution across the tortillas. You'll create delicious, melty pockets that help hold the dish together and add rich, tangy flavor.
When layering, aim to use approximately:
- 1/2 cup cheese per layer
- 3 total cheese layers
- Even coverage across the entire dish
As you build each layer, press the cheese gently into the sauce and meat, which helps create a cohesive texture.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
With the layers of cheese perfectly distributed, you're now ready to transform this casserole into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring a secure seal to trap moisture. Place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tortillas to soften.
After the initial baking time, remove the foil to expose the top layer. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, watching closely as the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown with slightly crispy edges.
You'll know it's done when:
- Cheese is completely melted
- Surface appears bubbly and slightly crisp
- Edges show a light golden-brown coloration
Remove from the oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to add a crowd-pleasing dish to your recipe repertoire, this Beef Enchilada Casserole won't disappoint.
You'll find it's versatile enough for weeknight dinners and potluck gatherings alike. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability.
Consider these pro tips for making it your own:
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken
- Add black beans for extra protein
- Experiment with different cheese blends
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sour cream
Remember that meal prep is key. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
Don't be afraid to make it your signature dish—with practice, you'll nail the perfect balance of flavors and textures every time.
