Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further than the Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas! This dish takes all the bold flavors of traditional beef enchiladas and transforms them into an easy-to-assemble casserole. Layers of tender corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and melted cheese come together to create a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love. Stick around to learn how to make this delicious dish, along with tips for customization, serving ideas, and more.

What is Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas?

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a simplified version of traditional enchiladas, where instead of rolling individual tortillas with filling, you layer all the ingredients in a casserole dish. The result is a cheesy, savory, and satisfying meal that has all the delicious components of enchiladas—spicy beef, rich enchilada sauce, soft corn tortillas, and plenty of melted cheese—without the time-consuming process of assembling each enchilada individually. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a busy weeknight when you’re craving Mexican-inspired flavors but don’t have a lot of time.

Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole

To make the best Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef (1 pound): The star of the dish. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds flavor and texture to the beef.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For an extra punch of flavor.
• Enchilada Sauce (2 cups): You can use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce, either red or green, depending on your preference.
• Corn Tortillas (10-12, cut into halves): Corn tortillas are the foundation of this casserole. They soften during baking, soaking up the delicious flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese (2 cups): Melty cheese is a must! Cheddar or a Mexican blend of cheeses works well for this dish.
• Canned Diced Green Chilies (optional, 1 can): Adds mild heat and additional flavor.
• Black Beans (optional, 1 can drained and rinsed): For extra texture and fiber.
• Olives (optional, ½ cup sliced): Adds a briny contrast to the rich flavors.
• Taco Seasoning (1 packet or homemade): For flavoring the beef mixture.
• Cilantro (optional, chopped for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Sour Cream (optional, for serving): A creamy topping that complements the spicy, cheesy flavors of the casserole.

Substitutions and Variations

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a flexible dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or even crumbled tofu. You could also add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn.
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground chicken.
• Healthier Version: Use ground turkey or lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat tortillas for a lighter option.
• Spicy Version: For extra heat, use hot enchilada sauce, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Green Enchilada Casserole: Use green enchilada sauce (based on tomatillos) instead of the traditional red sauce for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of oil.
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and diced green chilies (if using), cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine. Add 1 cup of enchilada sauce to the beef mixture and stir to coat.
4. Layer the casserole: Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce (about ½ cup) at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of corn tortilla halves over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of black beans (if using) and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with more tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
5. Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the final layer of tortillas, making sure everything is evenly covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
7. Let it rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced olives, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Cook Beef Enchilada Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick recap, here’s how to cook your Beef Enchilada Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, season with taco seasoning, and mix with enchilada sauce.
3. Layer corn tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
4. Cover with enchilada sauce and more cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
6. Let the casserole rest before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Beef Enchilada Casserole is a straightforward dish, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

• Using too much enchilada sauce: While it’s tempting to add extra sauce, too much liquid can make the casserole soggy. Stick to the recommended amount for the perfect balance.
• Overbaking: Overcooking the casserole can dry out the beef and cause the cheese to become rubbery. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid this.
• Not letting it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Beef Enchilada Casserole is delicious on its own, but a few extra touches can make your meal even more memorable:

• Add fresh toppings: Serve with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, fresh lime wedges, and a drizzle of sour cream or Mexican crema for added flavor and texture.
• Pair with sides: Pair the casserole with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.
• Serve family-style: Bring the whole casserole dish to the table and let everyone serve themselves. It’s perfect for a cozy, communal dinner.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

This casserole is perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some serving ideas:

• Weeknight dinner: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Potluck dish: This casserole can feed a crowd and is easy to transport. Just keep it warm until ready to serve.
• Game day snack: Slice into small squares and serve as part of a game-day spread alongside nachos, guacamole, and chips.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Garnish generously: Top the casserole with vibrant garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeño slices to add color and texture.
• Layered look: Ensure you get distinct layers of tortillas, beef, and cheese, so when you slice it, the presentation is clean and appealing.
• Individual servings: You can also bake this casserole in individual ramekins for a more personal touch at dinner parties.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready for dinner.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Freeze it before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Leftover makeover: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven, and they’re just as delicious the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Beef Enchilada Casserole?
A: Yes! This casserole freezes well. Assemble it as usual, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer. However, keep in mind that corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor and won’t get as soggy as flour tortillas.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from getting too soggy?
A: Make sure not to use too much enchilada sauce and drain any excess grease from the ground beef before layering. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftover Beef Enchilada Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit with the whole family. With layers of seasoned beef, tender tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of cheese, this casserole brings all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas to your dinner table in a simple, easy-to-assemble format. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy the warm, savory goodness!

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