Are you craving a delicious, hearty, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping? Look no further than this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas! This easy-to-make recipe delivers all the bold and zesty flavors of classic enchiladas but in a convenient casserole form. It's cheesy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Stick with us as we take you through everything you need to know to create this dish, from the ingredients to tips for the perfect presentation. Keep reading to master this ultimate comfort food!

What is Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas?
Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a layered dish made with ground beef, enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and corn tortillas. It’s a simplified, deconstructed version of traditional enchiladas, where all the ingredients are layered in a baking dish and cooked to golden perfection. This casserole is a one-pan wonder that cuts down on the time and effort needed to make individual enchiladas while still capturing the essence of Mexican comfort food.
Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole
To make the perfect Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef – 1 pound of lean ground beef, preferably 85/15.
- Corn tortillas – 12 to 15 small corn tortillas, either store-bought or homemade.
- Enchilada sauce – 2 cups of red enchilada sauce, either homemade or canned.
- Onion – 1 medium onion, finely diced.
- Garlic – 2 cloves of garlic, minced for added flavor.
- Cheese – 3 cups of shredded cheese, a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack works best.
- Black beans – 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed.
- Corn kernels – 1 cup of frozen or canned corn, drained if using canned.
- Green chilies – 1 small can of diced green chilies for some mild heat.
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon ground cumin for extra flavor depth.
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon for a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon for sautéing the onion and garlic.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to customize this Beef Enchilada Casserole to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Ground turkey or chicken – If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian version – Skip the meat entirely and use more beans or add additional veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Flour tortillas – If you’re not a fan of corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Different beans – Don’t have black beans on hand? Pinto beans or kidney beans will work just as well.
- Salsa verde – Want to mix things up? Try using green enchilada sauce or salsa verde instead of red enchilada sauce for a tangy twist.
- Hot sauce – For those who love a spicier kick, feel free to add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients and know how to customize the dish to your liking, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions to make this amazing casserole.

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add beans and corn: Stir the black beans, corn, and diced green chilies into the cooked beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the tortillas: Cut your corn tortillas in half. This makes it easier to layer them in the casserole.
- Layer the casserole: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Then, add a layer of halved tortillas, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread a layer of the beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese and another layer of enchilada sauce. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the beef: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef, as it can become tough and dry. Cook just until browned.
- Skipping the sauce layers: Don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce between layers, as it helps soften the tortillas and adds moisture to the dish.
- Not covering the casserole: If you skip covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking, the cheese may burn before the rest of the casserole is cooked through.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure that your beef mixture is warm when layering it into the casserole. Cold ingredients can make it harder for the dish to bake evenly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is just as important as taste, and this Beef Enchilada Casserole can look as good as it tastes with a few simple tips. Here's how to serve it and make it look appetizing:
- Garnish: After slicing and plating, top each serving with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. These add color and extra flavor.
- Side dishes: Serve this casserole alongside classic Mexican sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad with lime dressing.
- Portion size: Cut the casserole into even squares before serving, making sure each piece includes layers of tortilla, beef, and cheese.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole
Beef Enchilada Casserole is a filling dish that’s best served fresh from the oven. However, it’s also great for meal prepping or leftovers. Here are some serving ideas:
- As a main course: Serve it by itself, as it’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables.
- Family style: Place the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves.
- Toppings bar: Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce so that each person can customize their plate.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Use a colorful dish: Serve the casserole in a vibrant, colorful baking dish for extra visual appeal.
- Layered toppings: Before baking, reserve some cheese and sprinkle it over the final layer. This will create a gooey, golden crust.
- Individual servings: For more formal occasions, consider making individual mini casseroles in ramekins.
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips
- Double the recipe: This casserole freezes well, so consider making a double batch—one to eat now and one to freeze for later.
- Use fresh tortillas: If possible, use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture. Stale tortillas can become chewy when baked.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese: Cheese is a key component of this dish, so don’t be shy with it. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds the perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How long will leftovers last? Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I make this dish spicier? Yes! Add more chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to increase the heat level.
Conclusion
Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold Mexican flavors but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With layers of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and hearty corn tortillas, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal, this dish has got you covered. Try it today and enjoy all the deliciousness in every bite!
PrintBeef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas
Enjoy this savory Beef Enchilada Casserole made with tender ground beef, corn tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal. A simple and delicious recipe that’s perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Corn tortillas
- Enchilada sauce
- Shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Green chilies (optional)
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Add spices and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in green chilies and enchilada sauce, then remove from heat.
- Layer corn tortillas at the bottom of a baking dish, followed by the beef mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- Add beans or corn for extra texture.
- Use mild or hot enchilada sauce to adjust the heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
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