If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that never fails to bring smiles to the table, this Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas come together in a casserole that delivers all the classic flavors of enchiladas without the fuss of rolling each one individually. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, offering a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with that irresistible Mexican-inspired taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients make this casserole come alive, each playing a crucial role in the dish’s unforgettable flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the creamy cheese and zesty enchilada sauce, every component layers perfectly for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- 1¼ lb ground beef: Provides the savory, hearty base that soaks up all the rich seasonings.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Brings that signature Mexican spice blend that defines the dish’s flavor profile.
- ½ cup water: Helps simmer the taco seasoning and meld flavors into the beef.
- 1 (10-oz) can enchilada sauce: Adds a tangy, slightly smoky sauce that ties all the layers together.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes and diced green chiles (undrained): Adds brightness, heat, and a fresh tomato bite to the casserole.
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas: The soft carriers of the cheesy, meaty goodness, folded just right to mix with the sauce.
- 6-oz cream cheese: Adds velvety richness to each tortilla layer, making the casserole luxuriously creamy.
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: The melty, gooey cheese that crowns the dish and fills every bite with flavor.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to make sure it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Brown and Season the Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat for a healthier dish. Add the taco seasoning and water, then simmer until the liquid has been fully absorbed — this step infuses the beef with robust, savory spices.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Tomatoes
Pour in the enchilada sauce and the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully, then remove from heat. This sauce mixture is where all the zest and spiciness meld perfectly with the beef.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the beef and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Meanwhile, soften the cream cheese slightly and spread it over each flour tortilla, then sprinkle on a generous amount of shredded cheese. Fold the tortillas in half, creating neat little pockets. Arrange them on top of the meat sauce in a single layer, pour the remaining sauce over the tortillas, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover your casserole and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Once done, the cheese on top should be perfectly melted and bubbling, and the entire dish should be warm and inviting. Let it cool just enough to serve — this step allows the layers to set up beautifully.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your casserole with fresh garnishes like a dollop of sour cream, a handful of chopped cilantro, or sliced ripe avocado. These fresh touches add vibrant color and a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
A light, crunchy side salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some classic Mexican rice and beans perfectly complement the richness of the casserole. These sides add variety in texture and bring a freshness that balances the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties, or layer the filling into tortilla chips for a scoopable appetizer. You can also turn it into a hearty breakfast dish by topping leftovers with a fried egg!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover beef and cheese enchilada casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheated, the flavors only get better, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble everything, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to ensure even reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly again. To keep the casserole moist, cover it during reheating and add a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas will add a more authentic texture and flavor, though you might want to lightly fry or warm them first to make folding easier and to prevent cracking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute, and follow the recipe as usual for a delicious vegetarian casserole.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
A Mexican cheese blend is ideal because it melts beautifully and offers a mix of mild and tangy flavors. If unavailable, a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella works well too.
Can I prepare this casserole a day ahead?
Yes, preparing it a day ahead not only saves time on the day you plan to serve it but also lets the flavors marry nicely. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to bake.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. If you prefer it milder, use a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of diced green chiles.
Final Thoughts
This Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite comfort foods to whip up for family and friends. Its perfect mix of cheesy goodness and zesty beef is sure to become a trusted go-to meal in your kitchen too. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the table in no time — you won’t regret it!
Print
Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef & Cheese Enchilada Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for a comforting family meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cream cheese, tangy enchilada sauce, and melted Mexican cheese blend come together baked to perfection in a simple casserole form.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1¼ lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 (10-oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel tomatoes and diced green chiles, undrained
Tortilla & Cheese Layer
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Season: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Sauce and Tomatoes: Add the canned enchilada sauce and undrained Rotel tomatoes with diced green chiles to the skillet with the beef. Simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the beef and sauce mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread cream cheese evenly on each flour tortilla, then sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheese on top of the cream cheese. Fold the tortillas in half and arrange them on the meat sauce in the dish. Pour the remaining beef sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, use spicy enchilada sauce or add extra diced jalapeños.
- Substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Use reduced-fat cheese and cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Serve with sides such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.
