Enchilada Casserole

A comforting, cheesy Enchilada Casserole with layers of tortillas, seasoned meat, enchilada sauce, beans, and melted cheese. It has all the flavors of classic enchiladas but is much easier to assemble for a family dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, chicken, or turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1 can (4 oz / 113 g) diced green chilies
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Casserole Layers

• 10–12 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
• 3 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 2½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

Toppings

• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Diced avocado
• Jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the filling.
   • Brown the ground meat with onion in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Drain excess grease.
   • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   • Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Add beans, corn, and green chilies. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Layer the casserole.
   • Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Add a layer of tortillas.
   • Add some meat mixture, sauce, cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream (if using).
   • Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
4. Bake.
   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Rest and serve.
   • Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
   • Add your favorite toppings.

Variations

🌶️ Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Use shredded rotisserie chicken with green enchilada sauce.

🥩 Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Use seasoned ground beef with red enchilada sauce.

🌱 Vegetarian

• Add black beans, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and extra corn.

🧀 Creamy Version

• Mix cream cheese or sour cream into the filling for a richer casserole.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Fresh salad
• Guacamole
• Tortilla chips and salsa

This easy Enchilada Casserole delivers the bold, cheesy, saucy flavor of traditional enchiladas with the convenience of a simple layered bake—perfect for weeknight dinners and potlucks. 🌮🧀