Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crowd-pleaser: Big enough to feed the family, and everyone loves a cheesy Mexican bake.
One-dish convenience: Everything layers in one pan—minimal dishes and fuss.
Make-ahead & freezer-friendly: Assemble now, bake later, or freeze fully or in portions.
Budget-wise: Uses affordable ground beef, tortillas, and pantry staples.
Versatile: Swap beans, veggies, protein, or spice level easily.
Feel-good comfort: Warm, cheesy, and soul-satisfying without heavy effort.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| 1 lb ground beef | (lean, e.g., 90/10) |
| 1 small onion, finely diced | — |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | — |
| 1 packet taco seasoning | (or 2 Tbsp homemade blend) |
| 1 cup tomato sauce | — |
| 1½ cups beef or chicken broth | — |
| 8 small flour or corn tortillas | (6-inch) |
| 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese mix | (cheddar, Monterrey Jack) |
| 1 cup enchilada sauce | (red or green, store-bought or homemade) |
| ¼ cup green onions, sliced | (optional garnish) |
| 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped | (optional garnish) |
Optional Mix-ins & Add-ons:
Black beans or corn (1 can each)
Diced bell peppers or zucchini
Sliced jalapeños or pickled onions
Sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Prep the Beef Filling
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté ~3 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Crumble in beef, brown evenly, breaking up lumps (~5–7 minutes).
Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until saucy and flavorful.
Layer the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Spoon ~1 cup beef mixture into the bottom.
Top with 4 tortillas, torn or layered to cover fully.
Spread ¾ cup beef on tortillas, drizzle with ½ cup enchilada sauce, and sprinkle ¾ cup cheese.
Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese. Reserve some cheese for topping.
Bake to Perfection
Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese, and bake 10–12 more minutes until bubbly.
Let stanD 5 minutes, so sauce thickens and layers set.
Serve
Garnish with green onions, cilantro, optional avocado or jalapeños.
Serve with Mexican rice, salad, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Sides: Mexican-style rice, black beans, coleslaw, cucumber-tomato salad.
Condiments: Sour cream, guacamole, extra enchilada sauce, pickled jalapeños.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
Tortilla size: Use 6-inch flour or corn—tortillas shrink when baked.
Even layering: Tear tortillas to fill edges, ensuring no gaps form.
Adjust thickness: Thin sauce = longer bake covered; thick sauce = thicker layers.
Get melty top cheese: Use a mix (cheddar + Jack) for optimal stretchiness.
Make vegan: Swap beef for crumbled tempeh or beans and use dairy-free cheese.
Meal Prep & Storage Guide
| Step | Method & Notes |
|---|---|
| Make ahead | Assemble 12–24 hours beforehand, keep covered in fridge, bake when ready |
| Freeze unbaked | Wrap with foil or lid; freeze up to 3 months; thaw before baking |
| Freeze baked | Cool, slice into portions, freeze in containers for easy reheating |
| Reheating | Oven (350°F, covered, 15–20 min) or microwave (2–3 min per portion) + fresh toppings |
Variations to Elevate
Green Chile Beef Bake – use green sauce + green enchilada sauce + mild jalapeños
Vegetarian Version – replace beef with black beans or crumbled tempeh
Spicy “Kick” – add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy sausage
Cheese Options – pepper jack for heat, feta or queso fresco for tanginess
Grain-free – use tortilla chips or low-carb wraps for a tortilla-free version
Nutritional Overview (Approx. per serving from 8 servings)
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: ~25 g
Carbs: ~30 g
Fat: ~20 g
Fiber: ~4 g
Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use big tortillas and cut them?
Yes—just layer and trim down to fit your dish edges.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—freeze either unbaked or baked. Thaw before baking if unbaked.
How spicy is this?
Mild by default. Add jalapeños or hot sauce to heat it up.
Can I bake from frozen?
Yes—cover with foil and bake 45–55 minutes at 350°F; remove cover halfway.
What else goes well with it?
Serve with rice, beans, salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips.
Why It Works
Layering technique ensures each bite has tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese
One-pan approach cuts down prep and cleanup
Freezer ability allows batch cooking and planned convenience
Kid-friendly flavors mimic classic tacos but in a cozy casserole format
Final Thoughts
This Family‑Style Beef Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate solution to “What’s for dinner?” on hectic nights. It brings Mexican comfort food to your table without the noodle soup mess. Whether you make it tonight, prep for later, or freeze for future meals, this cheesy bake delivers flavor, ease, and smiles.
