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Savory Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe with Cheesy Layered Perfection

savory beef enchilada casserole - featured image

A cozy, layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melted cheeses for a quick and comforting meal perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce
  • 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch / 15 cm diameter) or corn tortillas for gluten-free option
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocados or guacamole, sliced jalapeños, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it browns. When the beef is nearly cooked through, add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce. Mix well and simmer on low for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water or more sauce.
  4. While the beef simmers, shred your cheeses and set aside. Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel or on a dry skillet just until pliable (about 20 seconds).
  5. Start with a thin layer of beef mixture spread evenly on the bottom of the baking dish (about 1/3 cup / 80 ml). Layer 2 tortillas on top, overlapping slightly if needed. Spread about 1/3 of the remaining beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkle of both cheeses (about 1/3 cup / 30 g each). Dollop some sour cream evenly over the cheese layer.
  6. Add another 2 tortillas, repeat beef, cheese, and sour cream layers. Finish with the last 2 tortillas and top with the remaining cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
  7. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browned to your liking.
  8. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

Keep cheese chilled until layering to avoid clumping. Lightly oil the baking dish to prevent sticking. Warm tortillas briefly to make layering easier and prevent cracking. Press layers gently before baking to help casserole hold together. Watch cheese during final bake to avoid burning; tent with foil if edges crisp too much. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada casserole, cheesy casserole, layered casserole, quick dinner, comfort food, Mexican casserole, easy enchiladas