Easy Enchilada Casserole

This Easy Enchilada Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce, and soft flour tortillas are all baked together in one dish for a cheesy casserole that is a simple one pan meal the whole family will love. This Beef Enchilada Casserole really is a Tex-Mex classic!

Who doesn’t love a good and easy baked casserole for dinner? This recipe for my Easy Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is far from a basic, cheesy casserole. It’s bursting with all the flavors you get from traditional enchiladas. But, it’s a fun way to change things up!

I actually find this easier than rolling up individual enchiladas when I’m making this Tex-Mex classic!

I hope you enjoy this easy enchilada casserole as much as I do. It’s something I will continue to make regularly because of the simplicity. As well as the tastiness, of course 😉 I love a good week-night dinner (or as a Friday night treat with a Healthier Paloma cocktail or two?) that is quick and simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, and this one checks all of the boxes!

Which enchilada sauce do you use? Can I make my own?

I call this an easy enchilada casserole because I use store bought enchilada sauce. I’ve tried it with Trader Joe’s bottled enchilada sauce and El Paso mild canned enchilada sauce. Everyone knows how much I love my Trader Joe’s products. However, I might have to say I prefer the El Paso. But, of course both are great options! If you want it spicier, I believe El Paso has a mild and spicy option too. You can of course use your favorite brand. Also, feel free to make your own homemade enchilada sauce if you have a recipe you love to use. This one only takes 10 minutes!

Do I have to use ground beef? Can I sub in another protein?

I used grass-fed ground beef for this recipe. You could also use ground turkey! I’ve tried both. I personally like it better with the beef. However, you can’t go wrong with either. With these flavors, you really can do no harm!

Other recipes you will love:

• Shrimp Street Corn Enchiladas
• Harissa Chicken Enchiladas
• Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip
• Turkey Enchilada Zucchini Boats
• Cowboy Caviar Casserole
• Whipped Ricotta Recipe with Bruschetta Dip

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Easy Enchilada Casserole

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5 from 5 reviews

• Author: Amanda Hickman
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Enchilada Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce, and soft flour tortillas are all baked together in one dish for a simple one pan meal the whole family will love. This Beef Enchilada Casserole really is a Tex-Mex classic!

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Ingredients

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1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
1 (14 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups red enchilada sauce, divided
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend (see note)
4 flour tortillas, 6 – 8 inch size (I use Mission brand carb balance flour tortillas)

Toppings (all optional!)

lime wedges
chopped cilantro
sliced avocado
sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly spray a rectangle baking dish (about 11 x 8 inches) with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, crumbling it as it cooks.
3. When the beef is almost done cooking, add garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and paprika. Toss to evenly coat the beef. Remove the beef from the pan (I use a slotted spoon to get rid of some of the grease) and set aside.
4. Wipe the pan clean and add the onion and jalapeño. Season with a little salt and pepper. Let cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Add the beef back to the skillet, along with the beans, and 1 1/2 cups of the enchilada sauce. Save the other 1/2 cup, we’ll need it later!
6. Let simmer for about 2 minutes then remove from the heat.
7. Add half of the mixture to the bottom of the baking dish followed by 1/2 cup cheese, and 2 tortillas.
8. Add the other half of the beef mixture followed by another 1/2 cup cheese, 2 tortillas, the other 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce, and 1/2 cup of cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes.
11. Let the casserole rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing into square servings. Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

This is the amount of cheese I like to use, but feel free to add more if you like things cheesier! 

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex