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 [3] 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 [4]. 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 [5]!
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 [6]
- Harissa Chicken Enchiladas [7]
- Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip [8]
- Turkey Enchilada Zucchini Boats [9]
- Cowboy Caviar Casserole [10]
- Whipped Ricotta Recipe with Bruschetta Dip [11]
Why not save & pin for later?
Make sure you don’t lose this recipe by saving it for later! Also, for more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest [12], Instagram [13] and like my page on Facebook [14]. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!
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Easy Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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!
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly spray a rectangle baking dish (about 11 x 8 inches) with non-stick cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wipe the pan clean and add the onion and jalapeño. Season with a little salt and pepper. Let cook 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 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!
- Let simmer for about 2 minutes then remove from the heat.
- Add half of the mixture to the bottom of the baking dish followed by 1/2 cup cheese, and 2 tortillas.
- 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.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes.
- 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
Find it online: https://dashofmandi.com/easy-enchilada-casserole/ [17]