Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas

Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests? This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is just the recipe you need! It’s a flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas but with a layered casserole approach, making it much easier and quicker to prepare. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, corn tortillas, and a rich enchilada sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you're making it for Taco Tuesday or any night of the week, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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What is Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Beef Enchilada Casserole is a deconstructed version of classic enchiladas, where instead of individually rolling tortillas around the filling, you layer all the components in a baking dish. Corn tortillas, seasoned beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce come together in a delicious, cheesy, and saucy casserole. The result is the same comforting flavors of enchiladas with a lot less effort!

Ingredients List for Beef Enchilada Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this savory and satisfying Beef Enchilada Casserole with corn tortillas. This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it great for family meals or leftovers.

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or 80/20)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing the beef)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano)
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 12 small corn tortillas (or 6 large, cut in half)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• ½ cup frozen or canned corn (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Beef Enchilada Casserole to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Ground Meat Alternatives: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and double the black beans or use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Choices: Feel free to use any cheese you like! Cheddar, pepper jack, or even cotija cheese can work well in this casserole.
• Tortilla Alternatives: If you prefer flour tortillas, you can swap them in place of corn tortillas, although the corn tortillas give a more traditional flavor.
• Enchilada Sauce Variations: While red enchilada sauce is traditional, you can switch things up by using green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make the best Beef Enchilada Casserole with corn tortillas.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (if using) over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Once the beef is mostly cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and the beef is fully browned.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Add the taco seasoning to the beef mixture along with a splash of water (as instructed on the seasoning packet or about ¼ cup if making your own blend). Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed and the beef mixture is well coated. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the diced green chiles, black beans, and corn if you're using them.

Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas

While the beef mixture is cooking, lightly heat the corn tortillas to make them more pliable. You can either warm them in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds on each side or microwave them for 30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now, it’s time to layer your casserole!

• First Layer: Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• Second Layer: Place 4-6 corn tortillas (depending on the size) over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
• Third Layer: Add half of the seasoned beef mixture, spreading it out evenly over the tortillas.
• Fourth Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the beef mixture.
• Fifth Layer: Drizzle another ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the cheese.

Repeat these layers once more: corn tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and enchilada sauce. Finish the top with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and the last cup of shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños for added flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure your Beef Enchilada Casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Dry Casserole: Make sure you have enough enchilada sauce to keep the casserole moist. The tortillas will soak up some of the sauce as it bakes, so be generous with the sauce in each layer.
• Soggy Tortillas: Avoid over-saturating the tortillas with too much sauce in any one layer. Spread the sauce evenly so the tortillas hold their texture.
• Underseasoned Beef: Don’t skip the seasoning! Taco seasoning gives the ground beef that classic enchilada flavor, so be sure to use enough and adjust to taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Beef Enchilada Casserole is filling and flavorful on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few side dishes and garnishes to round out the plate.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, scooping out generous portions for each person.
• With Sides: Pair the casserole with a fresh side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete Tex-Mex-inspired meal.
• Taco Bar-Style: Set up a “taco bar” with a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, avocado slices, salsa, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their own serving.

Presentation Ideas for Beef Enchilada Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions on top of the casserole brightens up the dish.
• Colorful Toppings: Add a pop of color by serving the casserole with sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Individual Servings: For a special occasion, cut the casserole into neat squares and garnish each plate individually with toppings for a polished presentation.

Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole also freezes beautifully! Assemble it in a freezer-safe baking dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
• Customize the Heat: If you like your enchiladas spicy, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy enchilada sauce for extra heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. However, corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor and hold up better during baking.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add more beans (black beans, pinto beans, or even refried beans), or use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.

Q: How can I make my own enchilada sauce?
A: Making your own enchilada sauce is easy! Simply sauté some garlic and onion in oil, then add chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth,

and a little flour to thicken. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious homemade enchilada sauce.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is the perfect combination of Tex-Mex flavors, making it a comforting and easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to satisfy. With layers of seasoned beef, cheese, and corn tortillas drenched in rich enchilada sauce, this casserole is a no-fuss alternative to traditional enchiladas. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this flavorful, cheesy enchilada casserole tonight!

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