Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole – Cheesy, Bold & Easy to Make!

A Casserole That Tastes Like a Fiesta

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s easy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor? This Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole has all the bold spices and cheesy goodness of traditional enchiladas—without the rolling!

Instead of wrapping each enchilada individually, we layer tortillas, ground beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese in a baking dish for a no-fuss, Mexican-inspired casserole that the whole family will devour.

At RangerMT.com, we love comfort food that delivers big flavor and minimal stress. This casserole is exactly that.

Why You’ll Love This Enchilada Casserole

This recipe combines the classic taste of beef enchiladas with the simplicity of a layered casserole. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

✅ Ready in under an hour
✅ Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
✅ Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
✅ A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parties or family dinners

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this cheesy, beefy, saucy goodness:

For the Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)

Optional Toppings:

Sliced black olives
Jalapeños
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream
Avocado or guacamole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.

2. Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spoon a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer:

Tortillas (cut to fit, if needed)
Ground beef mixture
Enchilada sauce
Shredded cheese

Repeat layers (usually 3 total), finishing with a layer of tortillas, the last of the sauce, and a generous amount of cheese.

3. Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

4. Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with your favorite toppings — olives, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.

Enjoy with a side of rice, beans, or a crisp green salad!

Customize It Your Way

This casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Vegetarian Version

Swap the beef for a mix of black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers.

Extra Cheesy

Mix cream cheese into the beef filling for a creamy, rich layer.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

️ Spice It Up

Add diced jalapeños or chipotle in adobo sauce to the beef mixture for heat.

Similar Recipes You’ll Love

Want more flavor-packed comfort food? Check these out:

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Fideo with Potatoes and Ground Beef
Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes

Explore more one-dish meals and casserole ideas at AllRecipes.

Tips for the Best Enchilada Casserole

✅ Use Corn or Flour Tortillas

Corn tortillas give a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas make the casserole softer and less crumbly.

✅ Let It Rest Before Serving

This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve clean portions.

✅ Freeze for Later

Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

✅ Make It Saucy

If you like extra saucy casseroles, use an additional half-can of enchilada sauce between layers.

Storage and Reheating

❄️ To Store:

Cool the casserole completely and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

To Freeze:

Wrap the entire casserole (before or after baking) in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Quick Recipe Card

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30–35 min
Total Time: ~50 min
Yields: 6–8 servings

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
1 taco seasoning packet
1 can diced tomatoes w/ green chiles
1 can enchilada sauce
8–10 tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
Optional: olives, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions:

Cook beef with onion and garlic; season and add tomatoes.
Layer tortillas, meat, sauce, and cheese in a greased dish.
Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Rest, garnish, and serve!

Perfect for Potlucks, Freezer Meals & Family Dinners

There’s something so comforting about digging into a cheesy, meaty casserole — and this Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is one you’ll come back to again and again.

It’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and customizable to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Whether you’re cooking ahead for the week or feeding a crowd, this casserole brings bold flavor and a little Mexican flair to your table — no tortilla rolling required!