Name: Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef; 1 onion finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed; 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles drained; ½ cup diced tomato; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeno seeded and minced; 2 cups enchilada sauce; 1¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 12-14 flour or corn tortillas; 1 avocado peeled, seeded, diced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that layers rich, savory beef with gooey cheese and a touch of spice. This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings together that perfect blend of flavors and textures in a simple, satisfying way.

A thick slice of layered casserole is lifted from a white baking dish, showing four visible layers of soft, creamy yellow melted cheese and rich, dark brown meat mixed with small pieces of black olives inside. The top layer is covered with golden melted cheese, sprinkled with chopped green bell peppers, fresh green cilantro, and bright red tomato slices. The side of the baking dish holds more fresh chopped green bell peppers and tomato pieces. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe has saved me on busy weeknights. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and the layers allow you to customize as you go. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser every time I bring it to potlucks or family dinners.

Layered Goodness: Each layer packs in a perfect mix of beef, beans, and cheese, creating a comforting and cohesive dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it beforehand, making dinner time stress-free when the oven does the work.
Flavorful and Fresh: The fresh toppings like avocado, tomato, and cilantro add vibrant brightness to every bite.
Flexible Ingredients: Whether you use corn or flour tortillas, or swap cheeses, this recipe adapts to what you have on hand easily.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe plays a role. The ground beef brings richness and protein, the black beans add fiber and a nice texture, and the cheese keeps things melty and indulgent. The enchilada sauce ties all those layers together with a gentle kick of spice.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef formed into a loose mound, a whole yellow onion with papery skin beside it, two whole garlic bulbs with white cloves attached, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red enchilada sauce, a small white bowl filled with shiny black beans, a small white bowl of diced green chiles, a neat stack of soft flour tortillas, a small white bowl with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small white bowl with shredded pale Monterey Jack cheese, a ripe avocado half with vibrant green diced flesh, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white bowl of bright red diced tomatoes, a small pile of fresh green cilantro sprigs, and a fresh green jalapeno pepper sliced lengthwise showing seeds inside, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Use fresh, lean ground beef to avoid excess grease and keep the casserole balanced.
Onion: Finely chopped onions add sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that signature warmth and aroma—don’t skip it!
Enchilada sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, it adds moisture and rich flavor between the layers.
Black beans: Rinsed and drained to keep the dish from getting soggy, they add hearty texture.
Diced green chiles: They bring subtle heat and a bit of smoky flavor to the beef mixture.
Tortillas: Flour or corn, your choice—pick ones that are pliable so they layer well without breaking.
Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses: A blend of sharp and creamy cheeses melts perfectly throughout the casserole.
Avocado: Tossed with lemon juice, it adds creaminess and balances the spice beautifully.
Tomato: Fresh diced tomatoes for brightness and a juicy contrast.
Cilantro: Chopped for fragrant freshness on top.
Jalapeno: Seeded and minced to add just enough heat without overpowering.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this casserole depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I swap in a smoky chipotle enchilada sauce for a deeper flavor or add corn kernels for a little sweetness. You should totally make it your own—this recipe is forgiving and flexible!

Variation: One time, I used ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version, and it still tasted amazing with a bit of extra seasoning.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cheese for your favorite plant-based alternative and it bakes up just as melty.
Spice Level: If you like it milder, leave out the jalapeno or reduce the amount; for extra heat, consider adding some chipotle peppers in adobo.
Make It Vegetarian: Omit the beef and add extra beans and roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a vibrant meatless twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a two-layer slice of lasagna with a golden, melted cheese top mixed with black beans and bits of herbs. On top are fresh bright red diced tomatoes scattered evenly, adding a pop of color. The lasagna layers show rich, orange-red sauce with browned ground meat and black beans. Around the lasagna on the plate are three slices of light green lime wedges, some dark brown sliced olives, and a few pale yellow pickled jalapeño slices. The plate rests on a wooden board with small chopped green herbs sprinkled around it and a blurred background of whole red tomatoes and a white cloth with red stripes. A fork and knife are placed behind the lasagna on the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Start by browning the ground beef over medium heat—this builds your base flavor. When the beef is about half cooked, toss in the finely chopped onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions get soft and translucent. Lower the heat and add the minced garlic, stirring it in for about a minute until fragrant. Pro tip: don’t rush the garlic step, as it can burn quickly and become bitter.

Step 2: Mix in the Enchilada Flavors

Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, and diced green chiles. Let it simmer on low for a couple of minutes to marry all those flavors together. This combines the savory beef with a gentle kick and some creaminess from the beans.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Spray your casserole dish with nonstick spray—it makes life so much easier when cleaning up. Spread a couple of tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom, then layer about a quarter of your tortillas over that. Over the tortillas, spoon a third of the beef mixture and then sprinkle a quarter of each cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, then top with the last tortillas, the remaining sauce, and cheese. This layering makes sure every bite has the full enchilada experience.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to get a slightly golden top. While it’s baking, toss your diced avocado with lemon juice to keep it fresh and add a little zing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the casserole with the avocado, diced tomato, cilantro, and minced jalapeno. These fresh toppings balance the richness perfectly and bring the dish to life with colors and textures.

Top Tip

Over the years making this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make a big difference in the final result. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and make your casserole shine every time.

Drain the Beef Well: Excess grease can make the casserole too watery, so I always drain or blot it well before mixing in the enchilada sauce.
Layer Evenly: Distribute ingredients evenly across layers to avoid dry spots or overwhelming cheesiness in one area.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking. It firms up, making it easier to cut and helps flavors meld nicely.
Customize Your Heat Level: Adding jalapeno on top lets you control how spicy your serving is—everyone can adjust to taste.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Beef Enchilada Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve this casserole, I’m all about fresh, colorful garnishes. Creamy avocado gets tossed with lemon for brightness, then piled on fresh tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and some minced jalapeno for heat. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime adds a nice finishing touch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings is a simple side salad with crisp lettuce, radish, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Spanish rice or refried beans work beautifully if you’re looking for something heartier. For something super quick, I serve with store-bought tortilla chips alongside for crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve made individual mini casseroles using small ramekins instead of one big dish—it’s fun, elegant, and perfect for portion control. Another time, I layered it in a buffet-style setup with toppings on the side so guests could build their own bowls. Both times were a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool the casserole completely before covering to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, it tastes just as good reheated and actually, the flavors deepen overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I like to assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, then wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot throughout. This prevents the cheese from drying out and keeps everything nice and gooey.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein for this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed and season accordingly.

Is it better to use flour or corn tortillas?

Both work great, so it comes down to your preference. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier to layer, while corn tortillas add a traditional texture and a bit more bite. Make sure to use fresh tortillas that are pliable to avoid cracking.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I make it milder?

This recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the green chiles and jalapeno, which you can adjust. Leaving out the jalapeno or reducing it makes the dish milder. You can also swap out the enchilada sauce for a mild version if you prefer less heat.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a few more minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the dish I turn to when I want to feed my family something warm, satisfying, and full of flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this layered casserole, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. Give it a go and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!