Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole: An Easy Cheesy Family Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is the kind of comforting, dependable meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight routine. It captures all the bold, satisfying flavors of classic enchiladas but skips the time-consuming rolling and filling. Instead, everything is layered into a single baking dish, making preparation simple and cleanup minimal.

What makes this casserole especially appealing is its balance. The seasoned ground beef brings savory depth, the enchilada sauce adds warmth and richness, and the layers of tortillas soak up all that flavor while staying tender. I tested this recipe with both corn and flour tortillas, and while both worked, corn tortillas delivered a more authentic enchilada flavor. This dish is hearty, flexible, and consistently crowd-pleasing, whether you are serving family or feeding guests.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef is the foundation of this casserole, providing hearty flavor and making the dish filling enough to serve as a complete meal. Using lean ground beef helps prevent excess grease.

Onion adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture, balancing the spices and enhancing the overall flavor.

Garlic contributes aromatic richness and ties the savory components together without overpowering the dish.

Enchilada sauce delivers the signature taste, combining mild heat with tomato-based richness that binds the layers beautifully.

Corn or flour tortillas act as the structure of the casserole, absorbing the sauce while maintaining enough texture to hold the layers together.

Shredded cheddar cheese adds sharpness and a familiar, comforting flavor.

Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and balances the cheddar with its mild creaminess.

Cumin and chili powder season the beef, giving it warm, earthy notes that define enchilada-style dishes.

Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors and ensure the casserole is well balanced.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a medium casserole dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking briefly until fragrant. Pour in a portion of the enchilada sauce and mix well, allowing the flavors to combine.

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of tortillas, followed by a portion of the beef mixture and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted. Let it rest for five minutes before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Servings and timing

This casserole serves six people comfortably. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a practical option for weeknight dinners.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Cover loosely when reheating to prevent the cheese from drying out.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is easy to adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. For extra heat, add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild enchilada sauce and reduce the spices slightly.

You can also swap the protein. Ground turkey or shredded chicken work well as lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers.

Cheese choices can be adjusted too. Pepper Jack adds spice, while a Mexican-blend cheese creates a balanced, familiar flavor. Each variation keeps the casserole comforting while allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole?

Yes, freeze it tightly covered for up to two months.

What tortillas work best?

Corn tortillas provide the most authentic flavor, but flour tortillas also work.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming soggy?

Use moderate amounts of sauce and avoid over-layering.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, corn, bell peppers, or onions are great additions.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate and easily adjustable.

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Yes, homemade sauce works very well in this recipe.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

Rice, beans, or a simple green salad complement it nicely.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and extend baking time slightly.

How long should it rest before serving?

Let it rest for about five minutes for easier slicing.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole is a reliable, satisfying dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Its layered structure, rich seasoning, and melted cheese make it a comforting meal that suits both casual family dinners and relaxed gatherings. Once you add it to your rotation, it is sure to become a repeat favorite.

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