If you’re craving a weeknight comfort meal that brings bold, zesty flavor to your table without any fuss, Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is about to become a regular in your dinner lineup. Imagine layers of spiced ground beef, rich black beans, gooey cheese, and tender corn tortillas, all wrapped up in a tangy red enchilada sauce—then baked until golden and bubbly. This dish manages to be hearty and comforting while still feeling fresh, thanks to bright garnishes like cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy Sunday supper, this casserole promises to satisfy, impress, and have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is that the ingredients are humble yet utterly essential. Each one brings its own unique spark—aromatic spices, melty cheeses, and wholesome beans—that makes this casserole much more than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil: Just a splash helps the onions sauté to sweet, golden perfection and brings everything together.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a soft bite, forming the flavor base for your beef filling.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that classic savory depth—don’t skimp on the garlic!
- Ground beef: The star of the casserole, providing heartiness and savory flavor in every bite.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and subtle complexity to the spice blend.
- Chili powder: Gives the beef mixture a gentle heat and vibrant color.
- Smoked paprika: A smoky twist that elevates the richness of the beef and beans.
- Salt and black pepper: Brings out the full spectrum of flavors—don’t forget to season as you go!
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): Hearty, nutritious, and a must-have for satisfying texture.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained): A pop of acidity and a hint of heat, boosting the casserole’s brightness.
- Red enchilada sauce: The signature saucy element, tying all the layers together with classic tang and spice.
- Corn tortillas (cut in half): These are what make Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas so special—they add chewy texture and authentic flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, flavorful topping.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers creaminess and stretches into every layer for ultimate meltiness.
- Chopped cilantro and sour cream (for garnish): The perfect fresh and cooling finish, optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, followed by diced onion. Sauté the onion until it turns soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. This step infuses your kitchen with wonderful aroma and lays down a sweet earthy base for the beef. Add in the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds—just until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Spices
Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Use your spoon to break it up as it cooks, aiming for a nice crumble throughout. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off. Now, the magic happens: stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, letting them bloom in the heat and coat each morsel of beef for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Toss in the drained black beans and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Give it all a good stir and let the mixture cook for 2–3 more minutes. Everything should be well combined and heated through, forming a filling that’s robust and well-seasoned for your Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom—this prevents sticking and packs the first punch of flavor. Arrange a layer of halved corn tortillas over the sauce, fitting them in snugly. Spoon one-third of the beef mixture on top, then shower it with a blend of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat these layers (sauce, tortillas, beef, cheese) two more times, ending with a generous cheese layer on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This step helps everything meld together, and the cheese to gently melt into the layers. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this makes serving much easier and helps everything set up beautifully.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas
Garnishes
This casserole truly shines with a few fresh and creamy garnishes. Scatter chopped cilantro across the top for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Just before serving, offer a generous dollop of sour cream—its cool tang is a perfect foil for the rich, spicy layers. If you like a bit more kick, a handful of sliced green onions or a few pickled jalapeños really liven things up.
Side Dishes
Pairing is half the fun! A crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette lightens things up alongside the casserole. Mexican rice, refried beans, or street corn also make classic, crowd-pleasing choices. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side of fresh salsa or guacamole with tortilla chips to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy presentation, serve Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas in individual ramekins, topped with extra melted cheese and all the fixings. Or, try cutting the casserole into squares and stacking them with layers of additional cheese and sauce, almost like savory lasagna. Don’t hesitate to set up a DIY toppings bar, letting guests add their favorite garnishes and sides—everyone loves a personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas will keep for up to 4 days, making weekday lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply let it cool completely after baking, then cover tightly with both foil and plastic wrap or portion into airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, you can pop individual servings in the microwave, covered, until hot. For the whole casserole, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven—covered with foil—for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through. Remove the foil near the end if you like the top cheese extra melty and golden.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely, you can swap in flour tortillas if preferred, but corn tortillas are what gives Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas its signature flavor and texture. Flour tortillas will result in a softer, milder bite, while corn tortillas hold up better during baking and add that classic authenticity.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Just substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or an extra can of black beans and some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Your Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas will still be packed with flavor and plenty of protein.
Can I assemble Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or easy entertaining.
What if I prefer my casserole spicier?
Crank up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers directly into the beef mixture. You can also use a spicy enchilada sauce or sprinkle in a bit more chili powder to tailor the heat to your taste.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
This recipe is very versatile! Feel free to mix in corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or even chopped spinach to sneak in some extra veggies. You can also swap the cheeses or add sliced olives—make it your own while keeping Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas at the heart of the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas enough—it’s bold, comforting, easy to make, and manages to wow every single time. Gather your favorite people, serve up heaping portions, and bask in the deliciousness together. You’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!
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Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas is a delicious and comforting Mexican-American dish that layers corn tortillas with a flavorful beef and bean mixture, topped with gooey cheeses and baked to perfection. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained)
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 12 small corn tortillas (cut in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet, cook onion, garlic, and beef. Season with spices, add beans and tomatoes.
- Layer the casserole: Spread enchilada sauce in a baking dish, layer with tortillas, beef mixture, and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest, then garnish with cilantro and sour cream.
Notes
- You can prep this casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or green onions to the beef mixture.
- For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
