Beef Enchilada Casserole
A hearty and cheesy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, green chilies, and rich sauces layered with tortillas and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers bold flavors and comforting textures that appeal to fans of Mexican-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat and onions.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, enchilada sauces, and chopped green chilies to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
- Cut the tortillas in half and separate into three groups.
- In a 13 x 9-inch dish, layer tortillas, meat sauce, and grated cheese. Repeat this layering three times.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, and low-fat soups. If you want more spice, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the cream soups with homemade versions using milk and flour as a base. This dish is versatile, so feel free to swap out the Cheddar cheese for a Mexican blend for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef enchilada casserole with a side of Cumin Avocado Rice for a delicious meal. A fresh salad or some corn on the cob are great accompaniments as well. For a more festive touch, top with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Enchiladas Casserole if you're planning a larger spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beef enchilada casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For individual portions, microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 866 calories, with 33g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1319mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Each alternative will bring a unique flavor, and the black beans add great texture while keeping it hearty.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, try using hotter enchilada sauce or adding fresh diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper on the layers for an added kick!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).