Easy Enchilada Casserole
A flavorful and cheesy enchilada casserole with ground beef, corn, green chilies, and a mild salsa, perfect for satisfying family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can drained whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mild enchilada sauce or mild salsa ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chili peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink.
- Drain off fat.
- Stir in corn, tomato sauce, enchilada sauce or salsa, green chili peppers, chili powder, and salt into the meat mixture.
- Cook until bubbly.
- Spoon 1/3 of the meat mixture into the bottom of a 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
- Place 5 tortillas on top of the meat mixture.
- Spoon half of the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the meat.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas, meat, and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot all the way through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for lean ground beef. Feel free to include black beans or refried beans for extra protein and fiber. If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for hot enchilada sauce or add jalapeños to the meat mixture. Fresh cilantro can be used as a garnish before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchilada casserole with a side of He-Man Spanish Rice for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or guacamole can also enhance the dining experience. For those who enjoy a variety of flavors, pair it with a Taco Salad Bowl for a fun twist on your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 460 calories, with 19g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2212mg per serving (96% 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 in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the enchilada casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the assembled but unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the instructions, adding extra time if needed.
What if I don't have corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can substitute them with flour tortillas or even use tortilla chips layered in between the meat and cheese for a crunchy texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly depending on your choice of tortilla.
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).