Mexican Enchilada Casserole
A flavorful Mexican-inspired casserole with seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, corn, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in a large skillet, then drain off excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Add tomato sauce, enchilada sauce, and green chilies to the skillet.
- Cook slowly until the meat is done and flavors are combined.
- Grease a large 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Layer corn tortillas, meat mixture, and grated cheese as desired.
- Repeat layers and finish with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are unavailable. To save time, prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Enchilada Casserole is delicious served with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa. It pairs beautifully with nacho chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or Mexican rice. You can also garnish with cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 280 calories, with 13g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2037mg per serving (89% 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 the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will allow the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when baked.
What can I substitute for the meat in this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. This will create a hearty and satisfying dish that fits well into vegetarian recipes.
How do I ensure the casserole doesn't dry out while baking?
To prevent the casserole from drying out, cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time. This will trap moisture and help the cheese melt evenly. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
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).