This bold-flavored, hearty and cheesy Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe is one you’ll definitely want in your regular meal rotation. It’s super easy, has only 5 ingredients and is quick to prep and get in the oven.

Beef Enchilada Casserole on a White plate sitting on a wooden table.

Plus, this beef enchilada bake is also a dish that can easily be frozen and baked later.

How great is that, to have a meal already prepared if unexpected guests arrive or when you need a dish to take to a potluck? Just thaw and pop it in the oven.

My homemade enchilada sauce definitely brings the heat to this dish. It’s deliciously spicy.

If you like milder sauce, you can cut the chipotle in half or if you have a favorite brand of canned sauce, that works, too.

Remember the items you choose to dress and serve the casserole, like sour cream, can definitely tone down the spiciness, as well. Get creative and suit your family’s tastes.

In This Post:

A Note About Enchilada Sauces

Homemade Enchilada Sauce in a glass mason jar on a wooden table with lime segments and sprigs of fresh cilantro

Canned enchilada sauces can vary widely in flavor and spice-level. Please don’t expect to get the same scrumptious flavor results I get in this beef enchilada recipe, if you use a canned sauce you’re not familiar with.

I make my own sauce for 2 important reasons:

I know it will be the same consistent flavor & heat every time
My family loves the flavor. Choose your sauce according to your own family’s tastes.

And, if your family has a favorite enchilada sauce, THAT is the one to choose for this enchilada bake recipe.

The Ingredients

Corn Tortillas
Homemade Enchilada Sauce (or canned enchilada sauce)
Ground Beef
Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack or your favorite Mexican Cheese, grated
Frozen Corn
optional garnishes: sour cream, cilantro, green onion, tomato, avocado

How to Serve Enchilada Casserole

Our favorite toppings for this yummy beef enchilada bake are sour cream, cilantro, green onion, and tomatoes. Avocado, black olives, guacamole, and limes are also fantastic.

House Salad in a white ceramic bowl on a concrete countertop. There is a fork lying next to the bowl witha turquoise fabric napkin.

As a side dish, my recommendation is something quick and easy, like my 10 Minute Mexican Rice and a cool, crisp House Salad, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Shirazi Salad, or Bell Pepper Salad.

Ok, now, it’s your turn. Make an easy delicious Mexican supper to share with your favorite people. You’ve got this! And I’ve got your back!

easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe - salad in a round, white ceramic bowl ona concrete counter with a turquoise and white checked napkin

Shirazi Salad in a square, white ceramic bowl on a marble countertop with cucumbers, onions and tomatoes scattered about and a turquoise pitcher in the background

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole

Brown ground beef in a *12″ cast iron skillet. Drain and set it aside until you’re ready to assemble the beef enchilada casserole recipe.
If you’re not using store-bought sauce, now is the time to make my enchilada sauce.
Arrange corn tortillas in the bottom of an ungreased *9×13 baking pan. (Incidentally, I have baked this in both a glass baking dish and a metal one. They both worked, but after testing both, I prefer the shape and width of the metal pan, for nicer slices and more tender edges on the casserole.)
Drizzle enchilada sauce over the tortillas.

Sprinkle ground beef over the sauce.
Distribute the frozen corn kernels over the meat layer and then cheese over the corn.
Repeat the entire process, to create a second layer: tortillas, sauce, meat, corn & cheese.
For the final layer, arrange tortillas over the top.
Spread enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake.

The Recipe

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