Beef enchilada casserole is a wonderful blend of Mexican flavors, all combined into a dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this casserole is both satisfying and flavorful. The layers of beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese create a comforting meal that will surely become a favorite.
The origin of enchilada recipes, including variations like beef enchilada casserole, can be traced back to Mexican cuisine. Enchiladas themselves date back to the times of the Aztecs and Maya, who are believed to have wrapped corn tortillas around various fillings. The word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word enchilada, which means “to season with chili,” reflecting the dish’s characteristic use of chili sauce.
Traditional enchiladas consist of tortillas dipped in chili sauce, filled with ingredients like meat, beans, or cheese, and then rolled up. These were typically served as individual rolled tortillas, unlike the modern casserole format. With time, enchiladas evolved across regions, and when introduced to the United States, they were adapted to local tastes, creating various styles of the dish, including casseroles.
The enchilada casserole is a relatively modern twist on the traditional recipe. Instead of rolling individual tortillas, the ingredients are layered, much like a lasagna. This makes the dish simpler to prepare and better suited for larger servings, which became popular in American households, especially in the Southwest.
Incorporating ground beef in enchiladas is another Americanized adaptation of the dish. Traditional Mexican enchiladas often used shredded meats like chicken or pork, but ground beef became a common filling as it was easier and faster to cook, especially in the context of a casserole.
This casserole version retains the essence of Mexican enchiladas but combines it with a more convenient, family-friendly approach that's particularly common in American cuisine today. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish that merges both Mexican traditions and American adaptations into one easy-to-make meal.
Serving Suggestions
Beef enchilada casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement your meal.
- Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice will add some fluffiness and extra flavor to your plate. The slight acidity and seasoning from the tomatoes and spices will complement the richness of the casserole.
- Refried Beans: Serve alongside refried beans for a classic Mexican-inspired meal. The creamy texture of refried beans offers a nice contrast to the casserole's layers.
- Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh, homemade guacamole and zesty salsa make excellent toppings or sides for this dish. The cool, creamy avocado pairs nicely with the spiciness of the enchilada sauce, while the tangy salsa adds freshness.
- Tortilla Chips: Add some crunch by serving tortilla chips on the side. You can dip them in salsa, or guacamole, or even crumble a few on top of the casserole for added texture.
- Street Corn (Elote): A side of Mexican street corn, grilled and smothered with a creamy sauce, cheese, and chili powder, is an excellent way to balance the hearty casserole with a sweet and tangy bite.
Storage and Reheating
One of the best parts about beef enchilada casserole is how well it stores. Here's how to keep it fresh for later:
- Refrigerating: Store any extras in a water/air proof holder in the ice chest. The casserole will be kept for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, until warmed through.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prepping or batch cooking. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap the unbaked goulash firmly in saran wrap and aluminum foil. It will rearward in the cooler for as long as 90 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Variations to Try
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Swap the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken for a lighter option. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this variation. You can even use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: For a meat-free version, substitute the beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add extra beans or corn to bulk it up.
- Breakfast Enchilada Casserole: Want to turn this into a breakfast dish? Simply swap the beef for scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage. Top with some salsa and serve with a side of hash browns for a delicious Mexican-inspired brunch.
Tips for the Best Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Make it ahead: This goulash can be gathered early and refrigerated until you're prepared to heat it. Simply add a couple of additional minutes to the baking opportunity on the off chance that it's coming directly from the refrigerator.
- Spice it up: For a little extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can likewise utilize hot enchilada sauce rather than gentle.
- Customization: Feel free to swap the black beans for pinto beans or add corn for extra texture and flavor. You can likewise utilize ground turkey or chicken rather than hamburger for a lighter rendition.
Why You'll Love This Dish
Beef enchilada casserole is not only easy to make, but it also delivers bold flavors in every bite. The combination of tender beef, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, it's a great option for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and can even be frozen for later use.
What do you serve with this recipe?
When serving Beef Enchilada Casserole, it's great to pair it with side dishes and accompaniments that complement its rich, flavorful profile. Here are some options that work well:
1. Mexican Rice
A classic side dish, Mexican rice is lightly seasoned with tomatoes, onions, and spices. The fluffy texture and slightly tangy flavor balance the savory, cheesy casserole.
2. Refried Beans
Creamy refried beans offer a great contrast to the texture of the casserole. You can serve either pinto or black refried beans, flavored with garlic and cumin for an authentic touch.
3. Guacamole
Fresh guacamole made with mashed avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and onions provides a cool, creamy side. The acidity and freshness of guacamole cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
4. Sour Cream
A dollop of sour cream on top of the casserole or served on the side adds a creamy, tangy element. It also helps cool down the heat from any spices in the dish.
5. Tortilla Chips and Salsa
Crispy tortilla chips paired with a zesty salsa (such as pico de gallo or a traditional red salsa) provide a crunchy contrast to the soft layers of the casserole.
6. Corn Salad
A bright and refreshing corn salad made with fresh or grilled corn, lime juice, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder adds sweetness and a bit of heat. It’s a fresh counterpart to the hearty casserole.
7. Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn is a perfect pairing for enchilada casserole. Corn on the cob, grilled and slathered with a mix of mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder, offers a creamy and smoky flavor that complements the dish.
8. Jalapeño Cornbread
For a Southern twist, jalapeño cornbread adds a slight sweetness and mild heat. The crumbly texture of cornbread works well with the saucy nature of the casserole.
9. Pickled Jalapeños or Fresh Salsa
Adding some heat to the meal with pickled jalapeños or a spicy fresh salsa can boost the flavors of the enchilada casserole. The acidity of the pickles helps balance the richness.
10. Salad
A light green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado is a refreshing, crunchy side that can provide balance to the heavy casserole. You can drizzle it with a tangy lime vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
11. Avocado Slices
Simple avocado slices seasoned with salt, pepper, and lime juice offer a cool, buttery contrast to the casserole.
12. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or onions add a smoky, healthy side dish to balance the richness of the beef enchilada casserole.
Beverage Pairings:
- Margaritas (classic or flavored with fruit like mango or strawberry) or Mexican beer pair nicely with the dish.
- Horchata or Agua Fresca (fruit-based waters) offer a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
These side dishes and toppings give the beef enchilada casserole more taste while also adding diversity and harmony to the dish.
Ingredients:
- - 1 pound ground beef
- - 1 small onion, finely chopped
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
- - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- - 1 packet of taco seasoning
- - One can (15 oz) of depleted and flushed dark beans
- - 2 cups destroyed cheddar (Mexican mix or cheddar functions admirably)
- - 10 small corn tortillas, cut into halves or quarters
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - Fresh cilantro and sour cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the hamburger: In a huge skillet, cook the ground meat over medium intensity until sautéed. Split the meat up as it cooks and channel any abundance fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are softened.
3. Add seasoning and beans: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally—season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
4. Layer the casserole: Begin by spreading a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer the tortilla pieces over the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture. Drizzle more enchilada sauce and sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers—tortillas, beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese—until all the ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
5. Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Embellish with new cilantro and a touch of sharp cream, whenever wanted.