Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that bursts with bold flavors and vibrant colors, look no further than this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe. This layered casserole is a total crowd-pleaser, combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and tangy red enchilada sauce, all wrapped up in tender corn tortillas and topped with melty cheese. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, offering the taste of classic enchiladas in an easy-to-assemble, shareable form that makes every bite a flavor-packed experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in its success. From the hearty beef to the zesty seasonings and creamy cheese, every component brings its own texture, flavor, and color to the dish, making it as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat.

• Ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein to make the casserole filling and satisfying.
• Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture when sautéed.
• Minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant aroma and a subtle punch of flavor.
• Black beans: Bring creaminess and extra fiber, balancing the meatiness perfectly.
• Corn kernels: Add a bit of natural sweetness and a pleasant pop of texture.
• Red enchilada sauce: The heart of this recipe that ties all the layers together with its bold, tangy flavor.
• Chili powder: Lends a smoky, mild heat to brighten up the beef mixture.
• Cumin: Offers warm earthiness that complements the Mexican-inspired spices.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the true flavors of every ingredient.
• Corn tortillas: The classic, authentic base for enchiladas, adding subtle corn flavor and a soft, pliable texture.
• Shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese: Creates gooey, melty layers that bind the casserole wonderfully.
• Fresh cilantro: A fresh, citrusy garnish that adds bright color and a burst of herbal freshness.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps it cook evenly, giving you a perfect base for layering all those delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This stage is crucial to develop rich, savory meat flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with your beef. Let them cook together for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and soft, which adds a wonderful sweetness and aromatic foundation to the filling.

Step 4: Mix in Beans, Corn, and Spices

Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. These ingredients brighten the beef and bring a perfect balance of smoky, earthy, and mildly spicy notes. Add 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce to bind everything together, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Base

Spread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This step not only prevents the tortillas from sticking but also adds moisture and tangy flavor right from the bottom up.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Lay corn tortillas over the sauce, tearing them to fit if needed. Then spoon half of the beef mixture on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add another tortilla layer, spread half of the remaining enchilada sauce, and keep layering.

Step 7: Finish Layering and Cheese Topping

Repeat the tortilla, beef mixture, and enchilada sauce layers one more time, ending with tortillas topped generously with the remaining cheese. This final cheese layer will melt beautifully, creating an irresistible golden crust.

Step 8: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes to warm everything through and meld flavors. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly browned for a perfectly finished dish.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This resting time lets it set up for easier slicing and keeps all those delicious layers intact. Top with freshly chopped cilantro before serving for that extra pop of flavor and color.

How to Serve Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the classic choice to brighten the rich casserole, but you can also add dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for extra zest. These toppings bring complementary textures and coolness against the warm and spicy layers.

Side Dishes

Serve this Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe alongside a crisp green salad or Mexican-style rice for a balanced meal. Refried beans or a simple corn and tomato salad are also wonderful companions that keep the meal fresh and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, layer this casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter and let guests help themselves. Top each portion with colorful diced tomatoes or a sprinkle of sliced green onions for eye-catching presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days and taste even better as the flavors mingle overnight.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it up to step 7, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the whole casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly again. Adding a little extra cheese during reheating can revive its melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Absolutely! While corn tortillas provide authentic flavor and texture, flour tortillas can be used if you prefer a softer, more pliable layer. Just be aware the dish will have a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe offers a mild to medium spice level thanks to chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the spices to your taste by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you like it hotter.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap out the ground beef for extra beans, diced veggies, or textured vegetable protein to keep the same texture and heartiness without meat. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.

How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?

Using a thin layer of enchilada sauce and slightly overlapping the tortillas helps keep the casserole from getting mushy. Also, letting the casserole rest before cutting allows it to set up nicely.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it a day before baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchilada Casserole with Corn Tortillas Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this tasty, crowd-pleasing casserole as much as I do—once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!

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