Beef Enchilada Casserole Cheese

The first time my roommate walked in while this was baking, she actually stopped mid sentence. That cumin and chili powder hitting the hot beef filling filled our entire apartment, and suddenly I wasnt just making Tuesday dinner anymore. The way the cheese bubbles up and gets those gorgeous golden patches in the last ten minutes of baking has converted more than one skeptic. Now its the dish that appears at every potluck, birthday, and random Tuesday when we need something that just works.

Last winter my sister had just moved into a new place and her kitchen was still half in boxes. I brought over a pan of this casserole, and we ate it straight from the baking dish while sitting on her living room floor. Shes asked for the recipe three times since then, usually late at night when she needs something that feels like home but doesnt require her to actually unpack her kitchen first. Some dishes are just meant to be shared that way.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: I use 80/20 ratio because that extra fat keeps everything tender and flavorful as it bakes through the layers
• 1 medium yellow onion: Finely chopped so they almost disappear into the beef mixture, adding sweetness without big chunks
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh because garlic powder just cant give you that same aromatic punch when it hits the hot pan
• 2 tsp chili powder: This is your main flavor driver, so dont be tempted to use the ancient jar in the back of your pantry
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Essential for that TexMex base note that makes people ask whats in this
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Adds this subtle smokiness that makes the dish taste like its been cooking all day
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Mexican oregano if you can find it, but regular works in a pinch
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Start here and adjust after tasting your beef mixture
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce: I use one cup in the beef filling and reserve the second cup for the top layer
• 8 corn tortillas: Quartered into wedges creates the perfect ratio of tortilla to filling in every bite
• 2 cups shredded cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives you that proper cheese pull and serious flavor
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack: More mild but melts beautifully, balancing the sharp cheddar
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1/2 cup sliced green onions: Fresh garnish cuts through all that rich cheese and beef
• Sour cream: Dont skip this, it adds a cool contrast that makes each bite complete

Instructions

Get your oven ready first:

Preheat to 375F so youre not waiting later, and grab your 9x13 baking dish

Brown the beef:

Cook it over medium heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up until its no longer pink, then drain any excess fat

Add the aromatics:

Toss in your chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and spices for just 1 minute until the whole kitchen smells incredible

Create the filling:

Pour in 1 cup of enchilada sauce and stir everything together, then remove from heat

Start layering:

Spread 1/4 cup sauce in the bottom of your baking dish, add one third of the tortilla pieces, then half the beef mixture and a third of the cheese

Build it up:

Repeat with another layer of tortillas, remaining beef, and another third of the cheese

Finish with cheese on top:

Add the final tortilla layer, pour on the remaining enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese

Bake covered first:

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes so everything melds together

Get that golden top:

Remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and those beautiful golden spots appear

The hard part:

Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, or it will slide apart when you try to serve it

Garnish and serve:

Top with cilantro, green onions, and pass the sour cream at the table

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After we hosted our first dinner party as a married couple, this was the dish everyone kept messaging us about for weeks. We ate the leftovers for breakfast the next morning, standing at the counter in our pajamas and agreeing this was definitely going into permanent rotation. Sometimes the simplest meals are the ones that become traditions.

Make Ahead Magic

Ive assembled this casserole the night before, covered it tightly, and kept it in the refrigerator until baking time the next day. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time since its going in cold. The tortillas actually soften slightly and meld beautifully with the sauce, so some people prefer it made ahead.

Freezing Instructions

Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. The texture holds up surprisingly well, which is why I always keep a backup pan in my freezer for those nights when cooking feels impossible.

Serving Suggestions

A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness, and Mexican rice feels like a natural pairing. On game days, I serve it with tortilla chips and guacamole on the side. For a complete meal, add refried beans and notice how everyone goes back for seconds.

• A cold Mexican lager or lime margarita is the perfect way to balance those bold spices
• If youre serving a crowd, double the recipe and use two 9x13 pans
• Set up a toppings bar with jalapeños, extra cilantro, and pickled red onions

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Theres something about pulling this bubbling, golden dish out of the oven that makes any dinner feel like a celebration. Hope it becomes a go to in your kitchen too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the ground beef for another meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

→ Are corn tortillas gluten-free in this dish?

Corn tortillas are generally gluten-free, but always check the packaging to ensure no gluten-containing additives.

→ What spices give the casserole its signature taste?

Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano create the bold, smoky Tex-Mex flavor profile.

→ How can I make the casserole spicier?

Adding chopped jalapeños or using a hot enchilada sauce will increase the heat level to suit your preference.

→ What are good side dishes to serve alongside this casserole?

Mexican rice, fresh salads, or a light lager complement the rich, savory layers well.