The deliciousness of both tacos and enchiladas are brought together in this zesty Taco Enchilada Casserole! Made in one dish with layers of beef, enchilada sauce, peppers, corn, and beans, it’s ready to be enjoyed by the whole family in just 30 minutes.
Beef enchilada casserole recipe
I am a lover of casseroles. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re always just so filling, family-friendly, and great to make ahead of time. My Leftover Spaghetti Casserole, Stuffed Pepper Casserole, French Fry Casserole and Taco Spaghetti Casserole are always a go-to on busy weeknights!
Naturally, as someone who can’t get enough of tacos, enchiladas, and casseroles, I combined the three into this hearty and delicious Taco Enchilada Casserole. It’s filled with layers of tortillas, ground beef, red enchilada sauce, peppers, beans, and salsa so you get a little bit of everything!
Instead of stuffing and wrapping the tortillas like in traditional enchilada recipes, this casserole is made lasagna-style and layered with tortillas, beef, veggies, and cheese. It’s just as delicious as my Mexican Lasagna but much more smoky and hearty.
How to make a taco enchilada casserole
I love this casserole because it’s easy to make ahead of time, freezer-friendly, and really flexible. After a quick 30 minutes in the oven, this easy recipe is ready to be enjoyed with all of your favorite Mexican-inspired side dishes. Here’s how it’s done:
First, make the beef filling but sauteeing the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. When the meat is brown, stir in the enchilada sauce and salsa. Set it aside.
Combine the black beans, chopped peppers and corn in a bowl.
Start assembling the casserole by placing 4 corn tortillas on the bottom of your casserole dish.
Cover the tortillas with half of the meat mixture.
Top it with half of the bean and corn mix.
And now add a layer of cheese on top.
To repeat, add another 4 tortillas on top of the cheese layer, then the rest of the beef, bean and corn mix, and cheese.
Bake the enchilada and taco casserole uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes out of the oven, then serve and enjoy!
Variations
- Salsa – Use jarred red salsa, fresh tomato salsa, or homemade tomatillo salsa if you make a chicken enchilada casserole instead of beef.
- Meat – You can make enchilada casserole with almost any meat you love. Try it with shredded chicken, storebought or homemade rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, or leftover steak.
- Enchilada sauce – There’s really no replacing the smoky, bold flavors of enchilada sauce. You can buy it from the grocery store to make this recipe as simple as possible or make homemade enchilada sauce instead.
- Tortillas – I recommend using corn tortillas because they hold their shape well, but you can use flour tortillas instead.
- Vegan – To make a vegan enchilada casserole, use plant based ground meat and dairy free cheese instead of the real thing.
- Gluten free – Just use corn tortillas or your favorite gluten free tortillas!
- Toppings – Top each serving with sour cream, guacamole, more cheese, or cilantro!
Frequently asked questions
What can you serve with enchilada casserole?
I especially love serving a scoop of this easy enchilada casserole with jalapeno cornbread on the side, but it’s good with all of your Mexican favorites! Serve it next to cilantro lime rice, refried beans, cooked black beans, or a Mexican arugula salad. Don’t forget the tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole!
Can you make the enchilada casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble and store the enchilada taco casserole up to 1 day ahead of time. Cover the casserole dish with plastic and keep it in the fridge until it’s time to bake.
Alternatively, bake the casserole, let it cool, and store it (covered) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the casserole or individual portions in a 350ºF oven or microwave for a few minutes.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Wrap the unbaked and assembled casserole really well in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. It can be baked right from frozen until the cheese is melted.
More Mexican-inspired recipes you’ll love
- Slow Cooker Steak Tacos
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Stovetop Taco Soup
- Cheesy Taco Casserole
- Quesadilla Casserole
- Vegetarian Taco Casserole
- Cheesy Chicken Tomatillo Casserole
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Taco Enchilada Casserole
PrintIngredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 10 oz can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 large bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup corn frozen or fresh
- 8 6 inch corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef. Stir in enchilada sauce and salsa. Set aside.
- In a bowl combine black beans, chopped bell pepper and corn.
- In a 11×8 baking dish, place 4 tortillas down.
- Add 1/2 of beef mixture on top of the tortillas. Add 1/2 of the bean mixture on top of ground beef. Spread out 1/2 of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat layers: add another 4 tortillas on top of the cheese layer, then the rest of the beef, bean and corn mix, and cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle cilantro to garnish (optional). Serve, and enjoy!
Kelly says
I think everyone can benefit from little kind gestures everyday whether you’re the receiving or giving them – thanks for sharing this nice post ๐
This casserole looks amaaaazing!!! Love all these pics – you definitely know how to make a gal hungry ๐ Pinning to make for sure ๐
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Uh yes please! I need this casserole in my life ASAP.
Ash-foodfashionparty says
I am craving this today. Now I really really wish I was your neighbor.
You absolutely are killing us with all the pictures of yummy food and a step by step, wow.
You are such a positive person Pamela, way to go girl, remain the way you are.xx
Pamela says
Thanks Ash! ๐
laurasmess says
Pamela!!! This casserole looks freaking delicious. I am a huge fan of everything Mexican – enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, nachos, esquites, guacamole, you name it (not that ‘you name it’ is a Mexican dish, but, ah, you get it) so the idea of a layered casserole that has TWO Mexican dishes in one? Heaven in a sombrero. Definitely making this. Oh, and I love the gratefulness bit at the top of this post (I re-read it twice before being distracted by the casserole). Nice people definitely make the day a little bit more pleasant. I always find it to be hugely uplifting, encouraging and humanity-affirming when someone pays common courtesy or makes an effort to be nice. Most humans are great. It’s just a shame that a few of the derelict ones spoil it for everyone else ๐ THANKS for this post xxx
Pamela says
Thanks for stopping by Laura and making me smile! I also think you should create a Mexican dish called “You name it”, it would be amazing!
Abbie @ Needs Salt says
This casserole looks amazing! Seriously. Stunning. Such gorgeous color going here, too! I love it.
pinned!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says
Perfection for a creative Taco Tuesday! ๐
Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron says
What a sweet list! Loved it, it reminded me of all the nice people I’ve encountered lately. Anyway, this enchilada taco casserole looks amazing.. and approved by Essy it must smell incredible!
Suzanne says
Totally wonderful, love taco’s and casseroles also. Best of both in one pan!!
angela @ another bite please says
what a NICE post…it is so refreshing to hear positive words about others as so many times people just complain.
i love me some mexican + casserole type food anyday of the week…and what is too funny we just had a casserole type dish like this last night for dinner and I can’t wait to eat the leftovers…delish.
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
Our world gets so much happier when we are grateful for the little things. That is such a great list, Pamela! You know my weakness – enchilada casserole! Me and Mexican food are BFFs and those beans and corn look uh-mazing!
Meghan @ Spoonful of Flour says
I love tacos and I love casseroles- perfection!!
Jaclyn says
I think I will make this for my lover tonight! Don’t you love nice people? I don’t understand where the nastiness in some people comes from, I’m nice to everyone and as a result am surrounded by nice people in my life! You get back what you give in life.
Pamela says
I agree Jaclyn, and I’m hoping you guys sure love that casserole for dinner!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
This is Mexican food at it’s finest right here. I love your list of people to thank – it’s the little things sometimes, huh?!
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Love the thank yous…very nice! Great casserole too!
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent says
Love the pic of Essy! This looks great. I love our UPS driver. He is always driving our neighborhood when I walk ginny and he always slows down and waves at me. Plus there is the whole he delivers packages to my house plus ๐
Pamela says
Thanks Laura. Package deliveries always make my day. Our UPS man says nice things about our kitty Xanaudu, makes my day (Xanadu too!)
Beth says
What a great casserole recipe! I’m loving all those flavours.
Shundara@SavyNaturalista says
I love complimenting people; yet when I get compliments I feel so weird. I was in the store and saw this girl with beautiful red hair and I just had to tell her how much I loved her hair color.. She was so excited! I love this casserole and the tutorial is so amazing your going to half to show me how you did this tutorial.. ๐
Pamela says
That’s super nice of you! I bet you made her day. ๐
Prudy @butter, basil, and breadcrumbs says
You picked up my spirits last night when you commented on my blog! I was so happy to have comments on the very first day, especially with all of the second thoughts that I was having about launching the blog to begin with!
You just picked up my spirits with your post. It made me smile. And this casserole! Holy smokes… with it’s glorious cheesy goodness…. totally made me happy today!!
And an adorable girl named Rita who I work with, and you remind me of, is knitting me fingerless gloves that she calls gauntlets so that my hands will stay warm at my desk this winter. ๐
Pamela says
So happy to hear that, and thanks for stopping by here! ๐
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
This looks AMAZING! Right up my alley!!
Pam says
I love that you focus on the nice people you come across instead of the grumpy ones. This casserole makes me want to hug you!!!
Pamela says
Hugs back! ๐
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
Hi enchilada taco casserole! Can we be best friends? Thank you.
Aimee / Wallflower Girl says
I love your list of people who made you smile. I think it’s worth me keeping a list like that every day, perhaps – to help keep my faith in humanity! But I always smile when I come onto your blog ๐
And this recipe… YUMMMMM x 980809 ^ 135 you are the queen of comfort recipes! Which also makes me smile. The step by step photos are great, I keep meaning to take photos of the food whilst I making it because I love seeing it on other people’s blogs.
Pamela says
Awww, thanks Aimee!
Sues says
I agree that nice people don’t get enough attention in this world! Oh and also, this taco casserole looks CRAZY awesome!!
Francine says
What a sweet post. All those things make me smile, too. And that casserole looks awesome! Your apartment seems like heaven. Cats prowling around, warm and cheesy deliciousness constantly cooking, fresh veggies… I’m gonna come live in one of your closets.
Pamela says
I will be on the lookout for you Francine! Thanks for the heads up! ๐
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
I’m with you on acts of kindness! They never fail to put a smile on my face. It’s unbelievable bhow rude people can be sometimes when it’s SO easy to be nice. Although, sometimes I give people the benefit of the doubt because I know that maybe they’re just having a bad day. I like your step-by-step layering photo ๐ And this recipe sounds delicious! I’m all about casseroles….mainly because they’re usually cheesy, and involve less dishes to clean ๐
Pamela says
I totally agree, the smallest gesture can really make someone feel better!
Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies says
Showing me delicious Mexican food early in the morning is probably not on my list of sweet gestures — I’m going to be craving this all freaking day! But tacos definitely make me happy ๐
Pamela says
I’m sorry Kelly! But enjoy later in the day! ๐
Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says
Awww, love the list of sweet gestures ๐ This casserole looks crazy good!
rika@veganmiam says
Sometimes we’ve to pause for a moment and realize how nice some people are, it makes your day. How funny that a guy said, “Nice Cat” when you were wearing a kitty sweatshirt, where did you get yours? I remembered being in a car with my b/f and it was a small town, and there’s this young man next to us in the traffic and called out, “She’s Beautiful!”
Pamela says
I have lots of kitty sweatshirts, I think I’m going to do a post about my cat wardrobe soon! ๐ Super nice comment! ๐
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Oh wow, look at that cheesy goodness! Yes, please put some on my plate already! ๐ Delicious Pamela.
Pamela says
The plate is all yours Anne! ๐
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Oh, girl…I’m up very late catching up on reading blogs, and suddenly I am craving your Enchilada Taco Casserole! Mmmm. About kindnesses… What made my evening was helping a fellow food blogger and cookbook author with her little girl’s special dietary needs (gluten-free). She replied to my comment and thanked me. Then, she stopped over at my blog and commented on my recipe for gluten-free White Cheddar & Herb Beer Bread and then followed me at Pinterest. So sweet and very kind. Kindness begets kindness, that’s fer shure. Thank you for such a positive post and I love seeing your kitties in your photos. They always love smelling food! xo
Pamela says
Such a positive comment Stacy, thanks for sharing and stopping by! ๐