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A bubbling enchilada casserole fresh from the oven, topped with melted cheese and herbs.

Hearty Weeknight Enchilada Casserole

This hearty enchilada casserole is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Layers of tortillas, seasoned meat, and cheese baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Shallow bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken (or black beans for vegetarian)
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.25 ounce taco seasoning packet
  • 15 ounce tomato sauce can
  • 10 ounce diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) can, undrained
  • 10 ounce red enchilada sauce can (mild or medium, depending on preference)

Assembly

  • 12 corn tortillas (you can use flour if preferred, but corn holds up better)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend

Optional Toppings

  • sour cream
  • diced avocado
  • chopped cilantro
  • sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

Prepare the Filling

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until meat is browned and onion is softened, then drain excess grease.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.

Season the Filling

  • Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
  • Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.

Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Pour half of the red enchilada sauce into a shallow bowl for dipping.

Assemble Layers

  • Dip each corn tortilla briefly into the enchilada sauce to make it pliable and flavorful.
  • Lay two dipped tortillas side-by-side in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.

Add Filling & Cheese

  • Spread approximately one-third of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
  • Sprinkle generously with about half a cup of shredded cheese.

Repeat

  • Repeat the layering process with dipped tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese until all meat filling is used.

Final Layer

  • For the top layer, place the remaining dipped tortillas, pour over any remaining enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Bake

  • Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Brown

  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.

Rest & Serve

  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set for cleaner slices.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, use black beans instead of meat. Feel free to adjust the spice level of the enchilada sauce to your preference. This casserole is great for meal prepping and freezes well.