Enchilada Casserole Recipe: If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal, enchilada casserole is the perfect choice! This dish takes all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas and transforms them into an easy-to-make layered casserole. No need to roll individual enchiladas—just stack everything together and bake!
Why should you make this recipe? Because it’s:
✔ Easy to prepare
✔ Packed with bold Mexican flavors
✔ Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this enchilada casserole will impress everyone at the table. Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed
Essential Ingredients:
- Protein: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans for a vegetarian option
- Tortillas: 8-10 corn tortillas, cut in halves or quarters
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- Enchilada Sauce: 2 cups (homemade or store-bought)
- Vegetables: 1 cup chopped onions, 1 cup diced bell peppers
- Seasonings: 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder
- Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Optional Add-ons:
- 1 can of black beans or pinto beans
- 1 can of corn
- Sliced jalapeños for extra spice
- Sour cream and guacamole for serving
Kitchen Tools Required
To make this enchilada casserole, you’ll need:
✅ A 9×13-inch baking dish
✅ A large skillet for cooking the filling
✅ A mixing bowl for preparing ingredients
✅ A spatula for layering and spreading sauce
✅ A sharp knife for chopping vegetables
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before we start assembling, let’s get everything ready:
Cook the meat (if using):
- For shredded chicken: Cook and shred the chicken using forks.
- For ground beef: Brown it in a skillet over medium heat, drain excess fat, and season with cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- For a vegetarian option: Drain and rinse black beans.
Chop the vegetables:
- Dice the onions and bell peppers.
- Slice jalapeños if you want an extra kick.
Shred the cheese:
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Now that our ingredients are prepped, let’s move to the sauce!
Step 2: Making the Sauce
You can use store-bought enchilada sauce, but homemade sauce tastes even better!
Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe:
✅ 2 tbsp olive oil
✅ 2 tbsp flour
✅ 2 tbsp chili powder
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ 1 tsp cumin
✅ ½ tsp oregano
✅ 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
✅ 1 small can tomato paste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add flour and chili powder, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in broth, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Now, let’s start assembling the casserole!
Step 3: Assembling the Casserole
Here’s how to build the perfect enchilada casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the tortillas: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, then arrange tortilla pieces in a single layer.
- Add the filling: Spread a layer of cooked meat or beans, sautéed vegetables, and cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Baking the Casserole
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serving and Garnishing
Top your casserole with:
✅ Chopped cilantro
✅ Sliced avocado
✅ A dollop of sour cream
✅ Crumbled queso fresco
Pair it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Customization Ideas
- Make it vegetarian: Swap meat for extra beans and veggies.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the layers.
- Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese entirely.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave for quick heating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using flour tortillas (they get soggy)
❌ Adding too much sauce (makes the casserole mushy)
❌ Skipping the resting time (helps flavors settle)
FAQs about Enchilada Casserole Recipe
1. What ingredients do I need for Enchilada Casserole?
For this hearty casserole, you’ll need ground beef or chicken, enchilada sauce, tortillas, shredded cheese, onions, and optional garnishes like sour cream, avocados, and cilantro.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for black beans or cooked lentils to keep it filling and flavorful without the meat.
3. How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes in the oven. So, you’re looking at a total of 50 minutes from start to finish.
4. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas are a fantastic gluten-free option that adds a traditional Mexican flavor to the dish.
5. Is Enchilada Casserole freezer-friendly?
Indeed, it freezes beautifully. Cool the casserole completely, wrap it securely, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or cover the casserole with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
7. How can I make my enchilada casserole spicier?
Kick up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños to the filling or using a hot enchilada sauce.
